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A Simple Quarantine Wellness Routine
Take a deep breath, light a candle, and create a healthier lifestyle; put yourself first.
There’s no question that quarantine has been disruptive to our every-day routines. Time seems to be moving fast, yet our daily routines may feel stagnant without the hustle and bustle of the outside world. YRH believes it’s important to focus on what we can do with all this extra time so we don’t feel stunted and unmotivated. We’re all itching for our lives to, in a sense, resume… but with more time on our hands then we know what to do with, we should invite ourselves to develop a quarantine wellness routine. The goal of wellness is to live a healthy life with healthy habits, and this can all start with a few simple steps in order to build and create a realistic, sustainable routine. With these steps, we can go about our day with healthy goals in mind, and to incorporate these steps into our lives—even when quarantine is over.
Sleep
via @realfunwow’s Instagram
Sleep is where health and wellness begin. We all know the health benefits of sleep—reduced stress and anxiety, improvements in memory, and ample time for your body to rest and repair, to name a few. With quarantine kicking our usual sleep schedules out the door, getting at least 8 hours of sleep should be a nightly (or daily… don’t worry, we’re up at 3am, too) goal.
5-Minute Journal
via @intelligentchange’s Instagram
After waking up, try to keep the phone down for as long as you can. Instead of scrolling through your social media, dedicate 5 minutes each morning and night to your 5 minute journal. This journal, created by Intelligent Change, is filled with simple prompts, such as “I am grateful for…” and “What would make today great?”—the exercise is quick, yet purposeful. Jot down your thoughts, set the tone for the day, and feel grounded and aware of what you can control.
Moving and Stretching
via @doyouyoga’s Instagram
While our newsfeeds may be filled with stellar at-home workouts designed for sweat, it’s equally as important to focus on the simple act of movement. Inviting ourselves to get up and start stretching makes it easier for our minds to digest movement (before we launch into intricate workouts). Start your day with some easy stretches to wake your body up. Not only will this aid anxiety, but it also will help you to be more mindful of your breathing. Plus, with all of that sitting we are experiencing, it is crucial to warm up our bodies and release endorphins from the comfort of our own floor! As Elle Woods has toted for years: endorphins make you happy.
Aromatherapy
via Saje Natural Wellness’ Instagram
Believe it or not, our sense of smell has the ability to change our mood entirely. Aromatherapy, or a therapeutic practice that focuses on pleasant smells, has many benefits, including the treatment of headaches, alleviating pain and anxiety, and boosting our serotonin levels—the happiness hormones! For a sustainable at-home practice, essential oils are a great place to start. Lavender oil is known for its anti-anxiety properties. Pop some lavender oil into a diffuser, and fill your room with this calming scent. Saje Natural Wellness carries pocket-sized essential oils you can keep with you at all times, with easy roller-ball application for your wrists, temples, or shoulders. Candles are also a great way to promote relaxation and stay present. Light a candle while doing your post-shower routine, not only for the *ambience,* but to rejuvenate and take a moment for yourself.
Wellness is what feels right for you—it’s what you make of it. Individual routines will differ, but we all share the same 24 hours in our day. Incorporate the methods that work for you—this will have a positive impact on your day. Designing a meaningful quarantine wellness routine will help create a healthier lifestyle beyond our stay-at-home orders.
