So, while you're bunkering down at home and social-distancing, self-isolating or quarantining, why take not take the time to give yourself some extra self-care? Not only is self-care a great way to keep anxiety at bay, but you'll also ensure that you remain fit and healthy whilst laying low.
Below, we've rounded up some of the best self-care practices you can indulge in at home.
TAKE UP MEDITATION
If you're feeling anxious about the current global situation surrounding COVID-19 coronavirus, know you're not alone and that feeling worried about it is a completely normal response to these events. Celebrities including Camila Cabello and Lizzo have been speaking about the benefits of using meditation practice to ease anxiety. Lizzo even conducted her own guided meditation session which you can tune into via Instagram.
Apps are another great way to access guided meditations at home. Headspace and Calm are good ones to try.
However if you're beginning to feel overwhelmed by anxious thoughts, reach out to your GP who can put you in touch with a mental health professional.
TRY AN AT-HOME WORKOUT PROGRAM
Don't let lying low at home keep you from getting in some regular exercise. Not only does getting the body moving keep you physically fit and healthy, exercise is also a great way to get some extra endorphins flowing and boost your mood.
From Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw's Keep It Cleaner program to Rachel Dillon's Bodies By Rachel, there are so many options out there. Check out our guide to some of the best here.
TREAT YOURSELF TO A DIY BEAUTY TREATMENT
Whether you're a fan of a good face masking sesh, a DIY mani or perhaps treating your hair to a nourishing treatment, there's no better time than now to perfect your at-home beauty regimen.
Our picks?
For an indulgent DIY facial, Aceology's Gold Modeling Mask is a Korean spa-style rubber modelling mask supercharged with anti-ageing ingredients and active botanicals.
Aceology Gold Modeling Mask, $79, available at aceology.co
To get a salon-worthy manicure at-home, try Sally Hansen Miracle Gel™ Nail Colour.
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel™ Nail Colour, $16.95, available at priceline.com.au
Lavish your hair in a nourishing mask like Hair Rituel By Sisley Regenerating Hair Care Mask, an intensive treatment fortified with zinc, copper and vitamin E.
Hair Rituel By Sisley Regenerating Hair Care Mask, available at mecca.com.au
GET PLENTY OF QUALITY SLEEP
Studies have shown that one of the best ways to boost your immunity is to ensure you're getting enough sleep.
"Sleep plays a fundamental role in keeping us well because during sleep (when we don’t require all our energy to go into the functions of wakefulness), our immune system fires up and our natural killer cells start killing off any foreign viruses or bacteria as well as mutated cells - allowing us to fight disease both in the short and long term," says A.H. Beard Sleep Expert, Dr Carmel Harrington.
"While our killer cells form part of our immunity’s first line of defence they also help direct and activate our second line of immune defence, the build-up of antibodies, which enables the body to rid itself of the infection and to recognise the infection if exposed to it again. When we don’t get sufficient sleep our natural killer cell activity can drop by up to 50 per cent leaving us vulnerable. Research shows that those with sleep issues are more susceptible to cold and flu infections," Dr Harrington explains.
If you're looking for ways to improve your sleep routine, try adding in a smart bedside lamp like A.H. Beard's Nox Light which produces soothing sounds to help you fall asleep easily and soft gradual yellow light to simulate a sunrise and wake you naturally.
A.H. Beard Nox Light, $249, available at ahbeard.com
Essential oils with calming properties like lavender, sweet orange and chamomile have traditionally been used in aromatherapy to help relieve mild insomnia and sleeplessness. Oil Garden Sleep Assist Roll On is a soothing oil blend dispensed via a convenient roll-on applicator.
Oil Garden Sleep Assist Roll On, $19.99, available at oilgarden.com.au
Want even more beauty? Tune in to Get Lippy, the podcast that lifts the lid on all things beauty from the editors at InStyle, marie claire and BEAUTYCrew.
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