Self-care Techniques For The Pandemic

Finding ways to prioritize your mental and physical health (and yes, even pamper yourself) is paramount on a normal day but particularly essential in times of stress. But when spa days, yoga classes and the latest blockbusters are off the menu, it can be hard to find ways to relax. Here are a few totally free ways to practice self-care at home.

1. Make your bed.It takes all of two minutes and makes you feel infinitely more put together.
2. Plan your dream vacation.Even if you won’t go on it for a while—or ever—it’s fun to imagine yourself sunbathing in Maldives
3. Do one-person karaoke.Without worrying that anyone will hear you
4. Take a long, luxurious bath.Pop on a relaxing playlist and wait for your skin to get puny.
5. Write an it’s-done list. Full of things you’ve already accomplished versus things you have to do.
6. Take a nap.  Twenty minutes or two hours. Choose your own adventure
7. Try a makeup look you’d normally be too scared to wear. Open YouTube, find a bold tutorial and take glam selfies to send to your friends.
8. Be selfish.Remind yourself that it’s OK to prioritize yourself and your own needs sometimes.
9. Refill your water bottle frequently.Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to take care of yourself .
10. Watch a motivational TED Talk.Anything you find motivating
11. Call an old friend. A good catch-up session is sure to put a smile on your face.
12. Light your favourite candle. Really pay attention to the scent and see if you can figure out all the notes.
13. Watch a Netflix movie or show that always makes you laugh.  Choose something according to mood
14. Write a list of ten things you love about yourself.Self-love is self-care. Give yourself a compliment…or ten.
15. Do a yoga tutorial on YouTube. 
16. Put your phone on “do not disturb.” If only for an hour, spending time without texts, emails and Instagram stories looming over your head is so refreshing.
17. Visit a museum—online.lets you take in some of the world’s most impressive sights from the comfort of your living room.
18. Change your sheets.There’s really nothing like falling asleep in a freshly fluffed bed.
19. Bake.Whether it’s an old favourite or a totally new recipe , the point is to get some flour on your hands before eating more than one serving of cookies
20. De-clutter your closet.If it doesn’t spark joy, it goes.
21. Make a mantra.  Start here for inspiration, then craft a word or phrase that embodies the way you want to live.
22. Curate playlists based on your moods.Next time you go for a walk, jam out accordingly.
23. Paint your nails. It’s cheaper and often longer-lasting than a salon
24. Look at positive affirmations on Pinterest. Cheesy? Yes. Inspiring? That too.
25. Watch videos of animals being cute. Whether you’re into puppies, pandas or polar bears
26. Go through your camera roll.Reminisce about all the wonderful things you’ve done.
27. Re-download a phone game you stopped playing ages ago.
28. Go for a long walk.Queue up a podcast or your favourite playlist and just stroll.
29. Stretch.Who says you have to do a whole workout to show your muscles some love?
30. Tidy up your house. Do laundry, declutter, meal prep. You’ll feel so much better once it’s done. (In fact, here’s a complete checklist of cleaning of the kitchen until it sparkles…in less than two hours.)
31. Create calming morning and night-time routines. Think about the things that set you up for a happy day and a restful night and turn them into habits.
32. Make yourself a fancy coffee drink at home.Starbucks be damned, you’re the barista now.
33. Watch the sun rise or set.Without taking any pictures, that is.
34. Doodle.Even if you don’t have an adult colouring book on hand, grab a pen and paper and let your creative juices flow.
35. Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read. Wine is optional but recommended.
36. Get into your comfiest clothes and meditate. 
37. Start journaling.You’ve been meaning to do it for ages; now’s the time
38. Clean up your social media follows. 
39. Try a calming breathing technique. It takes only 16 seconds to feel relaxed —what are you waiting for?
40. Create a gratitude list.Writing down the things you’re thankful for will make you appreciate them even more.
41. Make your own face mask.Then apply it and bask in your skin’s silky softness afterward.
42. Learn something new:- Just broaden your horizons.
43. Watch a movie with your friends (remotely).

Shalmaly Chatterjee Member since March 1, 2021

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Shalmaly Chatterjee first developed the interest in Psychology at the age of 17-18 when she was in school as she had met a psychiatrist at a family function. She always wanted to help others and dedicate her life in helping others succeed in life. Shalmaly Chatterjee has done her graduation from Bethune College, University of Calcutta and then went to pursue masters in psychology from West Bengal State University, Barasat and then went to pursue a PGDM in school counselling from Rajabazar Science College. She has an excellent knowledge of assessment of the clients in order to find why they having certain problems. She has worked in various schools like Narayana school, Newtown and Kendriya Vidyalaya Cossipore and NGO’s as well. She has also done her B.ED in Mental Retardation from NIEPID. She is waiting to be registered as a mental health professional soon. She also has a YouTube channel named Unlocking Minds. She has articles published in lot of digital platforms.

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