Self Care in the Time of Corona

While we’re not officially in shelter in place yet here in North Carolina, I realized that my husband and I are actually doing just that. We’ve been going out only to the doctor (orthopod for both of us) and to the grocery. I’m finding it oddly pleasant to not have a list of 15 errands to run. Of course, I don’t have any little ones around needing my attention (my hat’s off to the parents who are coping with work and kids at home all day!) Self-care during this time is more than just the obvious avoidance of the virus – we all need some nurturing. Here are a few things I’m doing to self-nurture.

News on once a day.

I think that’s self-explanatory as a self-care item. I can get caught up enough on what’s happening in the world with the nightly local and national news; I don’t need a steady diet of it all day long. It’s very peaceful as I sit with my laptop in the dining room, looking out the window as I work, with my smooth jazz on in the background, puppy sleeping at my feet. Peace and calm is definitely self-care.

Natural nails.

Since the nail salons are closed, I decided to go to my natural nails to let them breathe a little without a layer of acrylic on top. I’m applying a nail strengthener every couple of days to (hopefully) help them along. Of course, I’m not thrilled with how they look right now, but I hope over time they will improve. Now, the hair salons are closed as well, so stay tuned for that lovely consequence in the coming weeks!

Weekly facials.

I’m giving myself a weekly facial, starting with my exfoliating treatment. I got a sample of this product a few years ago and really love it – Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish. I get it usually at Ulta – now I would order on-line. I massage it into my face, leaving it on for 15 minutes or so. Glycolic Acid and Papaya Enzymes do the work. I love how my face feels afterwards; I always apply a nice layer of moisturizer afterwards. I may add in a second facial later in the week, using one from the stash of face masks I’ve collected. Why not? I”ve got the time.

Daily Skype with my mom and sisters.

My youngest sister has been doing this for a long time with our mother. It’s beyond me why I haven’t jumped on the calls on a regular basis. I would from time to time, when I wasn’t out running those 15 errands. But now, I’m home every day when they have their call, so myself and our other sister are now on the call with them. It’s a treat just to catch up on the minutiae from day to day and to see their faces. My husband and I had a Zoom call with about 10 of his family last Sunday and that was a blast. Staying in closer touch is definitely self-care.