How to Look and Feel Great Through Lockdown – Without Spending a Ton

If you’ve been stuck at home, you might not be keeping up with your self-care routine. After all, it’s hard to get the motivation to put on makeup or do your hair if you’re not going to go further than your own backyard. When you do go out, you’re likely wearing a facemask, so it can still feel like it’s not worth the effort. Plus, with money tight for so many of us, nice products might seem like a luxury you can’t afford.

However, letting your personal routine fall to the wayside is a surefire recipe for getting a serious case of cabin fever. You deserve to look and feel your best, even if it’s just for you. There are tons of ways you can treat yourself to your usual self-care routine without breaking the bank. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Treat Yourself

Most of us are experiencing a fair amount of stress and sadness right now. It’s normal, but not particularly pleasant. Although it’s important to give yourself space to feel those feelings, you should also make sure you find ways to avoid wallowing. Treating yourself to something you love can make the tough times a lot more bearable.

As Blessing Manifesting says, one great way to break out of a bad mood is to create a pleasant sensory experience. A scented lotion or favorite body spray from Bath and Body Works, for example, can be a great psychological tool. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, give yourself a quiet moment to indulge in an aroma you truly enjoy. You can find Bath and Body savings opportunities, like through their semi-annual sale or using a coupon code, so you can pick up a soothing scent at an affordable price point.

Start and End Your Day Right

Even if you don’t plan to go out, getting ready in the morning can make a big difference for your day. You don’t even have to go through your usual out-of-the-house morning routine, if you don’t want to. After all, it may be financially wise to hang on to any product that won’t expire for as long as you can. But something as simple as taking a shower and quickly styling your hair can help you feel more like yourself.

It may seem like a small step, but it can have a big impact on your day. Healthline explains that our minds thrive on routine. When we do the same thing every morning, we contextualize our day and get our brains into wake-up mode. The same thing is true at night. If your bedtime has gone a bit out of whack since lockdown began, consider creating a pre-sleep routine for yourself.

Washing and moisturizing your face, brushing your teeth, and reading a book in low light is a great bedtime routine. When you get used to doing this before sleep every night, you train your mind to associate these things with sleep. Eventually, you’ll start feeling snoozy a chapter or two in – so don’t pick a book you can’t put down! Your library might offer E-books, which can save you some cash, or you can download them for free through various websites. If you’re reading off of a phone or tablet, however, see if you can set it to dark- or night-mode, which will be friendlier on your eyes during the evening.

Exercise Regularly

Finally, regular exercise is one of the absolute best things you can do for yourself during quarantine. Not only does your body need a chance to use excess energy, but regular exercise can actually boost your immune system. Plus, taking a walk outside can keep you moving while giving you a heavy dose of fresh air and Vitamin D. There’s nothing like sunlight to fight cabin fever. Whether you’re strolling around the neighborhood, hiking through a park, or doing some yoga in your own backyard, you’ll be enjoying an effective – and totally free – way to keep your body running at its best.

It’s hard not to feel bogged down by the changes COVID-19 has brought to life, but finding ways to fit self-care back into your schedule will help. You deserve the comfort and confidence these measures will bring. You don’t have to spend a lot to feel your best right now – small, affordable steps can make a big difference.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Cheryl Conklin
Wellness Central
www.wellnesscentral.info