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We’re a week into lockdown here in the UK and I’m sure for some of us, cabin fever is setting in. It’s a weird ol’ situation to be in, even for those of us (like me) who are used to working from home every day or those that thrive off of a routine. Because routine has certainly been throw in the air, hasn’t it? I mean, what even IS time anymore?
Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash
But of course we’re all doing this for the greater good – to save lives. And in the grand scheme of things, spending a few months at home is nothing. It’s a good time to catch up on those books you’ve been meaning to read, that Netflix list that’s getting longer and longer and giving yourself a bit extra self-care time.
But when this is over and we’re back to work full-time, self-care definitely shouldn’t be pushed to the back of the shelf. So here are some vital things we can treat ourselves to after lockdown is over:
Book a massage
This is the one I’ve missed the most. I always book regular massages for every 2 weeks or so and they are vital for my relaxation time. They’re also incredibly helpful with my muscles and my back, consider I have pretty bad posture and back pain from not having a proper desk to work on. I can’t wait for that first massage back after lockdown!
Attend a Yoga or exercise class
Whilst most of us are exercising at home or doing Yoga at home, I’m sure actually attending a class with other people is something a lot of people will miss doing. So although it’s a vital part of staying healthy, it’s also a nice way to treat your body to something that it’ll appreciate after all this is “over”.
Photo by paje victoria on Unsplash
Book your essential appointments
I’ve always said that I treat cervical screenings as a crucial part of self-care. So when lockdown is over and it’s safe enough to physical go to your doctor surgery again or various clinics again, it’s time to treat yourself to all those essential appointments which might be a little overdue.
There’s loads of different appointments and things to be taking care of. Cervical screenings, as I mentioned. But also getting your eyes tested, going to the dentist or evening booking in for an ear wax removal service – which I’ve had to have done numerous times in the past and it feels SO MUCH BETTER afterwards!
Treat yourself from a small, local business
Both yourself and local businesses are going to need a bit of a treat after all of this. It makes me so sad to see how much smaller businesses are struggling right now. So when we’re allowed back out into the big, wide, world again, it’ll be a good time to treat yourself from a small, local business. Perhaps a local tearoom or small clothing business!
Book a manicure and hand treatment
I don’t know about anyone else but my hands look absolutely AWFUL. They are so dry. They’re cracking. They look like paper bags due to all the hand washing. So when this is over, my hands are going to be one of the first things to get a bit of TLC! And you should put that on your list too!
A full on spa day
If you have the means to do so when everything is back to normal, I’d say it’d be a pretty good time to head off to your local spa and really indulge in all the yummy self care treatments. Heck, we’ll all need them after this! Massages, saunas, facials – you name it!
What are the first things you’re going to treat yourself to when things start going back to normal? Are you in need of any of the things mentioned in this post?
[…] really important to have things to look forward to right now, especially when everything is looking pretty bleak. So now would be a great time to make some […]
I will be first in the queue when hairdressers reopen!
I am gonna do all of it🤩 Shared some new blogs on numerous topics I thought about during this lockdown, would be glad if you check them out and share your feedback ✨
It’s been 55 days here in Paris, tomorrow we’ll be able to start going outside again. Feels surreal! Can’t wait to just go for walks again. I’ll definitely be appreciating the little things much more in the future.
Honestly, the idea of going for a full spa day sounds completely dreamy right now. Even just getting a haircut would feel like such a treat, and I usually hate that haha! I will 100% be straight into my local small businesses though, there’s a really good bookshop near me and I’m so worried it won’t make it!
Ahh I’m so worried for the small businesses! I was dreaming of a spa day the other day!
I’m sooo with you on the massage! Totally needed! I’m also going to see my osteopath, which I would recommend to anyone who has back pain, any pain really. I had chronic plantar fasciitis and tried so many treatments, but it was an osteopath who helped me really heal my feet (and the rest of my ache and pains.)
We’re friends with the osteopath who lives down my road so might take advantage of her when all this is over!
I’ll definitely jump on this 😩😩 I’m so tired here in Nigeria. It’s super boring and bad electricity. Thanks for the suggestions
Oh I’m sorry to hear that!
Thanks
I like your post about after quarantine Jenny! You touched on something that I often talk about at home. I think a lot of us are going to be way more appreciative of the little things that we take for granted like….getting some fresh air outside or taking a trip to our local cafe. And I couldn’t agree more: self-care needs to be a regular thing in life because it is for our wellbeing after all and wellbeing shouldn’t be a temporary thing because our healh ahd happiness rely on it. When this quarantine is all over, one thing I’d treat myself to for sure is a trip to a local cafe or even discover a new one and savour the time there.
