Let’s be honest—this last year and a half or so have been stressful for everyone. Just when it felt like the COVID-19 pandemic may have been waning in the United States, in came the delta variant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the delta variant is nearly twice as contagious as previous variants and may increase your chance of severe illness.
This led the CDC to reinstate their recommendation for public masking and to further encourage everyone to get vaccinated (if they haven’t yet) against COVID-19. Considering that this added stress doesn’t even account for any personal stress you may be facing, you could probably (OK—definitely) use some ideas for how to unwind. Check out these three self-care activities you might want to try.
1. Manicure With Nail Stickers
Considering the expense and health risks associated with going to a nail salon, stay in and treat yourself to the method that allows the salon to be at your fingertips (see what we did there? *wink*) with these nail polish stickers. Whether you’re into nail art, a specific pigment of color, or a solid that shimmers in a nail polish sticker, you’ll find a plethora of designs and solid color options at ManiMe.
Not only are these nail stickers vegan, cruelty-free, and free from chemicals, but they are also practically guaranteed to fit due to their high-tech ordering process. Simply follow the directions to take pictures of your hands (or feet), pick your set(s), and order. To apply, peel the stickers away from the packet and stick them onto clean nails. Then, use a nail file to trim away the excess sticker and get the length you want. Enjoy for up to 10 days. For longer wear, you can buy their sparkle top coat nail polish.
Bonus tip: When you take them off, excess residue can be removed with nail polish remover.
2. Laser Hair Removal
Do you know what’s not relaxing? Shaving. Luckily, laser hair removal has come a long way over the years. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), when done by a licensed dermatologist, laser hair removal is “safe,” “effective,” and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Laser hair removal is done by using laser light on the melanin (the hair’s pigment), which damages the hair follicles leading to an inability to grow hair in the treatment area. Every person is different, but generally, it takes multiple sessions weeks apart until very few to no hairs remain in the treatment area.
If you’re curious about laser hair removal, consider scheduling a consultation to see if you’re eligible and to get more information about your individual treatment plan. Laser hair removal treatment tends to be the most successful on people with light skin and dark hair, although it can be effective for people of all skin types and skin colors. No matter what type of body hair you’d like to get rid of, you can get permanent hair removal with laser treatments. Keep in mind that if done improperly, you could end up with scars, so always use a licensed dermatologist. When done properly, laser hair removal should only cause mild discomfort (less than waxing), according to the AAD.
3. Body and Mind Rejuvenation
According to Dr. Lambert who was interviewed for an article published by the American Medical Association (AMA), pandemic fatigue can turn into “maladaptive behavior.” Everyone is struggling right now, but that’s no reason to let our bodies suffer by adapting bad behaviors (think overeating junk, drinking too much, giving up on exercise, etc.). Even if it’s just a small thing, do something good for your body such as:
· Make and eat a healthy meal.
· Go on a walk.
· Try a new yoga video.
· Drink more water.
· Reduce your caffeine intake.
· Cool down with a fruit smoothie.
· Bake healthy muffins.
Another doctor (Dr. Yap), who was also interviewed for the AMA piece, emphasizes seeking mental health treatment, noting how “completely normal” it is to experience issues with mental health at times like these.
