I was never keen on at-home pampering until COVID-19 hit. Suddenly, professional pedicures, floating and massages were no longer available. This is clearly a first world problem and I realize how privileged I am that these services were ever a part of my regular life pre-pandemic. But without built-in self-care routines already in place at home, I found that as the weeks and months of quarantine passed, I was really starting to miss my typical self-care dates.
I started out by making a list. I thought of all the things I liked to do outside of my home that made me feel nourished, balanced and cared for, and then brainstormed on how to bring those services into my home. I just had to shift my perspective a little!
Before trying any of the pampering options below, I strongly suggest a Screen Detox. It is necessary for successful unwinding. Screens are stressful and distracting. If this feels scary to you, try giving your phone to a loved one and have them hide it for the duration of a short pampering session. I bet you’ll appreciate the break so much that over time, maybe you’ll try taking a break from screens for a whole day!
While you are engaging in any of the activities below, consider diffusing calming essential oils at the same time. Lavender is always my go-to oil for creating calm, and there are literally hundreds of other options! Shop here: https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/alyshapfeiffer
Now, on to my Top 5 At-Home Self-Care Practices:
- Spa Mani/Pedis - I am amazed to say I never did this for myself pre-pandemic. Now I’m a pro! All you need is a few of your favorite colors, a quick drying top coat seal and nail polish remover so you can do it all again next week! Make it more spa-like with this foot bath.
- Charcoal Clay Face Mask - I never took the time to try out different soothing / healing masks. After much experimentation, the winner is this kaolin clay detox facial mask. It achieves a fresh, healthy glow and minimizes the appearance of visible pores.
- Neck/Back Massager - My neck and shoulder blades seem to require constant attention due to sitting at a desk all day, frequent toddler carrying, a long ago car crash, etc., etc., etc. There are so many massagers like this one on the market but I was shocked by just how much I love my Naipo!
- Hammock Star Gazing - Amazon can’t guarantee visible stars where you are, but this hammock has been a self-care game changer for me. Taking a short swing during my daughter’s nap time or slipping in just before bed to marvel at the night sky has made a tremendous difference in my overall mood and outlook on life, especially during this challenging time full of unknowns.
- Yoga Nidra - aka, Yogic Sleep, leads the student through a guided meditation in a restful position. The goal is to leave the practitioner with a sense of wholeness. Whenever I’m having trouble falling asleep these days due to my mind racing through daily stressors, pandemic concerns, navigating the best way to teach my children about the BLM movement, etc.,Yoga Nidra somehow works every time!
I hope these self-care ideas spark joy for you! Please add your at-home pampering ideas in the comments section of this post!
With gratitude,
Megan Ridge Morris
E-RYT 500, RPYT, RCYT, YACEP, CD
Co-Owner / Marketing Director / Trainer
ChildLight Education Company, LLC
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Oh, I put off getting a pedi, was scheduled to do that tomorrow, but canceled due to mandatory masks into businesses. So I whipped out my OPI nail products, soaked the feet in epsom salts with my doTerra Tea Tree and Lavender, and worked on my own feet.
I too, had purchased a portable hammock, and have found myself in the middle of the night sneaking out with my Kindle book to rest and relax.
Love the new Yoga Nidra source you gave out. I'll have to check out that youtube channel. Thank you! YogaKiddos with Gail
Posted by: Gail Pickens-Barger | June 2020 at 08:17 PM
So awesome, Gail! Glad you’re finding ways to pamper at home as well. The hammock has been such a game changer for me!!
Posted by: Megan Morris | June 2020 at 08:30 PM
So proud of your accomplishments. You’ve chosen an artistry of nurturing the mind, body and soul and your accomplishment to heal is outstanding. Contributions as a “Doula” is another way of helping calm and bringing life into this world. Don’t stop!
Love you❣️Xoxo 😘 Deb-mom
Posted by: Debbie Morris | August 2020 at 10:19 AM
Oh, what a amazing word you choose Yoga I thing Yoga is more beneficial in the Morning if you doing in morning whole day goes well
Posted by: Dewnty Beauty | June 2021 at 07:11 AM