The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to rethink the way we do things. Some of us have no choice but to bring their work at home to reduce the transmission of the virus. We had to create our workspace at home, careful to set boundaries between work life and personal life.
The uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 crisis can take an emotional toll. According to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 45% of their respondents stated that the pandemic negatively affected their mental health.
Creating a Self-Care Space
Although you can’t control the pandemic, you can take charge of your environment so that you can feel less stressed and anxious. It means creating a self-care space at home.
This space can be your bedroom, a nook in the kitchen, or a corner of your balcony. Either way, this self-care space should help you slow down, sit in silence, and take care of yourself so you can take care of others.
Designing a Self-Care Space that Works for You
Creating a self-care space involves much thought to identify and design the best area for your needs. Here’s a guide to help you get started:
Step 1. Assess your space and needs
Ask yourself: What do you love doing that helps you relax? What skill have you wanted to learn but haven’t done so before the pandemic?
Your answer will determine what space you’ll need. If cooking relaxes you, then the area should be your kitchen. On the other hand, activities like meditation and yoga require a quiet room.
Step 2. Make room for your self-care space
Chances are, you might need to organize and declutter the area before creating a self-care space. Check the area you want for your self-care space and do a quick cleaning. Ask help from your family or roommates if they’re around.
Step 3. Setting up your self-care space
Look for tools you need to successfully create a self-care space. If you’re planning to set up a meditation room, you might need a yoga mat. Alternatively, a modern wool rug might do the trick.
Create a list of items that you need and accessories and tools that will set the tone for relaxation. You don’t need to buy everything on the list; you might have to get creative with other tools if you don’t have the budget for them.
Step 4. Motivating yourself to use the space
It’s one thing to create a space for relaxation and escape from the stress around you. It’s another thing to use the area regularly and meet your goals.
If your self-care space is meant for relaxing and indulgent moments, you want to make sure it’s never a place to procrastinate. Commit yourself to go to your self-care space after clocking out of work. If the area is meant to learn a new skill, commit yourself to stay in the room, say, for at least an hour to develop your habit.
The uncertainty surrounding the pandemic has boosted people’s anxiety and stress levels. By creating a self-care space in the house, you can relax and temporarily get away from the nerve-racking events worldwide.