Well-being and self care should definitely not be a temporary thing, only used in times like this! We definitely need to start practicing it every day 🙂 I agree!
I’m going to drive to the woods 🙂
love these, thank you for inspiration!xx
I’m going to treat myself to getting my nails done when this is all over! I was booked in for next weekend as it was a little pre-birthday treat but now that it’s not happening it’s going straight on the agenda for when the lockdown is lifted. I can’t wait to go out for dinner again somewhere too! xx
Sounds like a plan!
This reminded me of a meme I saw of everyone’s hair and nails grown out all gross because of lockdown haha. Everyone will be on the nail/hand treatment thing. Especially with all this hand sanitiser.
Eww haha! My hands look awful right now due to all the washing!
I can imagine. We’re in lockdown so luckily not that much more hand washing / sanitising.
Oh and you reminded me that I need to get my eyes checked! Thank you x
You’re welcome haha!
I want a girlie shopping day. Shopping, lunch, cocktails, the lot! I never thought I would miss shopping x
It’s the little things we really miss!
Once this is all over, the 1st thing we do is, thank the Lord. Also, this time is an eye-opener for all of us too. 🙂
https://theboldvibe.com/2020/03/19/coronavirus-awakeupcall/
I am personally looking forward to meet with my fitness trainer and get active again! Love your post (: https://angiewaves.com/
Sounds good! Are you being active at home?
I agree with you here Jenny! These are some great ideas, I cannot wait until after the lockdown. I will be getting my hair done, a face massage and hopefully going to either a car show or a motorsports event.
Gemma | http://www.anoceanglimmer.wordpress.com
Yessss Motosport event is up there for me too! Carl and I are praying that the DTM at Brands Hatch doesn’t get cancelled! Our favourite weekend of the year!
I’ve had this conversation so much recently. The first thing I’m gonna do is go and see my mum and sisters. Then I’m booking a pedicure and a night away for me and my man!
Rosie
A night away sounds perfect!
I’m SO excited to get my hair done!! Top of the list lol
These are great ideas! I will be getting my nails done again, my eyebrows and then going for a dance! Maybe eat out somewhere too! I can’t wait! You have shared some great suggestions! Xxx
It’s the little things isn’t it! I can’t wait to eat out again xxx
I just can’t wait to go for a coffee in my local cafe!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
It’s the simple things!
This sounds silly but the thing I’m looking forward to most is doing a proper food shop full of meals that I’d want to make not buying things that are easier to adapt if I can’t get stuff or practical to have in when I can’t just pop to the shop for more ingredients. And the gym, never going to take that place for granted again x
Sophie
It’s the little things we really miss, isn’t it!
I’m defo going for a spa day haha! can’t wait x
Oh me neither! x
I’m looking forward to supporting small businesses again when the time comes – my favourite place is a little cafe/eco-shop and I hope they survive this. I could also do with going to the denist!
Ash | thisdreamsalive
I really hope they do too, it’d be such a shame to see small businesses close down x
I’d love to treat myself to FOOD, MORE FOOD AND MORE FOOD. ;D
Yesssss! All the takeaway haha!
I had lots of things planned before this virus, the hairdressers, going to the cinema, seeing a variety show performed by the local Scouts and Girl Guides and seeing friends. So hopefully I shall get to these soon 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
Fingers crossed it’s not too long before you can do them again!
I’m on day 3 after being placed on the furlough scheme on Monday.
I’ve got a bit of a routine but it’s so odd making the adjustment.
I can’t wait to get back to gym classes and spa days.
https://littlemissmelanie.com/
Hope you’re doing okay! xx
Massage or spa day sounds like a good idea! I think once everything goes back to normal I’m definitely going on holiday, and perhaps also going on a trek! I miss travelling so much
Sounds like a wonderful idea! x
I’m going to Afternoon Tea, a massage, maybe even a holiday WITHOUT MY KIDS! loool x
Oh my god you’re pushing the boat out!!!
Great tips, gives us a chance to dream about what we want after these crazy days of isolation.
Absolutely! I’m definitely dreaming right now!
I’m with you on the massages! I have a deep tissue massage every month like clockwork in order to deal with my back. My March appointment was 2 days after everything was shut down in the province, meaning that I missed it, and I’m REALLY feeling it right about now. I was already talking to my massage therapist and we agreed that she’ll be getting me in ASAP when things open back up again lol
Oh gosh I really feel for you! It’s so uncomfortable when you REALLY need a massage!
I need to treat myself to aaaaall of these. Already making plans for when the lockdown is over, need something to look forward to!
