With two weeks of self isolation under my belt, I know I’m not alone in being bored most of the time. Sure sure, I have Netflix, Disney +, Crave and more, but honestly, there’s only so much TV I can watch in one day. I’m also finding my moods to be just as varied as the characters I’m watching, which is driving my partner crazy. Does this happen to anyone else? Just me? Noted.
Being bi-polar has not been helping. My daily routine is a huge part of keeping myself and my brain happy and healthy. Luckily though, I have the luxury of working from home so I’m still getting up everyday, (albeit slowly) which is a feat in and of itself. I get my day pajamas on and hit the couch to put on whatever is trending on Netflix, answer emails and hope that this virus doesn’t keep spreading the way it is. I also “get” to go to the office twice a week but I’m the only one there so my dogs and I run around like we own the place. For the day, we kind of do!
Social distancing comes easily to me considering I’m a homebody and kind of an introvert. With all my years of being like this, my stress levels could definitely be higher. Knowing that I’m one of the lucky ones to be where I am compared to many others is helping a lot. In my case, it could be worse. Besides, they’ve invented things like Home Party and Netflix Party, so I don’t have to be alone if I don’t want to be.
If you’re anything like me, all the dishes, dusting and vacuuming have been done for HOURS. I can’t do laundry because I don’t have machines in my building and laundromats are closed. I’ve already learned how to knit (a potholder has yet to be made in full though) and am scanning all my parents pictures onto Google Drive for them, so what’s left but utter boredom?
Self care, of course! When was the last time you put yourself at the top of your list? We hear all the time that taking time out for yourself is essential for well being, but it’s easier said than done. It’s been quite a while since I focused on myself fully, but now that the day to day expectations have changed, there’s more slivers of time to dedicate to ourselves. Hopefully you have slivers. I really do, ‘cause we all deserve it! I’m looking at you, parents!
I feel like baths are the easiest way to start. Get a good book, (I’m currently reading The Good Girl by Mary Kubica) or throw on a podcast (true crime ANYTHING is all I subscribe to), put your head back and relax. Deep breaths are good! Sometimes my chest feels so heavy and full that a couple of deep breaths helps. Having an aromatherapy bath bomb ups the ante of your bath by a lot. Breathing in the soft jasmine scent of this diamond bath bomb helps me relax to the fullest extent. It’s science. If you’ve been experiencing restless leg syndrome like me, give yourself a simple massage to your bath and get your blood flowing.
If you’re due for a shave, I highly recommend the Oh So Smooth line from Coochy. Keep in mind, I actually use these products on the regular! I’m not blowing smoke here, I’m serious. The Coochy Original is by far the best scent out of any shave cream I’ve ever used and I’m in my 30’s, so I think I would know a thing or two. You don’t have to use much to get your whole leg done and it’s delicate enough to use on the nether regions. Coochy has a ton of other products to spoil yourself with too!
After my nice hot bath has gotten a little less toasty, I grab my favourite robe and air dry for a bit. I have the time, so why not? I always have an array of scented lotions and apply just enough to soften, rubbing my listless arms, hands, the works. The best scent that I’ve come across is Banana. They’re not too overpowering and aren't greasy at all. Lavender reminds me of using my Nana’s lotion when I was a wee lass so I love it. Too much maybe.
Personally, my hips have been killing me for some reason so I get a good stretch in too, taking my time and trying to really focus on my movements. There isn’t much space for exercising considering the parks are closed, and I’d take my dogs out all the time for hours if I could but alas, nowhere to go. So, I’ve decided that dancing around to my favourite guilty pleasure songs definitely counts as exercise... in case you were wondering.
I guess getting dressed isn’t a terrible idea at this point.
My cuticles have a tendency to be dry and I pick at them in situations such as this. Sometimes they end up bleeding if I’m left to my own devices and my partner looks them over with disgust. A little drop of Hemp Seed Lotion on each finger goes a long way. I don’t use it often, but when I do, I always notice a huge difference, even after one use. I never have to use a lot so it’s lasted me a very long time. I think I’ve had the same bottle for at least 9 months now.
If I take my time and go super slow, I’ve just used up a couple of hours. I always feel better; fresh, soft, relaxed and I hop into bed hoping for the best night's sleep I’ve ever had.
I wish all you isolates a progressively happier time in quarantine. Be kind, be good to yourself and wash your hands.
