Many of us were growing sick of the self-isolation and were looking forward to things going back to normal. Unfortunately, as explained in an article by The Telegraph, the government’s plans to slowly ease lockdowns across the UK have had to be immediately halted as various cities have seen a significant spike in the number of active cases being reported daily. As of writing, the average number of new cases per day in the UK is 816, based on an article by The Guardian.

This means that Brits are now being forced to go back into the comforts of their homes and self-isolate once again. Many of us are well-aware of just how difficult self-isolating can be — especially if you have been doing it for more than four months now. This undeniable difficulty is the reason why it is all the more important for each and every one of us to take the time to care for ourselves as much as we possibly can. If you are one of those people who are still looking for ways to take better care of yourself, here are easy-to-follow tips you can take inspiration from:

Have a skincare routine

Dermatologist Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd explained how investing in a skincare routine not only helps treat skin conditions that often cause a lot of people to lose confidence but also encourages many of us to engage in an activity that promotes self-love, self-acceptance and healing. Contrary to popular belief, skincare routines don’t always have to be intricate or expensive. Sometimes you just have to have the best moisturizer with sunscreen. The best SPF moisturizers reviewed by Forbes are often labeled “broad-spectrum” since these are great in blocking both types of UV rays – thereby preventing signs of photo aging, as well as minimizing your risk of getting skin cancer.

Learn to pleasure yourself

For many people, being stuck at home translates to being apart from their significant others for long periods of time, and without a doubt, this can be extremely frustrating. If you are one of those people, then maybe now is the right time for you to consider using toys that can help you reach your peak. Aside from helping you ease some of your frustrations, Bustle detailed how pleasuring yourself can actually help you deal with anxiety and depression, practice mindfulness, achieve a better self-image and feel more empowered. Sometimes picking a toy can be incredibly intimidating, especially if the idea of using one is foreign to you. In this case, it would be a good idea to use toys that are very handy, are not intimidating and come in discreet sizes and shapes. The bullet vibrators listed on PrettyMe include cute pieces that could even pass off as one of your lipsticks, making it perfect for those who are a little more conservative than others.

Eat healthy

As the old saying goes, you are what you eat. And during these trying times, this adage is truer than ever before. Aside from keeping you physically healthy, eating the right kinds of food can also significantly contribute to making you feel better and improving your mental wellbeing. For instance, as highlighted in our previous post ‘Five Reasons to Maintain a Healthy Gut’, foods that promote gut health can help alleviate the symptoms of various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and period of low moods – which can all be debilitating at times. Some of the mood-boosting foods enumerated by The Healthline include fatty fish such as salmon and albacore tuna, as well as dark chocolate, fermented foods, berries and plant-based proteins such as lentils and beans.

We are currently living in a world where nothing is certain. And sure enough, this new reality can cause bouts of anxiety for many. This makes it especially important for us to zoom in on participating in activities, such as having a skincare routine, eating healthy and learning how to pleasure oneself, which can promote self-care and help us live through these trying times.

Post in collaboration with Martin Wilson