Absolutely! It’s so important to have things to look forward to!
Once this is over I’ll probably have finished uni forever and be moving back home, so it’s the perfect time to join the gym in my town! Me and my boyfriend were meant to have a spa day for his birthday but never got to do it due to self isolation, so I can’t wait to book in a massage when this is all over! These are some great tips and have really lifted my spirits. I’m super excited to do all this stuff when everything is finally back to normal now x
You’ll definitely need a spa day after all of this! x
Great list! I’m looking forward to just eating and drink out tbh, but I’m definitely tempted to treat myself to a facial or something too x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
Oh yeah I’m looking forward to going out for a meal again! It’s the little things!
This is a handy list for someone like me, who rarely thinks ahead of the moment. It is a bummer so many things have been cancelled, and plans for spa dates and fun nights out upset, but continuing to find ways to look out for yourself at home is important to!
It really is important for the time being, as there’s nothing else we can do!
I definitely want to invest in more small businesses after the lockdown to help them grow more financially. I know what it’s like to be out of work because I’ve been on the hunt for a job since 2014.
Natonya | https://JustNatonya.wordpress.com
Ah girl I’m sorry. I think this period is putting a lot into perspective for a lot of people! I definitely need to start shopping small more often going forward x
Absence makes the heart grow fonder! I’m missing the world! I really can’t wait to walk around without avoiding people and buying what I’d like again. I’m definitely going for a hand treatment because my hands are so sore!
Daisy xoxo | TheDeeWhoLived
God isn’t that true! My hands are looking gross too – I’m in need of some sort of hand treatment! x
These are amazing suggestions! The first thing I will be doing is doing to a cinema and then heading back to Essex to visit my family, thanks for sharing x
Come and visit me whilst you’re in Essex too girl!
I’ll be glad when I can stop worrying about my son catching the virus. He’s extremely vulnerable as he has Leukaemia. It’s difficult not being able to see family at this time so first thing I will do is make sure I go and see loved ones.
I’m sorry to hear that. It’s a stressful enough time as it is without that on top of everything. As long as he’s safe at the moment, that’s all that matters.
I love this, Jenny, self-care is such an important aspect that I always overlook in favour of running around after Flora. The only bit of me time I get is in my garden, which I’m super grateful for right now. The first thing I’m going to do when this is over is to book a hair appointment – my badger stripe is already showing, I hate to think how grey I’ll be in another 10 weeks’ time, haha! xxx
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
I’m really grateful for having a garden right now too. I can’t wait for our 20 degrees on Sunday!
Ah yes! I miss all those things so much. I also miss being able to go out to eat at restaurants and going on date nights with my hubby and all that. I plan on doing all those things and much more when we are all finally released! Which will hopefully pass by quickly!!
I miss restaurants too! Can’t wait to go out and have a yummy meal out again!
These are such great ideas Jenny! 😊
I don’t even know where I’ll start when this is all over. There are so many things that I think I’ll do just for the sake of it such as go to the shops just to have a browse and get out in the fresh air and spend the day out somewhere.
Love Lozza xo
http://girlygabble.com
Haha we’ll just want to do ALL THE THINGS to make up for lost time!
I have a whole list of things I want to do when this is over that I’m planning to share on my blog too. I’ll definitely be treating myself. I was due to get married in August and I currently don’t know what is going to happen with that so I definitely feel like some pampering will be in order to help me deal with potentially postponing my wedding!
Lauren | http://www.laurenyloves.co.uk
I was planning on doing a blog post about that today too! I’m dreaming so much right now haha!
I had a massage booked that got cancelled because of the virus. I am really kicking myself for not getting my appointments in (hair, nails, massage) prior to all of this happening. I was procrastinating and it really shows now. Hopefully I have learned my lesson and I won’t put things off again! Thanks for the encouragement. It’s good to look at the future instead of feeling sad about what our current situation is.
At least it’s something you’ve learned going forward!
My plan when the quarantine is to go to shop and not feel paranoid wondering if anyone has the bug.
Oh gosh yes!
A treat from a small local business is definitely in order when this is over. Maybe 2 or 3.
Oh definitely!
Yes yes, yes! I plan to do most of this. I had to reschedule a massage and I can’t wait to reschedule it!
I can’t wait to get that massage in either!
Massage and manicure for me definitely!
Absolutely!
Ahh I’d love a spa day! I just can’t wait to be able to live life normally again, it’s such a weird feeling at the moment being so limited! xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Oh I know! It’s the limitations which I’m struggling with. Having no freedom to do ANYTHING!
