Keeping Calm in the Coronavirus Storm

The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has made it’s way into the United States and is quickly sweeping the nation. To prevent the rapid spread of the virus, many states have closed their schools, restaurants, bars, gyms, and movie theaters. It seems as though the list of places that have been shut down is much longer that that of which is open these days. Almost all places of employment have encouraged their employees to work from home to continue protection of the people. Stores have run out hand sanitizer, toilet paper, bottled water, and more. It is a scary and confusing time for many as a wrench has been thrown in our standard routines and we are forced to work with what we can. While it is easy to focus on the things we can’t do right now, let’s remember some of the things that we can do.

Here are some great ideas for people struggling with how to fill their time during this period of uncertainty:

Have a spa day at home – Who said you have to go out in order to pamper yourself? Paint your nails a bright Spring color, take a bubble bath, and of course we always suggest putting on a face mask. Or better yet, make a face mask. We recommend making this mask that Self.com shared:

The Calming Honey Mask
2 tablespoons of pure honey
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 wedge of fresh lemon

“Warm the honey in the microwave for a few seconds, then combine it with the cinnamon and the juice of a lemon wedge into a small bowl. Cinnamon is known to reduce inflammation and redness—plus, it sops up excess oil when applied topically. Lemon acid not only helps exfoliate your skin, but can minimize the appearance of dark spots, too. Gently massage the mixture onto your face and leave on for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse off.”

Get outside and get moving! – While there are restrictions on just about everything else, there has yet to be a restriction on grabbing some fresh air! Exercise and fresh air are proven mood boosters, so if you’re having a slow day stuck in the house, get out and get moving! Spring is officially in the air, and just because the gyms are close doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your workouts…it just means you have to change them up! We recommend trying this outdoor cardio workout created by personal trainer, Lindsay Ferrer:

Outdoor Cardio Meltdown
10 Long Jumps: Do a long jump the length of your mat or towel, and then shuffle backwards to your start position.
10 Push-ups: Kneeling or full, depending on your fitness level.
15 Sumo Squats: Stand up with your feet wider than your hips and your toes slightly turned out as you sit back into a squat.
15 Burpees: Start with a jump, and then squat down, place your hands on your mat, and jump out into a plank position. Jump feet back towards your hands, pop up into standing position, and finish with a clap at the top.
20 Bicycle Crunches: Lie on your back and bend both knees into your chest, hands clasped behind your head. Find a focal point to the left and right of your body. Look at those two focal points as you twist and crunch to each side, reaching your right elbow to your left knee, and vice versa.
20 Mountain Climbers: Start in a plank position and alternate driving your knees into chest, keeping your hips flat and parallel to the ground.

Do something everyday you didn’t have time to do before – Call your grandma, de-clutter your space, start that blog you’ve always wanted to create. While many of us are feeling trapped, we have failed to realize that with much of the outside world shut down, we have so much more time to do the things that the typical hustle and bustle of life has kept us from. We urge you to take the time now to reach out to your loved ones (they would love to hear from you!) or get a kick start on your Spring cleaning (you’ll thank yourself later!). This is also the perfect time to take the first steps towards that hobby or career change you’ve always wanted so badly.

Speaking of a career change, if you have ever considered a career in Manicuring, Esthetics, or Cosmetology, now is a great time to research and start that journey as well! We offer all three programs at Mason Anthony School of Cosmetology. Contact hanna@masonanthony.com for more information regarding these classes.

There are so many things we still have the opportunity to do, and everything right now is about perspective – We are not punished by this pandemic, we are blessed to still be healthy! Instead of complaining today, go make the most of the time you’ve been given!