Self-Care: Home Edition

Welcome to the exciting sequel in our self-care trilogy. In our first installment, we defined self-care and shared some self-care suggestions when working in an office setting. This second blog will cover ideas for self-care at home. We all have important jobs that can be stressful and have a variety of responsibilities. When we get home, it is important that we know how to unplug, create boundaries, and be ready for our next busy time. Below are some suggestions for how to self-care in the comfort of your own home environment.

Find your work/life balance

Due to current circumstances, more and more people are working from home. Because of this, it’s easy to allow our work and home lives to overlap. Instead of ending office hours promptly as 5pm, we might find ourselves responding to emails as soon as we receive them, no matter the hour. Each person must find the best schedule that works for them and their at-home responsibilities. However, it’s also important to take time away from your screen. Working from home does not mean that you are on call 24/7 (unless your job literally requires it). Set your working hours and stick to them. Once you’re “clocked out” for the day, turn off email notifications to your phone. Others might choose different hours from you; be prepared to explain that the hours they work are not the same ones that you follow. It’s so important to create space in your home to relax and rest, especially since the home has now also become the office.

Pamper yourself

Invest in something that makes you feel good, like facial masks and bath bombs. Find the scents that you really enjoy and take an evening to really pamper yourself. Light some candles, fill a bubble bath, and turn on some tunes. Take some time to breathe and just relax in the comfort of your own home and then end the night in your comfiest pajamas.

Read a book

Make a point of reducing screen time before bed and read a book instead. There are many articles that talk about how blue light emitted from our screens can delay the release of sleep-inducing melanin and throw off our sleep schedules. Getting a full night’s rest is one of the best ways to take care of your body, no matter where you are, so why not read something fun while you’re at it? If you need a book suggestion, check out these book recommendation sites.

Meal prep

One way to save time and ensure that you’re eating healthy while at home is to meal prep. Some people like to go home and cook every night. I, on the other hand, do not. Planning out my meals for the week and cooking in advance is helpful. It ensures that I save time and money during the week by eating at home instead of at a restaurant. Plus, you won’t have the stress of  worrying about what’s for dinner because it will already be planned.

Additional Suggestions

• Do a puzzle
• Color
• Hang out with family or roommates
• Call someone you love
• Go for a walk, hike, run, or bike ride/spend time outside
• Watch a funny video or cute animal video
• Create a gratitude list
• Unplug for the day
• Turn on the radio and dance
• De-clutter your living space
• Explore the city (by yourself or with your friends/team)
• Online shopping
• Watching a movie
• Take a nap
• Find a hobby
• Follow wellness accounts on IG, Twitter, or Facebook
• Reflect on personal goals, meditate, or do yoga
• Create an “I’m Bored” jar
• Participate in a self-care challenge, like the one below: