If you’re in isolation right now for health reasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re not alone. it’s more important than ever that you make your mental and physical health a priority to keep yourself grounded.

Remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup. It’s vital that you take time to prioritize your own needs if you expect to be able to care for others in the future.

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This article does not constitute medical advice. Please see your medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Also, this post includes affiliate links and I will receive compensation (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase! Click here to read my affiliate disclosure.

How To Practice Self Care During Isolation:

Self care during isolation means different things to different people. We all have different ways that we nourish our bodies and our minds. But, by following one or two of these suggestions, you’ll be able to better manage stressful times.

Exercise

If you’re used to heading to the gym or going outside for a long walk in the neighborhood, you will need to modify your routine during isolation. But, your self care routine during isolation should definitely include some type of exercise. A relaxing yoga routine will train your mind and body to release tension and relax.

Or, if you have home workout equipment, ride your stationary bike, run on your treadmill or row your elliptical. If you don’t have workout equipment at home and want a strenuous workout, try running up and down the stairs a dozen times.

Breathe

Using breath-work is a wonderful way to calm your mental and emotional state. The practice can be used to help your body and mind relax. Deep breathing techniques are used by many practitioners to work through trauma and stress.  Learn more about breath-work and see if it’s a technique that will help you with self care during isolation.

Indulge

You deserve to be pampered as part of your self-care during isolation. This can mean taking a long, hot bath with your favorite body oil. Or, it might mean enjoying a cup of herbal tea and an hour with your favorite book. Allow yourself time each day to be pampered and cared for. Soothing your mind and body are important parts of self care. You might be surprised at how much this helps you.

Diffuse

Choose your favorite relaxing essential oils and diffuse them as part of your self care during isolation. I’ve written before about using essential oils in the office. And, I often use essential oils to reduce anxiety. Place your diffuser in an area where you’ll spend most of the day, and diffuse a few of your favorite scents.

A few scents that I recommend for stress and anxiety are:

• Lavender
• Rose
• Ylang ylang
• Bergamot
• Chamomile
• Jasmine
• Clary sage

Journal

When it comes to self care in isolation, you might find it helpful to put your thoughts down on paper. This whole process is probably new to you. So, it’s only natural that you have questions and conflicting emotions. It may help you sort things out to write things down. Or, if writing isn’t something that you enjoy, you can try doodling or drawing instead. Just allow your mind a creative outlet if needed.

Connect

Just because you’re in isolation doesn’t mean that you cannot stay in touch with people. While you may not be able to physically connect with anyone right now, you can talk to them on the phone, use face time, write a letter or send them a text. Make sure that you stay in touch with friends and family during this time. Everyone needs someone to talk to, especially now. I even spent my entire Friday night with friends on Google Hangouts. It was so much fun!

Physical self care during isolation

Remember that you need to take care of your body’s physical needs during this time. Be sure that you get enough sleep each night (the CDC recommends at least 7 hours). Eat healthy foods and remember not to overindulge. Drinking plenty of water will help your body detox and flush toxins. All of these are an important part of self-care during isolation or at other times.

Learn & Read

You can take time to learn a new skill or read up on other content while you’re in isolation. There are YouTube videos that can teach you almost anything from watercolor painting to playing guitar. Enjoy the time alone to explore a new skill or take a current one to a new level. You won’t always have this time alone so you might as well make the most of it while you have it.

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This article does not constitute medical advice. Please see your medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Also, this post includes affiliate links and I will receive compensation (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase! Click here to read my affiliate disclosure.