With shelter-in-place making most days feel like Groundhog’s Day, self care can go on the back burner and you may find that you’re getting more anxious than usual.  Over time, this can have seriously impact on our overall well being and happiness. Finding moments of calm and ways to unwind in the crazy will keep us grounded for the long haul.

20 Ways to Unwind

It all sounds so simple, but it’s not if we still aren’t finding ways to unwind and actually make it happen. These suggestions are super easy, some are quick, and most of them require no money. I hope they inspire you to take some time for yourself to unwind. You deserve it!

1. Breathe. As cliche as it sounds, even one minute of deep breathing with your eyes closed can provide insta calming effects.
2.  Take a shower or bath by candlelight or with dimmed lighting. It totally changes the experience.
3. Journal. Take a few moments to write what’s on your mind or let your mind take you on a journey and write something fictional.
4. Stretch out your arms and legs. Don’t forget to breathe!
5. Go for a quick walk.
6. Turn on some music that you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be classical.
7. Enjoy CBD drops or capsules. Equilibria makes it easy for women to get started.
8. Take a screen-free hour. No laptops, no phones, heck, no TVs either.
9. Put on your PJs earlier.
10. Inhale essential oils. I love ylang-ylang during the day and rose in the evening.
11. Write a checklist of things on your mind. Sometimes you just need to dump it all out.
12. Have a cup of tea. I’m a sucker for tropical teas during the summer.
13. Create a mini mood board with the magazine closest to you. Grab a piece of printer paper and have fun.
14. Listen to soundscapes on the Calm app.
15. Put on a face mask. It forces you to relax for 10 minutes.
16. Read a book and I challenge you to make it fiction.
17. Have a Zoom date with a friend if having company calms you!
18. Play a game. Words with Friends counts! 😉
19. Give your scalp a scrub. No, it’s seriously so relaxing. I like this one by Drunk Elephant.
20. Sleep. Nothing beats a solid night (or day, if we have to) sleep.