As the world takes a deep breath and plunges into lockdown 2.0, or at least “isolation version whatever,” – we’re all dreading the emotions and thoughts that we know are about to hit us like a ton of bricks.
However, the one benefit of going back into isolation is that having survived the first installment, we now have a much better sense of how to take care of ourselves.
Let’s look at eleven self-care products that can help you bear the burdens of isolation.
For the coffee obsessed:
If one of the things you missed most about self-isolation was grabbing your favorite cup of coffee on the go, you can ensure you never experience the same pangs again. Treat yourself to a coffee machine, a hot chocolate maker, or just a supply of your favorite coffee beans, plant-based milk, and any other ingredient you need for the perfect cup.
- $100 + range: Pricey but SO worth it – Breville Barista Express
- Below $40: Salton Hot Chocolate Maker
- Below $20: Vegan Malk
For the Skin du jour:
As winter sets in, we need to take care of our skin better because the cold weather can make it feel extra dry. Even though we might not be able to let anyone see us in real life, video calls are a great way to show off some flawless skin.
To that end, order yourself some pampering face masks, a new toner, a serum, a cleanser – any item you have been eyeing for ages will now make your isolation time a bit more enjoyable.
- $100 + range: Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Serum (Farm to face all natural products!)
- Below $40: Jade Face Roller
- Below $20: Sephora face mask collection
For the beauty blogger in all of us:
Maybe it’s a new hairdryer, maybe you finally get the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, or maybe you buy that gel manicure lamp you thought would be a waste before lockdown. Go for anything that can help you get a bit creative, perhaps keep your hands busy, and that will also make you feel better in your skin.
Think in terms of massagers, aromatherapy sets, diffusers. If you’re rocking a Covid-19 beard, you may want to treat yourself to a grooming set with beard trimmer. A hydrating facial balm and some beard oil will also help you feel a bit better about having to stay indoors once again.
- $100+ range: Dyson Super Sonic hair dryer – this thing is magic.
- Below $40: Essential Oil Diffuser
- Below $20: Scalp Massager
For the bookworm:
Reading is an incredible way of transporting yourself to another world and forgetting about the isolation of your own. Whether you choose to order physical copies of books or prefer to go the eBook route (much easier in the present climate, we do agree), get your hands on some of the best reads of the year. We especially recommend Matt Haig’s A Midnight Library.
Haig is best known for his bestselling Reasons to Stay Alive, and The Midnight Library captures his signature honest style well. Set in a library between life and death, it offers the protagonist, Nora Seed, a chance to live her life “again” and remedy all of her regrets. Of course, everything is not as it seems to be, and she soon puts both herself and the library in danger. A novel that will have you reimagining your own life and teach you a fair bit about “living your best life” and what that truly means.
- $100 + range: Kobo Reader
- Below $40: Black Friday book deals
- Below $20: Printed cozy reading socks
For the fancy foodie:
We all know that stockpiling is definitely not something you should be doing, not even during isolation. However, buying a few extra feel-good items will help you make it through the uncertainty and loneliness more easily.
Whether it’s chocolate, a cake mix, cheese or even a bottle of wine, buy a little bit more than you usually do – just so you don’t have to experience the “I wish I had a” moment when a craving sets in.
- $100 + range: Join a wine club
- Below $40: William Sonoma’s Peppermint Bark
- Below $20: A classic box of chocolates
For our sanity:
When lockdown initially hit, we couldn’t believe how fast exercise equipment was flying off the shelves and how popular online workouts became.
If you want to continue with your isolation fitness journey or start a new one this time around, you will need the gear. If you prefer cardio and have a little extra space, an indoor bike is the perfect ally. If you are into yoga, grab a cozy mat and some light weights. If you lift, get a set of dumbbells – and do get a set because you will outgrow the lighter pair quickly.
A great way to get yourself motivated to work out, especially since you are doing it at home and might need that extra spark to get going, is to treat yourself to a comfy and stylish workout outfit. Not only will it help you perfect your form, it will make you feel better about yourself when heading in for a workout – which is something we all need sometimes.
- $100+ range: Upright Stationary Bike
- Below $40: Fabletics 2 for $24 yoga pants
- Below $20: Solid PVC exercise mat
For the Nancy Drews:
Lockdown is the perfect time to reflect, and the best way to reflect is to journal. And who knows, maybe one day you will love to look back on this time and appreciate what you’ve gone through.
Treat yourself to a beautiful journal and set of pens to jot down your thoughts with.
- $100+ range: Smythson Leather Diary set
- Below $40: Quill feather pen set
- Below $20: Lock it up journal
For the knowledge seeker:
Whether you’ll want to subscribe to a podcast, a magazine (online or offline), a box – find something new to look forward to every once in a while.
Try to step a bit out of your comfort zone here, or indulge an interest you’ve always had but never took the time to explore. Maybe you get yourself one of those craft beer subscription boxes people are raving about.
- $100 + range: Whisky drop box
- Below $40: NYT Digital subscription
- Below $20: Podcasts, most are free!
For the gamers:
You can get an actual board game to play with the people you are isolating with, a computer game, or an app. Whatever sounds most fun to you, try to get into a bit of gaming to make the time pass a bit faster.
Animal Crossing has definitely been the official game of the spring lockdown, so you can jump on that wagon – or you can (re)discover an oldie like Syberia or The Sims.
- $100 + range: PlayStation 5
- Below $40: Overcooked multiplayer game
- Below $20: Banana Grams
For bedtime bliss:
Getting enough sleep is essential for both your physical and mental well-being. Given that we spend one-third of our lives sleeping (or at least trying to sleep) making sure you have something comfortable to spend that amount of time on is important.
Some people prefer firmer mattresses and other people prefer softer ones and there is no strong evidence that either kind is better. It’s really just up to individual preference. The key thing is really just choosing a size that will fit in your room.
- $100 + range: Endy mattress
- Below $40: Cozy blanket
- Below $20: Sleep eye mask
For the loungers:
Finally, you want to be as comfortable as possible during lockdown – so treat yourself to a pair of extra snuggly and extra comfy joggers, a tracksuit, a hoodie, some knitwear, some PJs. Whatever it is you like to spend relaxed days in, buy an extra nice pair specifically for the occasion – and wear it with pride.
- $100 + range: Aritzia joggers
- Below $40: Cozy tuques
- Below $20: Plush pj bottoms
Let’s hope that we can apply all the lessons we’ve learned during our first stint in self-isolation to make the second one go down more easily. Hopefully, some of these items will keep you company and help you have fun while staying safe.