I already have it in my mind to attend my favourite spa, get a lovely treatment and get my hair done professionally! I had to cut my partners hair last night and NEVER AGAIN! Although it did go well if I do say so myself.
It’s amazing how much you miss the everyday little things.
Oh my gosh haha. I have a feeling I’m going to have to do the same soon. His hair is getting a bit long and… let’s leave it there haha!
I had a spa day booked last weekend for a friends birthday so, we will definitely be rebooking that once this is all over. I’m trying to do a lot of self care at home but, it’s just not the same!!
Al x
It’s definitely not the same but at least you’re taking action!
I cannot wait for this to be over so I can get my nails done then go for a full body massage
A full body massage sounds so heavenly right now!
I will definitely need a spa day after all this
Same girl!
That is a fantastic idea! Wish I could book one for tomorrow… I miss the pampering:( I hope you are keeping well over there in the UK, Jenny. I am a little stir crazy at home here in Toronto Canada too, but it is all for the best. Take care of yourself.
Hope you’re keeping well too!
Oooh a spa day sounds lovely! But I think that’s something I could only justify doing on a special occassion. Maybe for my birthday? Once things calm down, I would love to get a massage! I’ve also missed going to the gym, so that’s one thing I want to get back to!
I think after lockdown would be a special occasion in my eyes! 😂
I can’t wait for this all to be over and have a wonder around town to treat myself to a few things!
Same!
I can’t; wait for it to be over – I love walking round national trust properties/gardens! x
I need to start doing that x
Just went into lockdown in USA in North Carolina. These are great ideas, I know my wife will love, but I think I’ll enjoy them as well. Thanks for the ideas – what a relief. For the group- Keep Calm and Trust God thru to the rising sun. This too shall past.
Stay safe across the pond!
Going for a massage would be sooo amazing! I had a spa day booked for my birthday in April which has been cancelled so when this is over I’ll be so excited to re-book it and have a delayed birthday celebration! Looking forward to see my mum and dad and go for lunch once lockdown is over, but at least we have phone calls and Facetime in the meantime. Thanks for sharing Jenny, hope you and the family are all doing okay! <3 xxx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Awh sorry you had to cancel your spa day! Xxx
oh wow, I think I’ll look forward to a walk on the local beach and an ice cream from my favourite shop. Keep safe everyone. xxx
Sounds lovely xxx
I don’t usually get my nails or hair done but after this I may need the treat! xx
Definitely!
Oh god I do need a massage now that I’ve read about it! It’s one of my favourite things to treat myself with.
Same girl! I miss them so much!
I’m definitely booking a spa day when all this is over! I need to unwind and relax after all this has finished! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Definitely! Xxx
I look forward to treating myself after this chaos is over! Definitely thinking about a massage maybe even some afternoon tea. It’s nice to have something to look forward to because at times it can all feel like too much doom and gloom:)
Laura / http://www.laustworld.com
A massage and afternoon tea sounds perfect!
I can’t tell you how much I miss getting my nails done and going out to eat! Definitely the first two things I’ll do when this thing goes away!
bossbabechroniclesblog.com
Yesss I miss going out to eat too!
It’s nice to think of all those nice thing we can do once the lockdown is over with. I had already found that it was not good to be alone, and so made companionship with what there is around me, sometimes with the universe and sometimes with my own insignificant self; but my books are always my friends, let fail all else.
That’s amazing xxx
Lovely ideas! I know im gonna treat myself to a fat mcdonalds!
Oh my god YES
My daughters and I were talking about this only yesterday. I’m trying to keep up their spirits and my youngest is anxious as she is parted from friends and boyfriend. My eldest is coping a little better as she’s a bookworm and writer like myself. But even in my case I’m been showing signs of anxiety – tight chest, particularly as my husband hasn’t been well for about a week and we are not sure what he has. Yesterday to try to alleviate our stresses the girls and I did a mini gym session in the house with resistance bands, weight ball, yoga mat, etc. Keeping fit is so important to keep mental and physical fitness right now. I will add your links to my next Coronavirus related post on my blog. Stay well. x
Hope your husband gets better soon. Exercising is one thing that’s really helping me too! Stay safe xxx
Thank you, Jenny he is much better. Stay safe too. xxx
I’m gonna to have my nails and my hair done and I can’t wait! Oh and just be able to go out for coffee again xx
It’s the little things! Xx
Definitely a spa day, that sounds amazing! I will 100% need a holiday as I am fortnunately one of the lucky ones that can still work from home. I also want to book in lots of new tattoos cause hopefully all this staying inside will save me money!
Yesss I think a lot of people could save quite a bit during this period!