My Self Quarantine List of Essentials

COVID-19, better known as simply the coronavirus, is making a big impact on the world in the worst way possible. Last week it was declared a national emergency in the U.S. This nasty virus has left people all around the world scrambling, getting ready to go into full-blown lockdown mode in hopes of deterring the virus from infecting themselves or the people they love.

It is a time to take things seriously, especially as this virus seems highly contagious and the affects on some people—particularly the elderly, infants, and anyone with underlying health issues—can be deadly. If you think there’s even the slightest chance you may be sick with anything at all, even a sinus infection, it’s imperative that you stay home and away from people. Imagine you actually do have the coronavirus and are the one responsible for spreading it to other people, how would you feel if you caused the loss of a life because you were too ignorant to stay home? It’s something to think about.

With all of that being said, taking precautions is absolutely vital, which is why my boyfriend and I have been making sure our house is well stocked, and we’ve limited any time outside or contact with others as much as possible. We’re only leaving the house if it’s absolutely necessary. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I do know that I most definitely want to avoid getting sick if at all possible.

Below I’ve broken down my list of essentials for this time of hibernation. Add them to your list of things needed to make this time at home bearable, and remember, we’re all in this together.

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Candles, sage, + crystals

This time at home should be used as a time of reconnecting, harmonizing, and grounding spiritually. Use this time alone to set the tone for everything in your life. Candles are always calming and bring positive energy, sage cleanses out any negative energy lingering on you, around you, or in your home, and crystals also cleanse, balance, and contain different healing properties that can be used for a multitude of things. I’m going to take this time to really get reacquainted with my crystals again, cleanse my aura of any negativity, and open myself up more spiritually. This is also a good time to practice meditation.

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Related: Meet My 3 Favorite Crystals: Selenite, Rose Quartz, + Clear Quartz

Freezer + pantry friendly food

Food that can be stored in the freezer and pantry are going to be your BFF right now. The markets have been packed, and the shelves are emptying out faster than they can be restocked. Foods that can be stored, saved and won’t perish easily are vital in ensuring you won’t starve if worse comes to worse. I’ve personally stocked up on meat and chicken nuggets, pasta, granola, gluten free wraps, protein bars, and cookies (I can’t live without my cookies). Basically, everything I normally eat in a day, or things I could eat if I ran out of anything else. Things like meat and chicken nuggets are important to keep around because those are going especially fast at the grocery stores and won’t go bad if stored correctly. Stock up while you can.

TV Show/Movie Playlists + Books

Time at home also means an opportunity for some down-time. I’m a book lover, so I’m going to take the opportunity to read some new and (hopefully) good books, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll stumble upon some new and exciting TV shows or movies. If you’re out of ideas on what to read or watch, I’ve gone ahead and listed ones to add to your to-be-read-shelf, or your TV and movie playlist.

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Related: Dead to Her is Sarah Pinborough’s Best Work Yet

Skincare essentials

More time spent indoors means less of a chance for our skin to soak up moisture, especially those of us who are prone to dry skin. I’ve found that when staying indoors for extended amounts of time my skin tends to become more dry thanks to the drastic change of turning the heat on at night and shutting it off during the day. Climate change is enough to make our skin’s natural moisture barrier go all out of whack, and now our skin has to fight the seasonal change on top of soaking up the same old air from being cooped up indoors.

My skin is currently dry AF, and I’ve really upped my skincare game to keep my face from looking flaky and old; after all, I still want to look flawless inside. I’ve been relying on my Barecat facial serum, my hydrating water gel moisturizer, and my all-natural rosehip carrier oil to quench my skin.

The facial serum is my holy grail for diminishing facial redness—which has been more prominent as of late thanks to my dry skin—and also helps soothe out any irritated areas. This serum is also Flawless World’s current Beauty Pick of the Month. My moisturizer is gel based and uses an oil-free, hyaluronic acid formula to promote moisture naturally in the skin and also helps give it that dewy, plump look. It’s also super lightweight and can be used on the neck and chest. The rosehip oil is a dry oil—meaning it gives off all the benefits of a regular face oil without the greasy, heavy feeling—so I place it on top of my moisturizer, that way my skin can soak up all of its added benefits. Rosehip oil is great for moisturizing your skin, reducing redness, brightening, and anti-aging.

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Shop the face serum I’m currently using and obsessed with here, and use the code: ‘FLAWLESS15’ at checkout for 15% off. You won’t regret it, trust me.