How to wind down in lockdown

Stress levels are liable to rocket now that we are stuck in quarantine and have nowhere to go to relieve our tension. However, there are ways to kick back within the confines of your own home. Here are a few ways to find your inner peace. 

Indulge in a home spa day

You might not be able to go to a posh hotel, but that doesn’t stop your treating yourself. Pick up a face mask and some cucumber and give yourself some TLC. You could try getting hold of a foot spa or claiming that massage that your partner has been promising for months. Failing that, you can’t go wrong with a nice hot bubble bath. Speaking of bubbles, pick up a bottle of prosecco, too – no spa day is complete without a glass of fizz.

Awaken your senses with aromatherapy

Any followers of the wonderful Danish concept of hygge will know that it’s the simple things that can keep us cosy and content. Something as small as lighting a scented candle during the evening creates a more pleasant atmosphere in the home and can help you feel safe and at ease. Indeed, it’s amazing how stimulating your senses can transport you to a different place. For some, aromatherapy is a great natural way to wind down and focus on only corporeal sensations. All you need is a diffuser, some essential oils and a quiet room in which to enjoy them.

Unleash your creativity

There’s a reason art is used for therapy: it’s a great relaxant. Just picking up a pencil or a paintbrush for an hour a week could be a great way to escape from the pressures of everyday life. Though many of us like to spend a lot of time on our phones and computers it’s also important to step away from screens and do something totally different. You don’t have to create a masterpiece; it’s about the process and not the final product. And this extends to the kitchen too: trying out new recipes can be hugely therapeutic and can take your mind off the anxieties of the day. Baking and decorating cakes is especially rewarding as you get to indulge in your favourite comfort food.

Complete a movie marathon

Though everyone is mad about boxsets, they can be an endless emotional rollercoaster – and many tend to veer off course as the seasons go on. There’s something a lot more relaxing about getting to the end of the story and reaching that final resolution, and that’s why nothing beats enjoying your favourite films. There’s something endlessly satisfying about making your way through a series of sequels, so go for something nostalgic like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, or if you’re in it for the long haul, subscribe to Disney+ and make your way through the entire Marvel franchise. To really lose yourself in the action, try making your own home cinema by getting hold of a projector and some popcorn.

The editorial unit