Regardless of whether you're going out to work, working from home, practicing social distancing or totally self-isolating, life is pretty challenging right now. All of us on the One Fab Day team are feeling grateful to be able to work from home, and, in our virtual team meeting last week, we all agreed that small daily rituals and routines are really helping us through this tricky time. So, today, we wanted to share some of the simple activities that are currently bringing us comfort. Our self-care ideas are far from groundbreaking, but we hope they provide a little inspiration as we enter another week of self-isolation.
1. Create a Gallery Wall
Claire, Editor
"My husband and I just moved into our new house a week ago, so we haven't really had a chance to get bored. Evenings have spent unpacking boxes, arranging furniture and hanging pictures. I never feel at home in a place until the walls are full, so it was really nice to do our living room gallery wall at the weekend. It's filled with lots of my favourite pictures, some drawings by friends, and bits we've picked up on our travels."
2. Go For a Walk
Áine, Business Development Manager
"I have been going for walks in the Phoenix Park and driving to Portmarnock beach, two places where there is lots of space for social distancing. I plan a run, then stop at intervals and do push, then squats, sit ups etc. I'm currently using the polo field in the Phoenix Park for this, as there is a track of sorts there for running and you can stop at four points of it."
3. Fancify your Lunches (and Breakfasts... and Dinners!)
Áine, Business Development Manager
"I'm doing lots of cooking. I've been trying to avoid the shops where possible, so I challenge myself to use the fresh things that I have, and come up with recipes. Rather than use anything from the freezer, I'm being really creative with the fridge and food in the cupboards! There are lots of seasonings going on. I try to make an extra special meal once a week for a date night too. I set the table, put on some nice music (jazz is great for this) and we have a proper date night, with wine, of course!"
4. Plan a Video Chat with a Pal (or Group of Pals!)
Karen, Editorial & Administration
"Checking in with family, friends and colleagues, knowing we are all in this together, makes it that little bit easier. I'm discovering new ways to keep in touch, such as House Party, Google Hangouts, Snapchat calls. My dear friend also left a Covid-19 care package on my doorstep this weekend filled with wine, chocolates and an inspiring quote which I thought was lovely!"
Claire, Editor
"My friends and I did a table quiz last night on Zoom which we're definitely going to try again, and I saw another friend do a karaoke night. I'm not sure how it would work but I'm 100% up for giving it a try!"
5. Start a Virtual Book Club
Celina, Deputy Editor
“This is something I started doing with a pal who lives abroad about six months ago, but I think it’s a particularly appropriate activity for self-isolation! We read a book in tandem, sending each other WhatsApp voice notes after every three chapters to discuss. It’s low-commitment but it’s also been a great motivator - we sometimes get through a book in a week - and it’s just another way of staying connected with those you can’t see in person. There are lots of independent bookshops still fulfilling orders, who I’m sure would really appreciate your business, but, of course, you could also go the ebook or audiobook route.”
6. Embrace the Lighter Side of the Internet
Claire, Editor
"The internet is providing much-needed distraction, I love how creative it's made everybody. I watched the James Vincent McMorrow Insta Live sessions all last week, so I must find some more of those, and I love that Chrissy Teigen is creating recipes for her followers based on photos from their cupboards or fridges!"
7. Create a Routine for the Little Ones
Naoise, Managing Director
"We organised a schedule for the day for the children (and my husband and me), so we know what we're doing when, otherwise time just runs away and the cabin fever and inertia will set in. We've halved the day between us, I start work early and finish at lunchtime, he starts after lunch and works later. With a four-year-old and a one-year-old, we simply can't do full, 9am - 5pm days. We've accepted this and appraised all our colleagues and clients. We're doing yoga with the kids on YouTube, and getting out for a walk with them every day. We're lucky that we have the Iveagh Gardens close by, it's a hidden gem in the middle of the city and never gets busy."
8. Get your Craft On!
Karen, Editorial & Administration
"In an effort to keep my phone out of my hand I've been loving doing cross-stitch and embroidery again! They had been packed away in my studio as I didn't 'have time' before. I've been hand sewing rather than machine sewing, as I can sew happily while I catch up on my favourite TV shows. This guy made me laugh until I cried last week - Brandon Farris Learning to Cross Stitch and Learning to Sew."
