Ways to combat lock down stress … Lock down edition

Hi, my names Weiwei and I’m a parent in lockdown. Sounds like the dramatic start to a therapy meeting right, but sometimes it really can feel that way. I’m one of many and not unique, but for all of use regardless of our individual situations the last 50/60/90 days has been, at times, an immense challenge.
I suddenly appeared to sign up to several additional full time jobs at once: child minder, cleaner, and teacher all whilst trying to find time to run a business, answer some emails and get in the lab to work on some really exciting new formulas. I know I’m not alone in feeling that this new Groundhog Day style of life can often be exhausting, energy draining and stressful! It really can take such a toll on our mind and body so I have curated a few of my favourite ways to combat lockdown stress in the hope that it might help some of you out there.

TAKE TIME FOR YOU
In the midst of work calls, keeping on-top of the household chores and getting my kids through yet another day of home-schooling it initially felt like I didn’t have a moment spare to myself. As part of trying to instil some small remanence of a daily routine I’ve prioritised a few moments in the mornings and evenings for my skincare routine. I have to say it’s worked absolute wonders, and not only for my skin! It’s now my precious ‘me time’ and something I truly look forward to no matter how chaotic the day has been. Whilst time has been of the essence, I have been reaching for the Bemora Glowing Essential Kit to cleanse, protect and deeply hydrate my skin.

I start with a warm washcloth and the Addicted To Clean Oil-To-Milk Facial Cleanser which gently wipes away the day and any makeup I might have been wearing. Giving my skin a really effective cleanse from impurities without compromising my skin’s natural barrier function. Next is the Protect and Rejuvenate Instant Glow Elixir to pack in hydration and antioxidant protection. Finally, I apply the Superfood Mega Moisturiser to fight those fine lines and wrinkles appearing and give my skin the collagen production boost it needs. It’s simple, affective, and most importantly makes me feel a little more like me, morning, and night.

CHALLENGE YOUR BODY
Exercise, even simply movement, has been proven to reduce the levels of the body’s stress hormones, adrenaline, and cortisol. So, I’ve been trying to make sure to move productively at least once a day. Whether its walking, cycling, or running, simply being out and about in the fresh air can have such a positive affect on your overall mood and wellbeing. Yoga can also be affective, as can meditation or singing and dancing with the little ones. Anything that gets you moving! Movement stimulates the production of endorphins, the brains natural painkillers and mood elevators, so you see the science proves it!

TRY SOMETHING NEW
Taking up a new hobby or trying something new can seem like an overwhelming task especially when considering we have so much on at the moment but it may well be the best thing you ever decide to do during lockdown. You may even end up discovering something you absolutely love like baking! Nothing sets an atmosphere quite like the smell of freshly baked bread or brownies, even if they never seem to last longer than one day! Baking with the children can also be a wonderful experience with more ingredients going anywhere but the mixing bowl. Slowing down and spending quality time together as a family really makes me feel thankful for everything we have and concentrating on our blessings.

CREATE A SANCTUARY AND TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF
As you know, I love diffusing essential oils around my home. I like to create a cocktail of scents to lift me up when I’m at my most exhausted or feeling out of control. To promote soothing and calming feelings under the most unusual of circumstances, I diffuse ylang ylang, clary sage and roman chamomile. To balance my mood and lift my spirits, I diffuse some citrus based essential oils, such as lemon, sweet orange, and grapefruit. It really can make all the difference and you can find affordable diffusers on Amazon. If essential oils aren’t quite you, try a scented candle or simply turning down the lights to create a warm glow to allow yourself to unwind from the day. If you’re a tea lover, fresh ginger, and rock sugar works wonders! It boosts your immune system, soothes digestion, and is another great choice to help to relax.

One of my biggest mantras to myself is to simply take the pressure off. You are only human, and you are doing the best job that you can. Sometimes its simply enough that everyone was fed clothed and bathed today and that’s ok. Some days schoolwork takes priority and some days it’s fun to just be free from a routine. Concentrate on the wonderful opportunity to spend time with your children as, hopefully, we will never have another worldwide pandemic to keep us all at home together again. Try to see it as an opportunity to create lasting memories and deeper connections.

Weiwei x

Founder of BEMORA Skincare
BEMORA, Be More You