Before we descend into an even crazier situation, I wanted to write a post sharing my self care tips, for those who are at home self-isolating or just out of work at the moment due to Coronavirus. I regularly practice self care and relaxation for my mental health, so I think it’s something that we should all be doing now in our current situation. It’s more important now than ever to look after your own wellbeing and do things that you enjoy and that nurture your mind. Even if that is just from the comfort of your own home. Learn how to bring happiness to your lockdown and how to think more positively about the events of the past year.

According to the Self Care Forum, “Self Care is the actions that individuals take for themselves, on behalf of and with others in order to develop, protect, maintain and improve their health, wellbeing or wellness”. It’s about comforting yourself, doing things that calm and relax you, and taking time out just for you. You need to be kind to yourself as well as to others. Have a bath

If you don’t regularly have baths, you’ll be amazed at the power a bath has. Lying in hot water, with a relaxing or anti-stress bath oil or  a handmade bath bomb, will completely relax your muscles and calm your senses. Take time with your baths. They should be a ritual and last at least half an hour. Light some candles, read a novel whilst you soak, or watch an episode of your favourite feel-good TV show. Bathtime should be a slot in your evening when you are not disturbed and get some real ‘me-time’. I haven’t been able to have a bath for nearly 3 years now, since I broke my knee. I just don’t have the strength in it to be able to get myself out of a bath quickly without slipping. I have a non-slip mobility bath mat, but I am now seriously considering installing a mobility aid such as a seat into my bath. So if this is also a problem for you, have a look at what’s out there. You can even get disabled showers for a home that will allow you to sit in the steam, if a bath is just too difficult.Start a scrapbook or journal (or even start a blog if you prefer the digital life)

Start an activity that allows you to get creative and celebrate what is good in your life. Start a scrapbook or a journal, with your thoughts, drawings, doodles and memories. You can keep it as simple or as decorative as you like, but if you enjoy crafting, there are lots of scrapbooking materials that you can buy online to make it really unique. This is a great blog post on how art benefits your mental health. You could even make a travel scrapbook as a family, as a way to get excited for future travel and preserve happy memories. It would help you feel more confident that life will return to normal.

If there are no deliveries taking place at the moment because warehouses are closed, just use whatever materials you have to express yourself in its pages. An activity like this forces you to concentrate on thinking about enjoyable things you’ve done, fun places you’ve been, and the strong, supportive people in your life who make even tiny moments matter. Even just reading other people’s blogs is helpful too as we are all going through this together and can learn or take comfort from other people’s experiences. If you’re a Mum, this is a great post on the best and worst bits of being a Mum in lockdown.Bake some treats

Why not think about your favourite sweet treat and then bake it. Stock up now on some baking ingredients if you can, in-case shops close soon also. Baking it also a ritual and it requires concentration on the recipe, and engaging in comforting activities such as kneading the dough. Really focus on enjoying the process of baking – lick the spoon, take time mixing the ingredients together and inhale the smell of your creations in the oven. Then once you are finished, you can sit down with a cup of tea and eat them.Practice sleep meditations

It’s beneficial to learn ways to calm yourself down. Make bedtime as comforting and relaxing as you can. Fill your bedside table with flowers, candles and aromatherapy sleep aids. Keep the light low and settle down with your favourite book and a hot water bottle. Getting lost in the world of a novel is a great way to make your mind and body sleepy. Then, when you are ready to go to sleep, try out some sleep meditiation apps, that focus you to concentrate on your breathing and relaxation of your muscles, instead of the worries in your head. Currently both Headspace and Calm apps are making their meditation routines free for everyone.

Go green-fingered

Why not take up gardening. Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still grow some plants and vegetables inside in a conservatory or kitchen windowsill. YouTube queen Lydia Elise Millen is a great person to watch as she has been starting a huge gardening journey during lockdown, growing and planting everything from lavender to vegetables. You’ll be amazed at the things you can grow – even the most exotic fruits! Gardening has long been seen as a great antidote to an upset mind, so why not try it and see.Start a skincare routine

Even if you aren’t that interested in skincare and beauty products, you are bound to have some skincare in your home. Start using it, as skincare is another ritual that will calm and comfort you. Spend time really massaging the products into your skin and enjoying the scent of them. Do this on your body too – Celluence creams smell beautiful and are great for a confidence boost, as they’ll help firm and smooth those parts you usually hide. Facial and body massage has so many benefits – from anti-aging, skin firming effects, to simple relaxation. It’s also an act of caring and nurturing yourself, which is so important in these worrying times.

You can see more of what i’m loving, and what i’m doing, over on my Instagram.