This whole Corona Virus (COVID-19) situation has escalated way too quickly. Although we’ve been hearing about it for months, the seriousness of the matter didn’t fully sink in until it came knocking on our doors. In a matter of days, the virus went from a faraway disease we were used to hearing about, to a world pandemic. It started spreading throughout the globe at a rapid pace and no one is no longer safe. It changed our daily lives as we know it, in an instant. In an effort to slow down the spread, social distancing became the new trend and living in quarantine, the new normal.
Rightfully so, this drastic change that’s been imposed on our very social society came with major fear, panic, and anxiety. For days I went through a roller-coaster of emotions not knowing how to feel or what to do. Every time I watched the news, I felt like the world was coming to an end and it was just a matter of time until my family becomes the latest Corona Virus victim. I just wanted to put my entire life on hold and keep my face glued to the TV praying that I would hear some kind miraculous solution has been found to this fatal disease. However, that has not been the case to date. In fact, the more I watched the news, the more I felt anxious and hopeless.
The moment I stopped over-consuming the news, was the moment I found calmness in my life. I started to accept the reality of the situation and make peace with the uncertainty. It’s not like anyone of us know what tomorrow has in store for us – with Corona, or without Corona. We only have the present moment promised to us! …and it was this mentality that allowed me to regain my peace of mind. When I really thought about it, instead of just sitting and stressing over what I can’t control, this quarantine life could be the perfect time to just slow down, rest, relax, and enjoy time with myself and loved ones! …and that’s is exactly what I have been doing – practicing self-care! (…I’ve been trying at least.)
“It’s not like anyone of us know what tomorrow has in store for us – with Corona, or without Corona. We only have the present moment promised to us!”
Self-care comes in different ways to different people. It can range from reading books, watching Netflix, listening to music, creating content, cleaning the house, exercising, cooking healthy meals, spending quality time with loved ones, to so much more. For me, when I intentionally practice self-care, it starts with an at-home spa day self-pampering. I like to just put on music, block out the world, and put all those YouTube videos I’ve watched to practice. I would give you an at-home spa day tips and tricks myself, but I figured why not ask an expert? She can speak from experience.
Meljaye is an Ethiopian Beauty Youtuber who loves all things makeup, skincare, haircare, and fashion. She especially enjoys the topic of skincare so much, that she has created her own organic skincare line called HanSim Skincare. Seeing that Miljaye is a professional in this area and loves to share skincare advice on her IG story on the regular, I asked if I could feature her on the blog and let her give us a few at-home self-care tips during this COVID-19 quarantine season.
Here are a few DIY pampering tips proven to be effective by self-care queen herself.
1.Honey and Turmeric Face-mask
This is a very easy and effective mask for a glowing skin. Honey helps lock in moisture while turmeric helps even out your skin tone. With consistent use, this mask can reduce the appearance of acne scars, dark spots, and brighten the skin.
Instructions: Simply mix 1 tbs of honey with ¼ tbs of turmeric. Leave on skin for 10-20 min and rinse off with warm water. Follow with your regular skincare routine.
2.Honey and Cinnamon Face-mask
This is also a very easy DIY face mask for oily/acne-prone skin. While the honey locks in moisture, cinnamon’s astringent properties help shrink pores. With regular use, this mask promotes clear and hydrated skin.
Instructions: Simply mix 1 tbs of honey with ¼ tbs of cinnamon. Leave on skin for 5-15 min depending on skin sensitivity and rinse off with warm water. Follow with your regular skincare routine.
3.Ground Oatmeal and Honey Face-mask: Struggling with dry skin or clogged pores? This is the perfect mask to get rid of dead skin. The ground oatmeal gently exfoliates the skin, while the milk naturally cleanses the skin, and the honey keeps moisture locked.
Instructions: Simply mix 1 tbs of honey, ½ tbs of ground oatmeal, and 2 tbs of milk or nondairy milk. Leave on skin for 10-15 min and rinse off with warm water. Follow with your regular skincare routine.
4.Coffee and Sugar Oil Body Scrub: How about a body scrub? A good exfoliation always leaves your body feeling so smooth and pampered. The coffee and sugar in this scrub gently exfoliate your body getting rid of dead skin and the oil helps lock in moisture.
Instructions: Simply mix ½ cup ground coffee and ½ cup raw sugar with ¼ cup of olive oil. Gently massage your body with the scrub and rinse off with warm water. Follow with your regular body care routine.
5.Hot Oil Treatment Hair mask: Last, but certainly not least…how about a little hair care treatment? Is your hair feeling dry, brittle, or frizzy lately? Hot oil treatment may just be the solution for you. Many plant-based oils have properties that help seal in hair cuticles – which can help strengthen the hair and protect it from breakage.
Instructions: Warm up* a mix of olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, or any other oil you have on hand and apply to your hair from root to tip. Also, message in the oil onto your scalp for 5 min to help blood flow circulation to your scalp. This can help promote hair growth. Leave the treatment in for 30 min and follow with shampoo and conditioner as usual.
*Make sure oil is not too hot for your scalp. Test a small amount of the oil on your wrist to make sure it is not too hot.
On that note, please stay home and pamper away! Recognize your privilege in not being a front-line worker during this world crisis and play your small part by staying quarantined. God Bless our Healthcare professionals and all front-line workers who are making the world go round during this uncertain time!
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