Self-care from the comfort of your home

Apr. 15

No matter which approaches you choose, the goal is to figure out which self-care strategies work best for you, learn how to use these strategies, and implement them in your regular routine so you can boost your well-being not only today but for years to come.

Eat a real lunch (and don’t forget to stay hydrated) - if you can, make something that you’re excited to eat, rather than just a 3-minute microwave meal. Take a few extra minutes to whip that coffee, brew that special tea, or make fancy lemonade.

Exercise, even just a little bit - simply standing up and moving for a 15-minute break can lift your mood and help you process information better. Why not make it feel more social, especially in a time of isolation? There are scores of gyms and trainers who are now offering online programs and live classes. Check out options like Openfit, Obé fitness, DanceBody, and 305 Fitness.

Did you know our very own Seneca Recreation hosts fitness classes? Check out their schedule here and previous sessions here.

Take a few minutes to practice breathing: calm and measured breathing can have immediate effects on your mental and physical state, whether the tension comes from the relentless news cycle or your ever-present housemates. Need guidance? Certain meditation apps have free Web-based resources that do exactly this.

Turn off the TV with the talking head and turn on some mood-boosting tunes. Music therapy employs music to help people cope with physical or emotional needs, and it’s been found to lessen symptoms of anxiety and depression, and lift self-esteem. Whether you’re sitting down listening with headphones on or blasting it on your speakers and dancing around your living room, it will help!

Read! For fun! Yes, that is still a thing. Take time away from reading your school materials and remember why you used to love a good book.

Colouring (or any creative and artistic endeavor, like drawing, painting, or knitting) can be relaxing for a lot of people. For some it’s a chance to tune out distractions and focus on one thing at a time. For others, it’s an outlet to express emotions they’re feeling (maybe you paint with bold, bright colors because you’re experiencing strong feelings). Don’t underestimate the power of art to help you cope!

Feeling tense? Playing with your pets or just spending some extra time taking care of them shows them you care and can help ease your anxieties too.

Learn how to bake new desserts, or act like you’re on Chopped and try to make dinner with whatever you pull out of your fridge.

Learn a new skill, practical or not. Just because you have all this extra time doesn’t mean you have to make every minute count! Look up how to juggle, learn new painting techniques, find quizzes on what colour you should dye your hair, or what movie character you are.

Paint your nails, do a face-mask, try a new hairstyle, dress up just to take a photo, or do a new makeup look! If you’re tired of doing this, try doing it on your family or housemates with their things and see if they like their new look. If you’re feeling brave, maybe learn how to cut each other’s hair.

Sit in your backyard and cloud-watch.

Watch a comedy special on Netflix.

Write down compliments for yourself and friends.

Mail a handwritten letter.

Brush your teeth, take a hot shower, start a new skin-care routine, and go to bed early! Allow yourself to have a relaxing movie night on the couch.

Learn the choreography of your favourite music video.

Practice tongue-twisters.

Watch videos of unusual pet friendships.