If you find yourself working from home nowadays, or even if you don’t, your home should act as a sanctuary during these times – a place to feel safe-guarded, healthy, and at ease. Unfortunately, as more news rolls in concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the positives and keeping a not-doomsday mentality gets progressively harder, and we totally understand that. To help keep your mind at ease and focus on maintaining a healthy mindset, we’ve come up with five, incredibly simple at-home exercises to accomplish. 

Meditate

Meditation is a go-to when it comes to easing anxiety, no matter from where that anxiety stems. Whether you practice breathing alone, are a pro at self-guided meditations, or prefer guided practices, now is a great time to do so. If you do need guidance when it comes to meditation, your options are still endless! In fact, MNDFL meditation has begun to offer their meditation classes online, and there are plenty of other ways to enjoy meditation at home with apps such as WAVE, Headspace, and Calm, to name a few. Adding meditation into your routine will help to ease anxiety, but is also scientifically proven to boost your immune system. Light a little incense to set the tone, create a comfortable space, and let your mind begin to relax.

Skin Care

We talk all the time about how skincare is a form of self-care. While a face mask might not be the answer to all of your problems, taking a moment to really focus on yourself makes you feel great. Give yourself the little spa night you deserve, right in your own home, complete with multiple steps and facial tools. If you’re really looking to momentarily indulge, opt for a facial massage. Using a GuaSha or Jade Roller and a little facial oil, massage the face in upward motions to encourage blood flow and lymphatic drainage. Bonus points if you’re already sick – doing this feels great on sinus infections. If stocking up on beauty tools wasn’t your first priority, simply use your hands to pat product in and lightly tap the face to stimulate the skin and blood flow all the same.

Exercise

Physical exercise is proven to help boost your mood and decrease stress, making this a perfect time to really give it a go. While your local gym is likely closed and the urgency to stay indoors increases with each day, now is the perfect time to perfect your at-home mat routine. Check out some of our at-home guides from the past to get your core in shape, or utilize the internet to explore YouTube an all of its workout options. You’ll be shocked at how easy it is to truly get a class’s worth of sweat in your own home. If you get a little sore, try a bit of the Nue Co’s Magnesium Ease to melt the pain away.

Journal

Though I personally am not yet on the journaling train, it’s hard to ignore those who swear by its results. With more downtime on hand and anxieties rising, now is a great time to implement the practice, so light a candle, grab a notebook and get writing. Journaling on a regular basis has been proven to invoke true mindfulness, as it forces you to actively engage with your thoughts rather than passively, which is something we do all day. In addition, journaling has been proven to boost self-esteem. By calling attention to the positives and writing about it, you’re allowing your brain to relive that positive moment, which helps to boost self-esteem almost immediately. Moreover, journaling would also act as a great way to track your thoughts and feelings during this time – getting it out on paper so it doesn’t live in your head can do wonders.

Clean Your Space

There has never been a more perfect time to really dive in and Marie Kondo your space until now. Everyone knows that clutter and mess can add to stress in the home, but no matter how hard we try, we can’t always keep on top of it. When you’re done working and ready to either go home or shift focus to something else in your home, tackle a larger cleaning project. Whether it’s reorganizing your pantry, cleaning out your drawers, or dusting those spots you don’t always get to, your space will feel lighter, leaving you with less stress. It’s the easiest and most achievable thing to do that is guaranteed to have an uplifting mental effect. When the space is all tidy, go ahead and take a beauty rest – your body needs it now more than ever.

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Feature Image via Emma Craft