25 Tips to Look and Feel Your Best While Quarantined and Working From Home

The Coronavirus pandemic is still escalating and many of us are stuck indoors under self-quarantine while working from home. The effects of this outbreak is unlike anything we’ve experienced before and the global recession may cause anxiety, depression, loneliness, fear and many other emotions.

It is important to be safe, stay positive and keep things in perspective. Although the situation is serious we must persevere. It is easy to lose focus and sit at home feeling lost, bored and hopeless so today I am sharing a few tips to help you look and feel your best during these difficult times.

1.  Create a daily routine that provides a sense of accomplishment. It is easy to turn on Netflix and become a couch potato so try to stay on track.

Make your bed every morning, take a shower, have a good breakfast and adhere to a schedule that allows you to complete personal and professional projects. Write down your goals and try to achieve a new task every day.

2. Start and end your workday at the same time or stick to the same work schedule you had before the lockdown. Make sure to check-in with co-workers and find the best ways to stay connected. 

3. If your schedule is flexible try an early morning workout routine to increase circulation, sweat out some toxins and boost energy. It is important to keep moving, burn calories and stay healthy.

If you don’t own a treadmill, elliptical or stationary bike, use whatever you have. Go up and down the stairs a few times, lift weights, jump rope or use an exercise ball. There are free workout videos online for aerobics, yoga and more.

4. Create a workspace that is private and aesthetically pleasing. If you do not have a home office, set one up in a quiet area and avoid working in front of the television or on your bed. Get a cute plant for your desk and add personal touches to create a space you want to work in. It is important to use a comfortable chair and have proper lighting.

5. Working from home can be overwhelming so make sure to schedule breaks. Get up and stretch, have a snack and regroup. Sitting for long periods of time is bad for your health so do some light exercise and try compression socks to improve blood flow.

6. While completing projects for work tune out all distractions. Turn off the TV and all non-essential electronic devices. Avoid engaging in conversations with friends and family until quitting time and only take personal calls on your break. It is important to stay focused and be productive.

7. Eat healthy. The food shortage at grocery stores has forced many people to stock up on non-perishable canned goods but that does not mean you should stop eating fresh fruits and veggies. Plan your meals and try new recipes. Maybe you’ll become a master chef by the time quarantine has ended.  

8. Take vitamins and immune boosting supplements. You may feel a bit sluggish while trapped indoors so take a daily multi-vitamin and stay hydrated. Check out my article - 12 Simple Ways to Improve Your Health.

9. Go to bed at a decent time. It is tempting to stay up all night scrolling through social media or watching your favorite show but resist the urge. Drastic changes to your sleep pattern may cause fatigue and lower your immune system. Read - 10 Tips to Improve Your Beauty Sleep.

10. Change your clothes! If you sit around in the same old bathrobe and pyjamas all day chances are you will start to look and feel grungy. To boost morale and self confidence change into clean comfortable clothes, comb your hair, groom and shower every morning. You can still look and feel your best.

11. Stay in contact with friends and family. If you are separated from loved ones during the pandemic make sure to stay in touch via Face Time, Skype, text or a good old fashion phone call.

12. Download the Netflix Party extension on Google Chrome to watch movies and group chat with friends. To see my list of binge-worthy Netflix series click HERE.

13. Go for a walk or enjoy a peaceful drive. Just remember to practice social distancing.

14. Plan special nights so you have something to look forward to. If you are quarantined with family plan themed dinner parties, karaoke, game night workout sessions, movie night etc.

15. Start a journal. If the pandemic is stressing you out, you’re not alone. Expressing your feelings can be very therapeutic so unburden yourself by writing about the experience or discussing it with someone you trust.

16. Don’t watch or read the news before bed. It is wise to stay up-to-date on current events but being bombarded with bad news and violence on a daily basis can take a toll on your mental health. Take a break from all the negativity and focus on the positive.

16. Meditation is a great way to release tension and alleviate anxiety. Free sessions are available online to help you get started.

17. Get dressed up and do your makeup to boost confidence and have fun. Why not plan a photo shoot to capture new selfies for the Gram.

18. Practice a hobby or try a new DIY craft/project.

19. Start your spring cleaning. De-clutter your home, organize your stuff and gather a few things for donation.

20. Start a new book. 

21. Plan a spa day. I do this once a week (COVID or not) and it makes me feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Wash your hair, take a bubble bath, shave, do a facial, use luxurious body butter and put on your favorite pyjamas. Pamper yourself and relax. You deserve it.

22. The pandemic is causing financial strain on many families so it might be helpful to create an emergency budget and come up with ways to save money.

23. Take a free online course to learn a new skill/language or pursue an interest.

24. Have sex. Plan a romantic date night in the living room and use quarantine time to enjoy each other. Sex can relieve stress, boost the immune system, enhance intimacy, promote better sleep, lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health and burn a few extra calories.

25. Redecorate and add some cheerful accents. Sometimes the slightest change to your surroundings can be uplifting and renewing. Treat yourself to a new comforter set or a few throw pillows to spruce up your bedroom. Many companies are still shipping online orders. 

Stay safe everyone