How to Practice Holistic Self Care during Covid-19 Self-Isolation

Whether you live alone, with your family, or with a roommate, practicing self-care during our current reality of Covid-19 isolation is extremely important. Let’s face it, no matter where they are in the world right now, everyone has been affected by the novel Coronavirus in some way, shape, or form. Whether you know someone who has contracted the virus or not, its effects are far-reaching and varied.

We all have concerns — whether they be financial, health, familial, or whatever else. And during this time, holistic self-care should be at the forefront of your mind. Taking care of your mental, spiritual, and physical self will help you stay as healthy as possible, keep you feeling balanced and nurtured, and help you take care of your family, your home, and your environment in the best way possible.

Here are ten easy ways to practice holistic self-care during Covid-19 isolation!

1. Meditate or do Breathwork

You’ve heard us talk about the benefits of meditation here on The Wellness Project before, but the positive effects really cannot be overstated. Stress relief, mental clarity and focus, and improved memory are just some of the ways you could be benefiting from doing meditation while in self-isolation. Plus, you don’t need to go anywhere or have any special tools to do it. That said, you are going to want to find a quiet place to sit, and putting on some relaxing music never hurts.

For more information, read about why you should incorporate meditation into your self-care routine.

However, if you’ve tried meditation before and have trouble getting into it (it’s common), I have a solution. Have you ever heard of breathwork? It’s when you control your breath with the intention of feeling a certain way — whether that’s to relieve stress, connect with your body, deepen your spirituality, or all of the above.

There are plenty of different kinds of breathwork, and while I recommend keeping the more intense ones for when you can be under the supervision of a trained professional, 4-7-8 breathwork, stimulating breath, and breath counting are all great exercises to try. You can find out more about them at dr.weil.com.

2. Stream a Workout

With gyms and workout classes shut down, you might start to feel your body ache for some movement. So why not stream your favorite workout online or try out a bunch of new ones?

Every kind of workout class you could imagine is available online, whether you’re into yoga, high-intensity training, dancing, barre, or something else. No matter what you’re into, you’ll be able to find the perfect workout for you.

3. Keep Your Circulation in Mind

Speaking of keeping your body moving, if you’re somewhere on strict lockdown, I implore you to constantly keep your circulation in mind. Sitting or keeping still for too long can lead to a wide range of issues such as blood clots, diabetes, heart conditions, and arterial issues.

In fact, studies show that having poor circulation and sitting all day is even worse for your body than a lack of focused workout.

But never fear! There are a few ways you can combat this and get your blood flowing. First of all, consider getting a standing desk. Whether you’re at the office or working from home, a standing desk is a super easy solution to get your butt out of a chair while still being productive.

Alternatively, if standing all day isn’t an option, then make sure you take stretching breaks. Stretching is a simple way to get your blood flowing, and it doesn’t cost a thing! Just be sure to target all the major muscle groups.

4. Video-Chat Your Loved Ones

Whether you live alone or you’re in a house with others, it’s important to find time to video-chat the people you love who live outside your walls. Not only is this a great way to check up on them in this time of uncertainty, but it’s also a great way to feel grounded and less cut off from the outside world.

Personally, I find that dedicating certain meals to video-chatting loved ones is a great way to stay connected. Schedule in-brunch or dinner dates, and eat together over an internet connection. Community is so important right now, even while we’re isolating!

For more ideas on how to manage stress, check out our article on 4 ways to manage fear and anxiety in an uncertain world (and why you need to).

5. Cook Healthy Meals

Let’s face it, it can be easy to fall into bad eating habits when we’re at home and have easy access to snacks all day. However, in order to keep our health and energy levels the best they can be, it’s important that we cook balanced, healthy food for ourselves.

To do this, try and make a very specific grocery list for the next time you have to go to the store. This is also a great way to limit your exposure to other people while shopping and help to spend your money wisely.

Load up on the fruits and veggies, and try your best at canning and freezing to make them last as long as possible!

6. Clean Your Home

We are all products of our environments, and now that we’re spending the majority of our time in our houses, having a clean environment is super important. Take the time to deep clean your house and tidy up as you go along.

And, if you feel like taking this one step further, make sure to clean out your closets and pantry while you do it.

7. Get Out in Nature

If you live somewhere close to nature, seize the opportunity to go take a hike, paddle out on a lake, take a walk down a quiet road, or stick your toes in the dirt. Just because we’re being called to self-isolate doesn’t mean you need to be confined to your living room (if you’re somewhere that’s not under strict lockdown of course, and can do so responsibly).

Nature is one of the best and most powerful stress-relievers, and spending even an hour a day out in the sunshine will do wonders for your mental and physical health.

8. Learn a New Skill

That said, it is important that you stay mentally stimulated right now. Yes, you may be working from home, but constantly learning and using your brain will keep you feeling focused, sharp, and balanced.

Some ideas for new skills you can learn are painting, sewing, crossword puzzles, sudoku, language, or take a free course.

9. Sleep

What’s so great about this time of self-isolation is that it’s forcing us to take a step back and really listen to our bodies. While you can’t exactly take time at work to curl up and have a nap, if you’re working from home you have more flexibility.

If you’re at home with your kids, then make a point to nap when they nap. Go to bed when you need to, and don’t feel bad about sleeping in if you don’t have to be awake at a certain time.

There are so many benefits to getting a good night’s sleep — both short term and long term. Some of these benefits include reduced stress, better memory, and a reduced risk of depression.

If sleep has been eluding you, then read our top 10 ways to get a better night’s sleep.

10. Find Your Flow

There have been a lot of articles floating around the internet about productive ways you can spend your time in self-isolation, but for your overall health, it’s important that you don’t overextend or feel guilty about not being able to keep up with the Joneses.

In this time, find your flow. Find the routine and activities that make you happy, and do that. Don’t worry what your neighbor is doing and just figure out what works for you.

How are you spending your time in self-isolation due to Covid-19? Let’s keep the community spirit growing and let us know in the comments!

Sources:

https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/stress-anxiety/breathing-three-exercises/

https://www.healthline.com/health/poor-circulation-symptoms-causes

https://www.verywellhealth.com/top-health-benefits-of-a-good-nights-sleep-2223766