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Self Care During The Quarantine


By Dahlia Acevedo


Is it important to continue making an effort during the quarantine?, Yes!! I'm not saying do your makeup, give yourself a fancy hairstyle, and paint your nails.  I am talking about basic beauty care, showering so that you don't smell, and if working from home, helps to wake you up and feel fresh. Washing your hair when it gets to be dirty, thick and funky feeling. Wearing a bra to support the girls and keep then from sagging. Applying lotions to your face to maintain that youthful appearance you have worked so hard to obtain. And to the rest of your skin, which, depending on your age, has become dryer and itchier with age. Trimming and filing your nails. Nothing worse than tearing up that dry, itchy skin with jagged, sharp nails.  Putting on comfortable clothing (not pajamas), clothing that matches, and a comfortable bra. Apply deodorant and lotion to your hands.

Do not let yourself go, even though it is tempting. Keep in mind, co-workers, family and friends will still see us during zoom sessions. Color that hair, paint those nails. Allow yourself to look and feel attractive.

A big part of taking care of yourself (loving yourself), is eating healthy and exercising. I'm not gonna lie, for a couple of weeks I allowed myself to eat and drink whatever I wanted. Part of it was due to boredom and a little sadness. My routine had been greatly shaken up, as I am suddenly working from home. It was cold, and all I wanted to do was snuggle with my warm blanket and cup of coffee. Then bam! the hot weather arrived. I realized we are nearing the end of April, and before long swim suit season will arrive. I began making an effort to eat healthier healthier, have a fruit smoothie in place of quesadilla for lunch (or a cold cut sandwich with chips, peanut butter and jelly sandwich). healthier snacks and less starchy carbs. I started doing reps with my weight bar to tone up my arm (as well as other arm exercises, daily), atop going for walks / or riding my bike. Of course you are gonna have your cheat lunch, dinner or day here and there, but don't be so hard on yourself. Just start from scratch the next day, or eliminate carbs and sugar all together. Get outside into nature, wherever is still permitted, or simply take a walk around your neighborhood. It's not emotionally or physically healthy to stay inside all day, every day.

Engage in an artistic pursuit, practice your choice of instrument, sing (do karaoke), choreograph a dance routine, perform for friends and family online. Take virtual guitar, piano, voice lessons. Take up a new hobby, sew, paint, sculpt, scrap book, draw, color, etc.

The following are Skin Care Products I highly recommend: Nutragena Hydro Boost products are wonderful. The face gel, when used morning and night for at least a week, will shrink your pores. Which is what happened with me. Continued use will give you glowing, more supple, youthful looking skin. However, it is pricey when used twice per day or even daily,  I ALSO USE, the Hydro Boost eye cream. It works well to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and reduce  eye bags, not by much however.  It is $17, and lasts for a long time. I use it on my eye lids as well. It does not irritate the eyes.

The hydro boost body lotion works great at  moisturizing, and soothing itchy skin.
The hydro boost hand lotion is luxuriously moisturizing, hands look and feel smooth.
The hydro boost facial wash is good stuff. Effectively removes makeup, tightens and smooths the skin.

All contain hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture (water) / plump up the skin, fill in wrinkles and make them look less noticeable. 

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