There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now.
It’s a scary place to live in, only too literally because there are a lot of valid things to be anxious about.
In this beautiful country I call home there was a nationwide lockdown for over 70 days- something that has never happened before.
Like a cat on a hot tin roof, we are apprehensive about the new normal. Social distancing is inevitable and there is no stepping out of the house without wearing a mask.
Of course, it is challenging to accept this global norm and there has never been a more important time in life where self-care has become vital.
What Does Self Care Look Like Now?
A daily skincare routine. I never had a “routine” per se for skincare. It was only a face wash and moisturizer for a long time. But making the effort each day to follow easy skincare regime, I’m talking about cleansers, toners, night creams here, makes me feel so good.
A daily fitness regime. If you are following me on Instagram, you know that I post regular fitness updates on my stories. I have always been a couch potato, never exercised, found walking a lil’ too lonely, and yoga was way out of my comfort zone.
But there is one thing that I was never clumsy at, which is dancing.
So, when I learnt about this app ‘BeCureFit’ (not sponsored) which were doing free “live” sessions, I signed up. Oh, what a treat. While it was never about weight loss, this app gave me an energy that nothing else could. It gave me something to look forward to in an otherwise mundane day.
The best part is that you can choose a time that fits your schedule and a workout that you are in the mood to participate in – say, Dance fitness, HIIT, Pilates, Yoga, Meditation and so on. What more, you can even workout with your buddies in a Squad. What fun!
This is probably the most consistent I have been and my mind and body are thanking me for it. So, do what you like – even a few minutes of meditation daily will help you.
Video calls. A lot of you, like me, has been into quarantine by now and the worst part of it all is feeling isolated and sad. Virtual meets be it on Whatsapp calls or attending a Zoom party (I attended one last week where almost 70 bloggers were present for Blogchatter’s Relaunch of their website and another when all my cousins came together from 15 different cities), makes it helpful to actually see your friends and family.
Quality time with loved ones. Never in life until now have we gotten an opportunity to realize the things we’ve otherwise taken for granted. If you are at home with your family, this is one of the best times to spend some good time with them. Involve your parents in important decisions, even if you don’t need them.
Play Monopoly, Scrabble, or the good old Snake and Ladder with your family. Cook with your Dad. Or make an elaborate meal for your mom. Let your pet snuggle next to you. Oh, there is so much you can do for your dear ones but never enough.
Reading a book. Even if you are not an avid reader, this is the best time to pick up that one book which you’ve been meaning to read your whole life. Give it go. You never know you’d fall in love with reading.
| Check out my book reviews and bookstagram with Mufasa.
Binge-watching. Who said being a couch potato is a bad thing! Sometimes binge-watching is freaking amazing! Here are some of my recent favorites on Netflix. But if you need more recommendations, shoot me a DM or comment below.
Learning new skills. No pressure, but you may try to learn a new thing or two. You can sign up with Skillshare or Udemy too.
While I didn’t entire learn a new skill, I sort-a upgraded my skills.
I learnt a new kind of editing for my YouTube videos (you should check them out! I make easy, delicious food), took up Zoom classes to learn six new choreography (they were a blast!), attended blogging workshops, and experimented quite a lot in the kitchen.
Lots of to-do lists. If you have been reading this blog, you’d know that my life is all about lists. I feel my best when I can cross off a chore from my list. It’s like I’ve achieved something. You know what I mean! Working from home and managing your kid’s online classes itself is a Herculean task. Needless to say, being able to manage the work/life balance. Kudos to everyone who does that with style.
To-do lists help me stay on track and giving a mental note to two, utmost, three main priorities has made my life easy.
That’s all I am doing these days.
But it is also important to take it slow and enjoy whatever lil’ thing that you are doing. Remember, the goal is to survive this pandemic and not making it a competition as to who is doing what.
Stay home. Stay safe.
Yaay Dancing partner ! A lot of things you’ve done this Lockdown, glad to be a part of one of it (in a way)
Yay! I have so much fun doing the challenges with you Squad partner! 🙂
I’ve been on the fence about Curefit. Is it really good? Yes! The Blogchatter meet was such a lot of fun. And my lifeline truly is the watsapp calls to stay connected with the family! Love your self care routine Shal!
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Thank you, Pratibha.
BeCureFit did wonders for me because I was always pumped to improve my energy levels and score during the dance fitness. And since I was already fond of dancing, it truly helped me. As I mentioned, not really on the weightloss aspect because I started feeling really hungry after the workouts and thus began hogging like crazy. Hehe.
Stay safe <3
Self care is really important, there is noone else who can take care of oneself in a better way. Staying mentally and physically fit is really important and something that we have really learnt during this pandemic.
Enhancing skills is the best thing to do.
Thank you, Dimple. I hope you are doing well.
Stay safe.
Self care is actually the only way to go! We all need to look out for ourselves especially in the current situation. Very well written.
Thank you. I hope you are doing well.
Stay safe.
I relate to all this points of self care from exercising to reading and finding time for What I love doing. I have gained a lot of positivity from this Lockdown.
I enjoy your dance on ig, I keep watching it
Truly means a lot, Dixita. Let’s survive this lockdown together.
Stay safe <3
This is such a great list, Shalini! Self care is more important than ever now. I have been so consumed by housework that I have had little time to indulge in it. Never too late to start, I guess! Your Dancing videos are so inspiring !
Self love and care is utmost important. Its been the same routine with me very less time for myself. The BeCureFir app caught my attention a combination of dance and other stuff would surely check it out.
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Following a skincare routine is so therauptic in these days. Thank you for posting the other ways too.
Sonali recently posted…12 Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin in India (2020 Edition)
Self care sure does need its own time in one’s schedule. A healthy mind and a healthy body is necessary for which self care is primary
This is a perfect list for self care during quarantine. These are tough times and as you said, self care is important.
What an interesting list for taking better care of self during these times.Reading,gardening and exercise help me too.
I haven’t compromised on skin care and now concentrating on fitness now…
This really touched me.. These are the very things I needed to read. I know I am always that person who waits for a better day. I will wear the serum when I get a better job. I will lose weight when I join a better company. …i agree. This is the best time and horrible as it is we may never get it back so I will make the best use of it.
Regular care of body is so essential and liked the pointers you mentioned. Exercising is so much fun with online version. Keeping oneself engaged in positive manner is the key to overcome this pandemic.
Taking good care of self and sleeping in daily with a sense of achievement is the best way of self-care.
The present self-care I need is good sleep! But I am not complaining. My little princess has kept me sane this entire time.
Presently my self-care routine involves studying about sustainable living and making the shift.
Hope you and Muffy are doing well.
Love and hugs,
Ramya
Self-care is really crucial. Maintaining good physical and mental health is crucial, and this pandemic has taught us that lesson the hard way. The finest thing to do is to improve one’s abilities.