We are all still adjusting to the huge change that Covid-19 has brought to our lives within the past year. The UK is in its third national lockdown with no end in sight yet, a lot of us are beginning to feel deflated, and that’s okay. You’re not alone.
During stressful times, self-care is often always the first to be forgotten or sacrificed, as too many think it isn’t important enough. However, looking after your physical and mental wellbeing is vital to help you get through this challenging time. Whether you’re quarantining at home, in student accommodation with friends or alone, we have compiled a list of 10 things you can do each week to improve your overall well being, helping you transition through this difficult period. These are simple daily tasks that are often forgotten about but can make a huge difference to your mood, and best of all, it won’t cost you a fortune!
Get some fresh air.
Walking is the most underrated form of exercise and self-care. A simple walk for 30 minutes every day can improve not only your physical health, lowering your blood pressure, improving your sleep and preventing weight gain etc. It also has a great impact on your mental health, being outside is proven to boost your mood and promote creative thinking. Try it, find time to take yourself for a walk today.
Plan out your day
In lockdown, it’s easy to lose track of the days, every day feels the same. To avoid this, we found that planning out your day helps! Get yourself a weekly planner, dairy or just some paper and write down small tasks you want to achieve that day. Remember not to put pressure on yourself, it can be as simple as making your bed!
Read a book
As a student, you are expected to read a lot of books, articles and journals to assist in your essay writing, although when was the last time you read something for you and not because your lecturer assigned it to you? Reading is a great escape, for when you want to take your mind off a stressful situation. Ask around friends and family for recommendations or join an online book club and take an hour before bed to switch off and read for fun and by extension, self-care.
Pamper yourself
When was the last time you pampered yourself? Too long? Here is your reminder to put a face mask on, get a bath, light a candle and relax. There’s few self-care methods as simple and as effective as this one.
Make a playlist with your favourite songs
Have you ever heard your favourite song come on and instantly felt better? Take some time to make a playlist filled with all the songs that make you feel good and listen to it when you need a boost. This is such a simple and free task but will have a drastic change in your mood.
Check-in with yourself
If you aren’t already checking-in on yourself, you need to be. No one knows how you’re feeling, better than yourself. Although, sometimes we suppress our true thoughts by keeping busy. It’s important not to bottle up your emotions, speak to a friend or family member about how you feel. We also recommend journaling for 5 minutes each day, this is a good way of understanding your thoughts and feelings better.
Connect with friends and family
Even though we aren’t allowed to physically see our friends or family, that doesn’t mean we can’t still stay in touch. Make use of the advanced technology we have, be creative. Make a zoom quiz with friends, facetime your family for a catch-up, not only is this a fun way to fill up a few hours in your day, but it will also help you feel less lonely.
Watch a new film/series
There are so many new films and series out there you haven’t watched yet. Ask your friends and family for recommendations, have a well-deserved bed day and watch something new. Netflix also has a new feature where you can watch a programme together with someone in a different household, this could be a great idea for a date night.
Create something
Since everyone has a lot more free time, now is a great time to create something. Draw something, do some DIY, make a handmade present for someone tie-dye an old top or bake a cake. Be productive with this time you have, practice makes perfect and you will thank yourself later for investing time in yourself today.
Try a new recipe
This is a great way to kill a few hours of your day and be rewarded at the end with something delicious! Try recreating your favourite meal or scroll through the internet to find something new, now is the time to practice your cooking skills.
It is important not to be too hard on yourself, stop looking at what everyone else is doing and comparing yourself to them. Take inspiration from our 10 tips above, try to incorporate each of them into your week slowly and watch as your mood improves. Remember, it’s okay to not feel productive every day, just be kind to yourself as you would to those around you.
Take care!
