Self-Care During Quarantine
I don’t have to remind you that we are living in some strange, unprecedented times. Many of us are stuck at home, potentially with children or cohabiting with other relatives, while others have been deemed essential and must continue to go out into the unknown on a daily basis. If you’ve been feeling stressed, anxious, scared or any combination of those feelings - it's important to know you are not alone! In these times of stress and uncertainty, it is even more crucial to keep up with (or begin!) a self-care routine. Self-care helps you take a step back, catch your breath, and allows you to focus on things within your control.
Foot Care is Self-Care!
When it comes to self-care, spa days and trips to the salon are common, but with social distancing in place you’ve got to DIY it- the upside being you’ll save some serious cash! Face masks and manicures might rule the self-care spectrum but don’t forget to show your feet a little love, too! Giving your feet a massage, a soak or a little exfoliation treatment is not only relaxing and stress-relieving but it also boosts circulation to help relieve minor aches and pains. Read on for a few ways you can treat your feet from home!
Relaxing Foot Soak
A foot soak is an excellent choice for tired, aching feet, as it not only relaxes but also moisturizes and heals. Soaking your feet in epsom salts, which are rich in magnesium, can reduce inflammation and pain, combat odor and even fight off infection. You can add in essential oils as well - think Chamomile or Lavender to relax or Peppermint and Orange for energy.
Try it: Fill a basin or bowl with enough warm water to cover both feet to about your ankles. Add a half cup of Epsom salt and any essential oils you choose. Soak feet for 20-30 minutes then dry well and apply foot cream or oil to seal in moisture!
Another choice for a foot soak is a luxurious milk-bath soak (for those of you who are not vegan). You can add honey for some extra pampering and oatmeal for some added exfoliation and foot-softening power.
Try It: Fill your basin with a 2:3 ratio of warm milk to warm water. (2 cups of milk for every 3 cups of water). Add 2 tbsp of Honey (optional but wonderfully moisturizing!) and ½ to 1 cup of oats (also optional but adds a nourishing element to the soak). Soak for 15-20 minutes.
Exfoliating Foot Scrub
A foot scrub can booth sooth or energize you, depending on your mood! A gentle scrub will exfoliate dead skin cells and remove dirt and debris, leaving you with smooth, clean, pampered feet! Below are a few different foot scrub recipes using items you most likely already have at home. You can make these ahead and save them in a glass jar for future use!
Lemon Sugar Scrub
Peppermint Salt Scrub
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons pink Himalayan salt
1/2 cup coconut oil
10-12 drops peppermint essential oil
Coffee Scrub
½ cup coffee grounds
½ cup sugar
½ cup coconut oil
Try It: For any of the recipes above, mix all ingredients and apply directly to feet or transfer to glass jar to save. Massage mixture into feet, paying special attention to heels, and allow it to really soak in for about 10-15 minutes. Wash off and follow with moisturizer for soft, glowing feet!
Give your Feet a Workout!
Finally, when you’re taking the time to care for your whole body and work some daily movement into your self-care schedule, don’t neglect your feet! Give your feet a good stretch post soak/scrub when your muscles are already relaxed. Sit comfortably and stretch the ankles and toes. (I like to try to write out the alphabet with my foot!) Use a tennis or golf ball to roll out the bottom of your feet. Then, from a standing position, rise up onto your tip toes while lifting heels off of the ground. Hold each motion comfortably for 10 or so seconds.
Self-Care in Quarantine
Self-Care is always important, but perhaps even more so as we all live through these rather trying times. Make sure you are blocking off time for you, time to find peace for yourself in a way that relaxes and de-stresses you. Being productive is great, and so is working from home, working out everyday, baking bread and learning a new hobby - but keep in mind that you don’t need to do any of those things. Carve out a little chunk of your day to do something just for you!
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