With the state of the nation as it stands, this ruthless virus is changing the way we ultimately live. For so long, we have been routinely dynamic in our interactions with the world and others around us. “Busy” has been the norm and “being time poor,” customary.
And yet it has all changed so quickly. We have been cast into the throes of isolation and while there are certainly so many positives to these new conditions, for most of us, it can be a confronting place to be in. Put simply, we are not used to being on our own this much. Couple this with the reality that we generally have more time on our hands due to a slower paced environment, and you can see why for many, being on our own for longer quieter periods can feel a little uncomfortable.
The million-dollar question is what we should do with this precious slow-down of pace that has been bestowed upon us? While bunkering down at home, we can get bored, complacent and restless or, we can refocus on new healthier ways of living. One such way is making an investment to yourself: practicing self-care…
It might seem kind of strange to pair the idea of self-care with the reality of self-isolating. If no one is seeing you, why should you go to efforts to improve yourself? I pondered this question myself. In fact, I let my traditional beauty routines go for a week and while it didn’t really harm me, it certainly didn’t make me feel any better about myself or my situation. I realised this was a great opportunity to initiate longer term, self-care practices that would allow me the time to reset, unwind and re-nourish myself. In terms of beauty-based self-care, looking good definitely equates with feeling good. Overall, the endorphin rush of being kinder to me was addictive and I won’t be quitting anytime soon.
What does the term “self-care” actually mean?
Self-care doesn’t just mean making yourself beautiful. It means keeping an overall healthy and balanced relationship with yourself. It is about creating rituals/routines to enhance your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. There are many different ways to practice self-care that we explore below.
5 reasons why it is important to practice self-care
1. Rituals and routines ground you, calm you and stabilise you.2. Looking after yourself is mood boosting
3. Your overall health and immune response is strengthened
4. Self-care creates a better relationship with yourself which can enhance self-confidence
5. Sleep is improved and the next day you feel fresher and more focused.
What are the 10 best ways to practice self-care?
Being stuck in 4 walls doesn’t mean you can’t feel great! Make a start by adopting at least 5 of these well-worthy rituals to make you important again:
1. Keep good hygiene practicesThis one is self-explanatory. Handwashing is essential and good old fashion soap is the best way to destroy viruses. Also, make your shower/bath time a pampering experience by adding in a quality body scrub and nourishing body butter.
2. Keep your body moving
Exercise gets the blood and endorphins flowing and leaves you feeling proud as punch after a good session. It’s also a great way to shake off any lurking stress.
3. Strengthen your immune system
Take a good supplement. It is now very clear that the stronger our immune system, the more protected we are from viruses, with Vitamins C, D & E as a good start!
4. Nourish your body with good food
Be sure to eat lots of colourful fruits and veggies. The more colourful, the richer they are in antioxidants. Also, stay hydrated with lots of H2O and comforting herbal teas.
5. Feed your brain with more knowledge
Learning keeps you inspired. Download some good apps like “Skillshare” or “ITunesU” for on-the-go inspo. Keep in touch with Origani via our informative beauty-themed live streams and awesome advice blogs that will have all of your beauty questions covered.
6. Do the ‘clean out’
You would be surprised by how much “stuff” you will find in your cupboards that are expired or no longer suitable for you. Pick a room, and go one by one. With the new season upon us, be sure to clean out your makeup and skincare as there is likely some old expired yukkies lying around. Meet your beauty goals by freshening up your bathroom cabinet with some yummy new organic products (at 30% off over March!).
7. Keep a regular beauty routine (even if you are not leaving the house)
Wash your face and apply moisturiser and eye cream twice a day. Skincare maintenance is the best way to prevent premature ageing – prevention is the cure! Additionally, with wearing face masks etc. your skin deserves the daily TLC.
8. Give yourself a facial
We always use the excuse that we are too time-poor to do a face mask. Well, we can’t use that excuse now. Make the experience heavenly by lighting a candle and jumping in the tub while letting the mask work its magic.
9. Get some good quality ZZZ’s: Sleep
boosts immunity and overall health and wellbeing. Try to use some white noise, listen to ASMR and pop some lavender under your pillow.
10. Aim for some quiet time
Allowing yourself the time for some stillness, reflection and meditation is powerful. It’s an anxious time for everyone and we have more time than ever to let negative thoughts invade our minds. Burn some essential oils, open up a relaxation app (we recommend Sanvello, Calm and Tingles) and get into Zen mode!
Oh, and one more thing, don’t forget the little things like doing your nails, applying a weekly hair treatment, and layering on lip balm and hand cream to combat the dry inside-air. So, the big take out in it all? Don’t take this time for granted.
Keeping daily self-care routines is an extremely important gift only you can give yourself. Enjoy this time for YOU!
Origani is an Australian luxury organic skincare brand. We proudly formulate and produce cruelty-free, certified organic, vegan skincare and makeup.