9. Start a Vegetable Patch or Flower Box
Susan, Creative Director
"We're finally planning out the flower beds in our back garden, having time to look at our gardening books and see what plants work well together in what areas. Spring is the perfect time to do this. We're also planting our vegetables for the year - potatoes, tomatoes, chillis, peppers, etc. It's a good excuse to get outside, and, because it's active, it's perfect when it's still a little bit cold out, compared to just sitting out reading a book. Digging is great exercise! The RHS website is amazing for telling you exactly how to grow every plant you an think of. Garden Design: A Book of Ideas by Heidi Howcroft is stunning and has the best inspiration I've found, along with loads of practical advice on planning out a garden."
10. Plan a Social-Distancing Visit with a Loved One
Karen, Editorial & Administration
"We visited our Mothers and Grannies from a distance with a handmade sign for Mother's Day. It was hard not to give them a big squeeze but totally worth seeing the smile on their faces!"
11. Take the Goodreads 2020 Reading Challenge
Naoise, Managing Director
"One of the most important things for me is limiting online news time and social media. I am an avowed news and current affairs junkie, so I'm trying to put my phone in another room during down time and just concentrate on whatever I'm actually doing. I'm really enjoying the Goodreads 2020 Reading Challenge. I set myself a goal for a number of books to read this year, and the challenge tracks my progress to let me know if I'm ahead or behind."
12. Develop a Regular Yoga or Meditation Practice
Áine, Business Development Manager
"Each night before bed, I do some gentle yoga stretches followed by a guided meditation, using the Headspace app. I've really been enjoying having time to dedicate to yoga and meditation. I sometimes rush through these things, or squeeze them in where I can. At the moment, our only option is to mostly stay inside, and it's been a good time to really appreciate the little things that we take for granted each day."
13. Master a New Bake
Claire, Editor
"This weekend, I baked scones for the first time, the ones from the Avoca Tea Time book are so quick and easy! (I halved the recipe as I'd no one to share 12 scones with). My husband is working on a sour dough starter, he's baking his first loaf today, so we're going to make these leek cheese toasties from Sunday Sambos on Instagram (a great follow BTW!) - you might remember Liam the man behind the account, from the One Fab Day Wedding Podcast. "
Susan, Creative Director
"Baking is great to take your mind off things and passes lots of time for the children as well! The only issue is I eat it all as Adam doesn't really like cake. I have learnt how to make Paul Hollywood's Crumpets and they were delicious! Also made The Guardian's Perfect Victoria Sponge and Darina Allen's Simply Delicious Pancakes, which is a great recipe!"
14. Soak up all that Quality Time with your Pet
Karen, Editorial & Administration
"I've been having lots of cuddles with my cat, Betty. My husband is still working night shifts so she's my company while he's away. She's not much help when it comes to the aforementioned sewing though!
15. Go Wildlife Spotting (While Practicing Social Distancing!)
Celina, Deputy Editor
“I live in a residential part of Dublin city, but I could still fill hours of the day observing what the non-human locals are up to! I’ve watched squirrels chasing each other around trees, cats prowling the neighborhood in packs, and flocks of geese flying overhead, and, because I’ve not been in a rush anywhere, I’ve had the time to stop and take it all in. It’s actually become my number one topic of conversation! My personal favourite is the heron who’s taken up residence in my neighbour’s front yard. I see him on my morning walk every day, and he sometimes comes to visit me in my back garden, too.”
16. Exercise your Creative Muscles with Colouring or Journalling
Karen, Editorial & Administration
"In true Grandmillennial style, I've been filling out an old school address book and birthday book so I can have all my friends and families details in one place. It's such a simple thing to do and has been a nice distraction! I've also been colouring and journaling. I've been filling my 52 Lists for Happiness and 52 Lists for Calm books by Moorea Seal. For colouring, I've started The Flower Year: A Colouring Book by Leila Duly. It's beautiful inside with intricate illustrations of flowers and butterflies inspired by old Victorian etchings."
Looking for entertainment inspo? Check out our list of the best wedding movies to watch while self-isolating!
