5 Simple Ways to Self-Care & Give Back While Sheltering at Home

When the world seems to be falling apart, it’s the little things we do right now that matter and that will help us all get through this time as we're sheltering at home. We can do this together, fam!

Wow. Seemingly overnight, our entire world has turned upside down. I mean, literally two weeks ago my boyfriend and I were planning to go to Miami for his birthday, and now, we’re practicing social distancing by sheltering at home and eating lots of brownies.

I don’t want to make light of these scary times. Instead, I’d like to offer up some tips to maintain your peace, to allow yourself and those around you a bit of self-care, and to bring back a bit of power into this sense of powerlessness.

1. Limit all the social media news

Listen. I know, I KNOW it’s hard to avoid looking at the news, especially when it seems like there is breaking news every minute. But there’s no need to scroll through the endless sea of tweets and Instagram posts about COVID-19. I’ve made the decision to not look at social media until I’ve finished my workout, made my coffee, and eaten my breakfast. I set a timer for 10 minutes, look at what I need to, and then put my phone away and set a blocker on my computer and get to work. Some time in the late afternoon, I give myself another moment to look at social media, and that’s it. I don’t look at anything before bed; instead, I read a book, watch a comforting TV show, or color. Yup, I busted out all of my old adult coloring books.

2. Move your body

Now, more than ever, it’s truly important to get up throughout the day and move your body. I saw a tip on Twitter that has proven to be really helpful. Instead of waking up later because you don’t have to drive to work, use your commute time to get in a workout.

You don’t have to make it complicated — you can do a Yoga With Adriene video, take a walk outside, do a quick HIIT workout, go on a bike ride, etc. I’ve been doing 20-minute Peloton rides every morning, and it has made a world of difference. Throughout the day, I like to take walks with my dog during my breaks, as well as one long walk at night.

3. Support your local businesses

Yes, we’re not able to go to our favorite bars, restaurants, and stores, but you can still support them by buying gift cards or certificates to use once the stores open up again. You can either purchase one online or add one to your takeout/delivery order. You can send them to friends, family, and coworkers, too. It’s like a 2-in-1 deal — you give your friend the gift of yummy food and you help support a small business that really helps the community.

4. Give yourself a schedule

One of the best ways you can give yourself a bit of power during this time is taking control of your time. It’s so easy when you’re working from home to let the time just tick on by. Before you know it, it’s 7 PM and you’re still working. So, if you normally work 9 to 5, stick strictly to that schedule. Literally close your computer and walk away.

I teach English in the AM, so I’m up at 5 AM to work out, and I start teaching from 6 AM to 9 AM, then I take a break for breakfast and start up on my freelance work from 10 to 3. Once it hits 3 PM that’s a wrap. No emails, no slack messages, that’s it. Even though we can’t control whatever is happening with the coronavirus, we can control how we spend our time.

5. Drink water and eat regularly

One of the side effects of all of this anxiety is that my appetite is all but shot. But now more than ever, we need to be making sure to fuel and hydrate properly. And by eating, I mean real meals, not snacks. Like scheduling your day, you need to make sure to schedule your meals. Now that we’re at home, it’s the time to try your hand at yummy meals.

I’ve been eating oatmeal made with coconut milk, dried fruit, and a drizzle of peanut butter. For lunch I’ve been having a sandwich and soup, and for dinner I’ve been eating chicken, veggies, and a small glass of wine. If I go for snacks, I try to get healthy options like air popped popcorn, fresh fruit, nuts, and sparkling water.

Fam, we’re going to get through this and come out stronger. I’m here — let’s chat in the comments about ways we are keeping ourselves safe while sheltering at home.