Taking Care of Yourself During Quarantine
The following article was featured in the May 2020 edition of The Campus.
By Lauren Pires
Amidst the chaos occurring around us, it is important to stay healthy and take care of ourselves. It is true that everyone has more time on their hands, but it is important to use that time wisely. Although it is hard to step into a routine, one of the easiest ways to stay healthy during quarantine is to establish a schedule. Here are some simple ways to improve yourself during the quarantine.
Skincare. Of course, we all (at least hopefully) have some sort of skin regime that we follow; however, the circumstances of quarantine can mess with our skin. Being locked up inside means less sunlight and the lack of outdoor activity means there is less oil in pores. These factors mean that people with typically more oily skin may find their skin drier during the quarantine. Here are some recommendations:
If your skin feels drier, skip out on most face scrubs and on face washes that have salicylic acid. Although this acid is usually highly recommended because it helps clear out pores, it can be too harsh on dry skin.
For those with acne and dry skin, avoid exfoliating because this harsh contact will suck out all the essential oils in your skin. A simple daily moisturizer from brands such as Cetaphil are a good option.
A way to nourish your skin without adding too much to your routine is to skip out on branded makeup remover and just to use coconut oil. Doing so will not only hydrate your skin and remove your makeup, it will also leave your entire face and body smooth and scented.
As for the body, one of the quickest things we will notice is our tans will begin to fade and our skin will become much drier. So, stay moisturized. One of the best ways to do so includes using Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula. This lotion is best to use every night because, although the scent is quite nice, it is a bit powerful.
Feeling pale? It’s okay. Soon, this quarantine will all be over and summer will prevail. Do not waste your money on fake tan and just take vitamin D supplements to keep your immune system strong.
Exercise. How can we do it from home? Going to the gym is impossible, but there are ways to stay active during the pandemic. It may feel crazy to worry about exercise while so much is happening around us, but fitness is especially important when even the most active lifestyles are quickly turned sedentary.
If you want to burn a lot of calories from home, add one of these to your schedule: Zumba, Pilates, or aerobics. Find YouTube videos that fit the level you can handle, and you will be on the right track to staying fit.
Another reason to keep exercise in your routine is because the lack of it can cause insomnia. It is evident that everyone’s sleep schedule has been affected by the quarantine, but exercise can help you sleep at night and feel more well-rested.
Hair and nail care. The salons are closed and our roots and nails are overgrown and begging to be touched up by a specialist. Although we are out of luck until at least the end of April, there are ways to keep ourselves clean cut.
One simple step would be to start taking biotin. This vitamin helps your hair and nails grow thicker and stronger and can be found at any CVS or Duane Reade.
For those with bleached hair, it’s important to keep the brassiness out and to keep the color intact. One of the best products out there that will not break the bank is the Matrix Toning Brass Off Color conditioner. It will keep blonde hair from turning gold or orange.
For those going dark, an excellent hair mask to keep dark colors rich would be the Matrix Brass Off Neutralization Hair Mask. Instead of making the hair brighter, it will remove vibrant pigments and subtle them down.
Cannot go without a root touch up? Do not be afraid to mess around with hair dye. You are stuck inside anyway, and it seems like the best time to experiment with colors.
For those who are not very good at painting their own nails, starting with sparkly polish can make your nails look beautiful and it is much easier to paint than a solid color.
As for the girls who get a full set every one or two weeks, there are three options. Go without it and just take care of your nails. Just flex your clear polish nails and remember your biotin. Or, buy press-on nails. Although these are not ideal, the kits that come with glue and acrylic are affordable and easy. One of the most popular brands is Kiss, which can be found at CVS and Duane Reade.
There are many ways to take care of yourself beyond your exterior. Read a book, take a nap, watch a movie, Facetime your friends, cook, listen to music or a podcast, make a TikTok, and WASH YOUR HANDS!
