Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, people are spending quite a bit of time at home. Unfortunately, there are only so many shows on Netflix you can binge-watch, and you may have given up on that sourdough starter you were so into a few months ago.
It’s not always easy to feel “stuck” at home, especially when everything else in the world seems so uncertain. Data is already starting to come in regarding the mental health effects of this pandemic. In June of 2020, about 40% of adults in the U.S. reported that they were struggling with mental health issues or substance abuse to cope.
Self-care and self-love are hugely important during times of chaos and stress. If you’re spending more time at home, you can turn your living space into your sanctuary of self-love.
If you’re feeling uninspired and unmotivated, let’s go over a few ways you can turn your home into a place of comfort, calm, and self-love.
A Spa Day at Home
When you think of relaxation, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? A trip to a soothing spa might be a bit of a cliche, but it’s for a good reason! Nothing is more calming and tranquil than the soothing comforts of a spa.
But, you don’t have to venture out of the house and spend a lot of money to have a spa day. You can create the perfect spa experience at home by doing things like:
- Turning the lights down low
- Putting on some calming music
- Lighting scented candles or incense
- Putting on a sheet mask
- Drawing a hot bath and using a bath bomb for exfoliation; just use one with natural ingredients, so it won’t clog your drain!
Physical care is so important for your overall wellbeing. It can even affect your mental health, reducing the risk of anxiety and depression.
Keep Things Clean
Decluttering your space can make it feel more open and free. It can also allow you to turn that space into something that will promote self-care and self-love. A decluttered area can make it easier to practice meditation and mindfulness. Making meditation a part of your daily routine, even if it’s only for a few moments, can help you to feel calmer and more relaxed throughout the day.
It might feel as though there is a lot of chaos going on in your head right now. So, removing the physical chaos of a cluttered home can help to clear out some of those negative thoughts that might be plaguing your mind.
Maybe you were laid off from your job due to this pandemic. Or maybe you’re a college student who had to go home and you’re feeling the symptoms of stress, like:
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability
- Restlessness
If that sounds like you, no matter what is triggering it, keeping your home clean and organized can help with those symptoms and give you a space that feels calm and tranquil.
Do Something You Enjoy Each Day
In the chaos of the world, it can often be hard to find time for the things you truly love to do. Maybe you have a hobby that you rarely get to explore because of work, school, or other commitments. But, making time for your hobbies can help to take your mind off of the stress of everyday life, and boost your self-confidence.
Doing something you enjoy each day in the comfort of your own home can also give you a deeper understanding of who you truly are. That kind of self-knowledge can help you to feel more at peace, no matter what is going on outside your home.
Make it a point to do something you enjoy each day. Or, try something new that you have always been interested in but have never been able to do because of time constraints or even fear holding you back.
With so many things feeling stressful in the world right now, doing something you enjoy every day can not only give you a sense of control but mastery. There are activities you can do within your own home (or in your yard) that can help you to find more peace while increasing your skills, including:
- Gardening
- Baking or cooking
- Painting or drawing
- Photography
- Writing/journaling
- Exercising
The possibilities are endless when it comes to hobbies you can choose to explore every day. Make sure the things you do build you up and push away thoughts of self-doubt and negativity.
A personal self-love sanctuary at home will look a little bit different for everyone. Think about the things that make you feel relaxed. What are the aspects of your home that bring you joy and comfort? When you make a few small changes to your existing living space, you’ll be able to work through the stress and uncertainty of these strange times and find peace in the comfort of your own home.
Frankie Wallace is a freelance writer in Boise, ID. Ever since graduating the University of Montana with a degree in English, she spends her spare time gardening and cuddling with her cat, Casper.
Image courtesy of Taisiia Stupak.
