Seven Self-Care Ideas to Make Isolation a Little More Bearable

Many New Zealanders are currently in isolation with Omicron doing its worst. If you are among them, it's important to put activities that help you unwind and de-stress to the top of your to-do list. While you're stuck at home for the next 10 days, there are plenty of things you can do to care for your physical, mental and emotional health. Whether you're jumping on a meditation app or getting submerged in fragrant bath products, these self-care ideas will hopefully get you feeling somewhere well north of 'fine'.

SOOTHING CANDLES

Want to transform your pad into an aromatherapy haven? If that candle collection is in need of some fresh talent, you'll find some gems being created by the folks at Glasshouse. These triple-scented pure soy products come in uplifting scents like rich salted caramel, orange blossom, sea salt and saffron, with free nation-wide shipping available for orders over $100. Then there's local fragrance house Ashley & Co, with its range of sophisticated 'waxed perfumes' (candles) that will make your living space smell gorgeous. Jump online to order some of their stunning scents like Vine & Paisley or Tui & Kahili.

Monstera via Pexels

LUXE BATH ADDITIONS

While you may not be able to visit a day spa, if you've got a bathtub you can recreate the magic at home. Light a few candles, throw on some of your favourite tunes and make that next bath a proper event. Aotearoa-born label Anihana can help level up bathtime with its line of sustainable bath bombs and a de-stressing bath soaks. Or stunning fellow local brand Indie & Mae sell a range of bath salts and soaks that not only turn your bathroom into a day spa, they also look pretty-as-a-picture lined up along the side.

General Sleep

LEVELLED-UP LOUNGEWEAR

Don't fall into the trap of wearing the same ratty t-shirt and decade-old pyjama shorts to and from bed for the full 10 days. You've earned a little luxury to help you curl up on the couch in both style and comfort. If you're wanting to feel especially put-together, any of the soft cashmere sets from Juliette Hogan's new lounge line are just the ticket: pair super-soft track-pants with a crew-neck t-shirt or oversized jumper. This look works particularly well teamed with a glass of wine and a position staring mournfully out the window like you're in Big Little Lies. Or if you're wanting to elevate your pyjama game, opt for any of the stunning sets and sillouhettes from General Sleep's new A/W line. Our picks? The classic set and the Camilla set  —both are soft, snuggly and stylish enough for wearing out of the house when iso is up.

MEDITATION

Offering a stack of physical and emotional benefits, meditation is a staple in the self-care toolkit. Among other things, the practice is thought to help reduce depression, alleviate stress, manage anxiety and improve sleep, so it's a worthwhile addition to your routine. If you're keen to meditate your way out of that isolation funk, there's a variety of handy online tools to get you started. The widely-used Headspace app simplifies things with a brief beginners course that teaches the basics of meditation in just a few minutes a day. Award-winning app Calm has its own variety of meditation lessons, along with expert-taught masterclasses, guided exercises and relaxing soundscapes you can use in your future meditative endeavours.

Manki Kim via Unsplash

A STASH OF QUALITY TEA

Whack on the kettle, raid the pantry and cosy up with one of your favourite tea brews, or shake things up by trying something new from a top local producer. T Leaf Tea will win you over with its selection of all-natural loose leaf teas, including a stunning New Zealand botanicals range. The nature-loving team behind Ti Ora has a range of fruity teas to soothe nasal congestion and sore throats, or go for one of their iced blends if you can't face a hot brew in this heat.

Natures Colours

PLANT LIFE

Nothing can brighten a mood quite like a dose of lush, living greenery. A little boost of nature is sure to soothe the senses, plus it'll make your space that much more comfortable to chill in. And there are plenty of local companies who can have a new leafy mate sitting on your doorstep ASAP. Wild Poppies offers same-day delivery on its oft-changing lineup of low-maintenance potted plants and ceramics. The curated gift bundles are worth a look at, too. Kings Plant Barn stocks a sprawling selection of potted plants, terrariums and succulent bowls to choose from — apparently now is the time to plant spring bulbs, so spend your time in iso getting your garden up to scratch. 

Canopy Camping Escapes

A FUTURE OFF-THE-GRID HOLIDAY

Any isolation stint is better when there's a light at the end of the tunnel. So give yourself something great to look forward to and book 'future you' a nice off-the-grid getaway. If you want to stick with a mindful escape, start the search with Canopy Camping, which has a collection of tiny houses, yurts and glamping stays located on secluded properties across Aotearoa. Each micro-retreat features comfy amenities like bedding, a hot shower and a bar fridge, though you can look forward to being offline — and one with nature — for the duration of your stay. Your tiny house might be nestled by a wooded creek, perched on a working farm, or set high on a mountain overlooking rolling hills — exactly what you need after a week in bed.

Top image: Kira Auf Der Heide via Unsplash