Let’s face it: it’s a grim start to the year.

From Omicron raging its ugly head, the tough social restrictions leaving little scope for things to do, to working from home, getting ‘positive’ or staying negative – more than two years into the pandemic, absolutely no one was ready to live in isolation or rethink their routines. But, here we are. Resettling into the new normal is frustrating, especially when the rest of the world seemed to have moved on, but for your own sanity, stay calm, find silver linings and start treating your wellness with a little TLC. Useful tips to make your isolation more bearable below:

1. Limit pandemic updates

It’s important to be informed and stay tuned to Covid-related news but watching the cases go up and down like the stock market, clicking on every distressing announcement can cause your anxiety to spike. Just leave the daily Covid number count on scientists and the government, you can’t do much about it anyway! Limit your screen time, or use it in different ways – live stream a fitness class, watch a movie (or 5!), FaceTime friends and family – take a break from the constant news and social media news loop. 

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2. Take time to meditate – we know it’s hard, do it anyway!

For most people, the idea of sitting still in silence, concentrating in the moment, shutting down all thoughts – is a daunting idea. Luckily, there are all these amazing meditation and mindfulness apps with guided practice and ambient sounds to help you achieve that level of discipline, focus on breath work, reduce anxiety, stress and bring mental clarity during a crisis. Start with a very basic 3 minutes routine, take it up to 5 or ten in a week’s time – the body needs to get habituated first, and you can always build up from there.

3. Prioritise fitness

Gyms are shut and running outdoor mandates a mask – still, stick to your physical routine, at home or in the hills – the endorphins will only add positivity. Luckily Hong Kong being an archipelago means you’re never hop, skip or jump away from an island paradise (or four!). The weather is glorious to explore the hidden hiking trails in the city or go on one to catch the sunrise…

4. Cold showers and an eco-cuppa!

Hot showers are relaxing and all, but don’t skip on the natural benefits of a cold, cold rinse. A cold shower, even a short one, has proven benefits in enhancing circulation, releasing endorphins or the “happy” hormones and improving mood. In fact, naturopathic doctors often advise hydrotherapy, or cold showers to people suffering from clinical depression and anxiety – a rinse lasting even a couple of minutes at the end of your shower can alleviate your energy for the rest of the day.

Simple practices like knowing your morning dose of energy-guzzling cuppa Joe has been produced with utmost care, while improving the lives of 110,000 farmers and most importantly, protecting the environment is the affirmation you need to begin your day right. If the thought of stepping into crowded cafes gives you Covid-anxiety, indulge in a Nespresso – the Swiss giant which made disposable coffee capsules and accompanying machines all rage, not only makes premium coffee but also one of those true eco-warriors walking the talk, and fully committed to making its carbon footprint to zero. Their limited-edition ‘Master Origins Aged Sumatra’ achieved after 5 years of ageing, and the new ‘Master Origins Papua New Guinea’ are rare exotic flavours which will perk up even the gloomiest days. Give it a shot!

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5. Indulge in aromatherapy

Scents like lavender, frankincense, or vetiver are immensely calming. We know the relaxing effects of lighting a candle – the flick of the match, the swaying of the wick and the mesmerising smell that fills the room… That perfect spa-like experience can be replicated at home, you just need the right (seasonally-appropriate) pick-me-up products that will spoil you with professional-level results. Turn off the lights, light the right scents and lay in bed watching Instagram Reels till 2 a.m. 

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6. Cleansing Facial

Beauty is escapism at its finest. A facial is one of the best ways to relax and unwind, and just because spas are shut does not mean your skin can’t get the taste of some beloved pampering. While it’s perfectly possible to DIY a facial at home and feel like a queen, but sometimes your hands don’t do the trick – that’s when beauty gadgets which give professional spa-like cleansing come into the picture.

Nu Skin, a New York-based listed company which operates in over 50 countries has introduced the LOC Nu Skin Lumispa, a rechargeable, waterproof, cordless electric cleansing device that comes with different silicone heads and effectively cleanses and exfoliates all types of skin. On days when you do a full makeup, this two minutes routine is godsend – it leaves your skin squeaky clean, but not stripped of its natural moistures, buffed and silky smooth, and helps reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines with regular use. Whilst spas are shut and professional treatments cost thousands of dollars, your wallet will thank you for this gadget – affordable (in the long run), effective and convenient. And when you sit at night, watching Inventing Anna and take this device for a spin on your face, you’ll feel super fancy! 100%.

7. Plan a healthy escape

Long periods of isolation can test your relationships and state of mind. You can’t pour from an empty vessel and everyone needs a break, sometimes it’s okay to not be okay… So if you need a hike, a day by the beach, some down time at a neighbourhood cafe, gardening, baking, or simply taking a nap – you do you, normalise healthy breaks to refuel and recharge. 

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