Lockdown lessons: Self-care can take many forms

When you can’t go out and do the usual things you enjoy, it’s important to be creative and seek out new forms of entertainment!

For my part, I’m determined to ensure I do’t come out of the lockdown period significantly more obese than when I went in, or with chronic alcoholism. Both manageable as long as I pay attention to what I’m doing!

I’ve already shared jut how much I enjoy my yoga and exercise regime, but I’ve also been doing some pampering that’s beneficial for the old mental health. I’ve started to use up some of the fragrances and others things I was saving for a ‘special occasion’, including some very lovely moisturiser from Acqua di Parma!

All this hand washing has left my poor hands in bits, so a little bit of this is really helpful. It also smells divine – it’s my favourite fragrance, so it cheers me up on the tougher days.

I’ve also instigated a weekly ‘spa evening’, where I make sure I take care of my assorted grooming needs. Even though I’ve nowhere to go, I like feeling clean and tidy!

Unlike lots of my peers, I have’s had to worry about a haircut (for obvious reasons) but I do like to keep my beard neat and my body hair now seems to have a life of its own. Yes, this is what it’s like t be a fourth-four year old man. The hairs in places I didn’t know I had – everywhere, except my head. So that needs tending to as well.

Even though I’m not going to be on a beach in Sitges any time soon…

Honestly though, the main way I’m practicing self-care is by sleeping when I feel I need it. I have a nap most afternoons. Immediately after lunch, my eyes start to close and I go to sleep for at least 45 minutes. This is not something I’ve ever done before! And if I don’t get it, I feel atrocious by early evening.

I started this by napping on the sofa, but that it’s part of my routine, I just head to bed and do it properly. There’s no doubt that the increased levels of bad news and resulting anxiety contribute to my exhaustion, so I’m just going to go with the flow.

I think lots of ‘the rules’ are out the window now that we’re dealing with a global emergency, my napping included. It’s all about whatever gets us through the next few weeks and months, without going round the twist. Healthily, that is.

And as far as I know, nobody has ever been admitted to The Priory for addiction to cleansing face masks or body lotion…