The coronavirus and self-isolation has come as a shock to us all, and changed our lives for the foreseeable future. So it’s natural to respond in a state of uncertainty and confusion, we’ve never had to deal with a situation like it before. However these feelings can have a detrimental effect on our mental health in the long run. We don’t claim to be health experts, but we do know a thing or two about aromatherapy and the mental benefits it can provide. 

This week the world will celebrate an Easter like no other. We are all in self-isolation here in the UK, working from home and not seeing friends or loved ones during this holiday season. This can be tricky for some and a hard time for most, with plans cancelled and a sinking feeling of ‘oh what do we do now then?’. So how do you stay in positive spirits during an Easter weekend in self-isolation?

If you’re worried or stressed from the abnormality of life during this pandemic, you have come to the right place. We hope these tips ease your mind and can be applied to your life, making this time a little bit easier. Just know, you are not alone. 

Be thankful for the little things, and know it’s not forever.

It’s hard to imagine life going back to normal after this, but this too shall pass. One day soon, we will be able to walk into a supermarket and come out with everything we needed, and never take toilet roll for granted ever again. One day soon, restaurants and shops will reopen and parks and beaches and open spaces you will be able to enjoy with a picnic basket in hand. Take this time as a mental escape, time to reflect and reevaluate our lifestyle of constant consumption and things we take for granted. It’s the ideal time for a change in habit or new positive focus. 

Facetime or call loved ones

If you live alone or are simply feeling lonely give a friend a call. Both boil the kettle or grab a glass of wine and have a natter like you normally would, after a while you forget your on facetime. If you would normally spend Easter with relatives, celebrate over a call or use a platform like zoom to connect with more than one device, connecting the whole family this Easter. 

No-bake easter cakes recipe

Chocolate easter cakes aren’t just for kids. Simple and easy to make, they can be a sweet treat for anyone, of any age. The mental benefits of cooking or baking, can leave you feeling wholesome and content. Needing your full attention and focus, it can take your mind off our current situation and give a little pleasure for a while. Not to mention - who doesn’t love chocolate?

All you will need is;

• 200g milk chocolate or otherwise 
• 90g cereal of your choice (rice krispies, shredded wheat, or otherwise)
• 2 tsp golden syrup
• 200g mini chocolate eggs (optional)
• 12 cupcake cases 

Start by breaking up the chocolate and melting in a bowl over a pan of hot water on a low heat, stir in the golden syrup and keep stirring to make sure the chocolate doesn’t burn or stick. 

Set the bowl aside to cool for a few minutes and add in the cereal, mixing gently until the cereal is completely covered in chocolate. Now carefully spoon a large dollop of mixture into each cupcake case on a baking tray. 

Once done, decorate with 2 or 3 eggs in the middle of each nest by pressing to make a dent in the middle of the nest for each egg. Leave the tray in the fridge for 2-3 hours or overnight and enjoy! 

Use aromatherapy to help you sleep at night

Restless nights can be tortoise at the best of times, but with little to do with your days and schedules out the window, your sleep routine might be a little off-balance. But don’t worry this can easily be resolved with some nighttime rituals. Try a sleep-well candle before bed to relax your mind and body, ready for a restful night’s sleep. The powerful lavender and chamomile scent will set your mind at ease. Enjoy as part of an aromatherapy ritual, while reading a book or drinking a herbal tea. 

Try a digital detox of social media 

If you’re sitting in all day over the Easter holiday, you might find yourself endlessly scrolling through your social feeds. While this may pass the time, you may also be consuming fake news about the coronavirus. The internet is full of scare-mongering news stories from unsolicited sources, not to mention everyone’s personal opinions on what’s going on via their facebook statuses. Why not use this time to take a digital detox from social media, and if you want to find out updates on the virus outbreak, use reputable sources such as government websites.