The new COVID-19 regulations on campus have made life a bit crazy. It is easy to become stressed, and boredom has truly become our biggest visitor. It’s important to remember to take care of yourself during this time, and there’s one thing that can help kick boredom and stress to the curb! Though we are used to thinking ”important thing that covers your mouth and nose” when we hear the words “face masks”, I am still a sucker for some pampering face masks. Below are some DIY face masks, and you’re certain to find one that works for you. You can also find a few extra self-care tips, perfect for bonding with your roommate or a relaxing night in.
For dry skin.
You will need…
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one banana
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one egg
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one tbsp honey
To make it…
Simply mash the banana and then mix with the egg. Lastly, stir in the honey. Apply generously to face and let sit for 15 minutes. This face mask can be used one to two times a week.
The benefits…
Bananas are a gentle ingredient that will do a great job of moisturizing your skin. They smooth out the skin leaving it youthful and replenished. Egg yolks also serve as hydration for the skin, and the whites do a wonderful job of eliminating lines and cracks. Honey is commonly used as a calming agent and is also responsible for providing a glowy look.
For oily skin.
You will need…
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Half of a lemon
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one tbsp sugar
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one tbsp oats
To make it…
Stir sugar and oats together. Combine well with lemon juice and adjust quantity until a nice scrub is formed. Exfoliate gently with the mix for one-two minutes, then leave on for an additional eight. Lemon can be a bit harsh on the skin, so it is important to use this at night and to only repeat this process once a week!
The benefits…
Lemon is potent in vitamin C, an antioxidant that prevents aging. It is also great for balancing your skin’s natural oils. Sugar is a gentle exfoliant, which helps with breakouts and blemishes. Oats are very calming, help reduce oils, and are well known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
For ALL skin types…
You will need…
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two tbsp plain greek yogurt
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A quarter of a cucumber, peeled and diced
To make it…
This mask is without a doubt the simplest on the list. You just cut up your cucumber and mix with the yogurt. Leave on for anywhere between 10-15 minutes. You can use this mask up to two times a week.
The benefits…
Cucumber is the holy grail of skin. It is anti-inflammatory, helps blemishes and acne, smooths and softens, and prevents aging! Greek yogurt aids in blurring pores, smoothing out lines and wrinkles, and overall smooths the skin.
It is important to remember that everyone’s skin is different, and test patches are important so that you don’t have any reactions to the face masks. When rinsing, lukewarm water is best.
Many of these ingredients are available in several of the dining halls, and these masks can be easily modified if you cannot find them all.
Face masks are a super fun way to take care of yourself during quarantine, but sometimes it goes a bit beyond that. With that said, here are some additional self-care tips to make sure that your health is the best it can be as we all combat the pandemic together.
- Write down one thing you are grateful for every morning.
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During quarantine, it is easy to get lost in the many things you have to do. Whether it be online classes and homework, finding a balance, or even feeling like things are out of hand. Waking up and writing down something that puts a smile on your face is a good way to become grounded again and keep sight of what makes you happy.
- Get a work out in.
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Yoga, meditation, stretching, running, or dancing! No matter what it looks like, getting your body moving is a great way to relieve some stress.
- Unplug!
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Yes, I know. Remote learning makes this one sound slightly more impossible than it already was. However, setting a schedule for when you will use your electronic devices and sticking to it will make a huge difference. Taking just an hour a day to unplug and disconnect yourself completely (even your phone;)) will help you feel much more calm and replenish your brain.
- Treat yourself!
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We always tend to focus a lot on sticking to the rules, but during these hard times, it’s important to remember that life doesn’t always have to be that way. Whether it’s having a pint of ice cream or picking up that shirt you had your eye on, doing something for yourself goes a long way.
- Stay connected.
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Self-care implies this is a one-person journey. As important as staying in touch with yourself is, no one expects you to tackle this alone. Reach out to your parents, friends, check-in and be willing to ask for help.
Quarantine is tough. Taking care of yourself is an easy way to make it more manageable. You got this!
