04 May 7 Ways to Prioritize Self-Love During Social Distancing
A guide to remembering yourself in an uncertain time
This period of social distancing and isolation may have started out as a dream for those introverts who love when plans get canceled, but as time goes on and news develops, it can be easy to lose the light at the end of the tunnel and forget to take care of yourself – mind and body. The situation is bigger than us, but we do have to put ourselves first sometimes with some self-love.
Take some time to prioritize yourself and read our comprehensive list of quarantine dos and donts to strengthen your mental health, as well as a few NSFW tips to keep your sex life active. Adjusting to these new living conditions means taking care of yourself, and we’re here to show you how.
1. Get Moving
One of the best ways to keep your spirits high is to stay active. According to a study by the University of South Australia and MSH Medical School Hamburg, just 150 minutes of physical activity per week can result in better mental health among adults aged 18 to 64. During exercise, endorphins that aid in regulating our mood are released and can help battle the blues you may be experiencing.
According to the study, it takes only 21 minutes a day to reap the benefits of exercise! So while you’re binge-watching Friends or The Office for the twelfth time this year, spend an episode getting some exercise.
For some people that means heavy cardio and full-body strengthening. For others, it can be a walk through the neighborhood (just remember to socially distance). Whatever your preference, a good chunk of time dedicated to your body will have your mind thanking you.
2. Develop a New Skill
Everyone’s specific situation is different, but it’s a given that most of us have a lot more time on our hands. Use that opportunity to learn something new. Maybe you’ve always wanted to bake a cake but never had the time to try, or maybe you’ve had a guitar that’s been gathering dust in storage because you never got around to it. All the resources you need are at the tips of your fingers thanks to the Internet, so get to it!
From learning a new language, to baking there are tons of new things you can try now. Most of us have a DIY project we’ve been putting off for months. Sure, it may be tempting to watch movies and mindlessly browse the web, but how about investing in yourself?
Even something as simple as reading a book can lift your spirits. Since going to the library or book store isn’t an option, you can easily download one online. For the ones less inclined to read, audio books or podcasts are a great way to immerse yourself in a new world.
3. Clean and Organize
Let’s face it: There’s always something that needs to be cleaned. It may be time for you to declutter your closet or get on your knees and start scrubbing the floor. Keeping your space clean and tidy can help with the feeling of being closed in and trapped – something many people with anxiety or depression face. If your space is fresh, organized, and clutter-free, your mind will be, too.
4. Avoid Too Much News and Social Media
It’s important to stay informed about what’s going on in the world, but there is such a thing as too much information. Fake news and panic can spread faster than many things. It’s important to limit your exposure to news that may make you fear for your health and safety, as well as social media users who fancy themselves a credible source.
The Internet can still be a great place when you need a laugh, you just have to know where to go. Instagram and Twitter are chock-full of hilarious content to both entertain and remind us that whatever we’re going through, we’re not going through it alone. And cute animal videos are always an effective stress-reliever.
5. (NSFW) Get Down and Dirty
Whether or not you’re isolating with a romantic partner, you should set aside some sexy time. There is evidence that orgasms can improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Some believe orgasms can regulate your emotions, improve digestion, induce relaxation, and strengthen your immune system.
If you’re with your significant other, check out our Ultimate Guide to Keeping Things Sexy During Social Isolation to keep you entertained in quarantine. If you’re flying solo, here are the top tips and tricks to virtual sex to keep your personal sex life alive during these times.
6. (NSFW) Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Maybe you and your significant other are keeping your distance, or maybe you’re together but you’ve got some needy company (ahem, your children). Keep the spark going by taking your sexy time from the bedroom to your phone.
For separated partners, sexting and virtual sex is very important. Sending your partner a racy text or getting off for them while they watch can help make the time spent apart that much more bearable. Plus, the suspense and anticipation leading up to the next time you see each other gets hotter and hotter.
For partners with children, having sex can be hard when no one’s leaving the house. In this case, sexting can come in handy even if you’re in the same room. You may not be able to easily act on your desires, but let your partner know you’re thinking about them by sending a suggestive message – maybe include a sneaky picture of you biting your lip.
7. Take a Break
Even if you’re doing all the right things and taking care of yourself, sometimes your mind and your body just need a break. Turn off your phone, step away from work, lock yourself in your room – whatever it is you feel you need to do. Spend some time breathing deeply or even take a nap.
Let yourself relax because you deserve it. In a period as uncertain and worrying as this, we’re all entitled to some alone time to recharge and be our best selves. That may take you an hour, or it may take you a couple days. The most important thing to remember is that self-isolation doesn’t mean you’re alone.
