How to Practice Self-Care During a Pandemic Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Self-Care Life in a New Normal How to Practice Self-Care During a PandemicYour routine probably looks a lot different from the way it did at the start of the current health crisis. Turn to these resources for help prioritizing all the routines you do to stay healthy and happy.Facebook TwitterPinterestCopy LinkBy Melinda CarstensenReviewed: November 30, 2021Fact-CheckedThe COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over, but life has returned to a semblance of normalcy for many people. Offices, schools, and entertainment venues across the country have reopened their doors completely after several months of pandemic-related closures and precautions. For many, in-person meetings, dinner parties, and events (from fun runs to baby showers and weddings) are back on the table. At the same time, anxiety levels remain high for many, as vaccination rates have stagnated in the United States, breakthrough COVID-19 cases among fully vaccinated individuals make headlines, and a potential threat of new variants — including the latest, omicron — lingers. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the stresses that come along with these uncertainties, a return to old routines (even those you’ve missed!), and a faster-paced life, you’re not alone. While restrictions for businesses and schools vary by region, and will likely continue to evolve, one thing is for sure: This so-called new normal is uncharted territory for everyone. This makes self-care even more important than usual. When it comes to questions about what’s safe now, and how to take care of yourself emotionally and physically, we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find expert insight for navigating life out in public smartly, plus tips and tools for continuing to prioritize your health and wellness to the best of your ability. These self-care resources on COVID-19 safety, emotional well-being, diet and nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care, and more will inspire and enable you to keep you keep taking care of yourself and your loved ones, no matter what’s ahead. Onward! COVID-19 SafetyEven if you're fully vaccinated, the novel coronavirus is still out there. Here's how to protect your health. If You Have COVID-19 Questions We Have AnswersTwo infectious-disease experts share what they know about boosters, vaccines for children, and more.By Pamela KaufmanNovember 08, 2021 Safe Holiday Travel in COVID-19 TimesExperts advise even vaccinated people continue to take these precautions.By Meryl Davids LandauNovember 19, 2021 How At-Home Tests for COVID-19 WorkExperts say they can make traveling and socializing safer.By Meryl Davids LandauDecember 21, 2021 What to Know About COVID-19 BoostersFind out how they work, their level of efficacy, and more.By Don RaufJanuary 27, 2022 Emotional WellnessTransitions and times of uncertainty can contribute to stress. Reading these stories will help you find mental balance. Has Living Through a Pandemic Boosted Your Resilience Most likely. And here are five reasons you may like the new you better.By Kate MooneyNovember 04, 2021 8 Ways to Be More OptimisticEven in the face of negative news, you can shift your outlook.By Jenny SplitterSeptember 24, 2021 What to Do if You' re Burned OutThese tips can help everyone, including parents and caregivers, find relief.By Moira LawlerNovember 19, 2021 ' How a Pandemic Made Me More Body-Positive' It made one woman the hiker she always wanted to be. Read her story.By Jenny SplitterOctober 20, 2021 3 Big Ways Forgiveness Is Good for Your HealthResearch shows this practice can actually help you cope with and lower the stress in your life.By Kaitlin SullivanAugust 18, 2021 How to Get Better at Showing Yourself Some Self-CompassionIt’s about treating yourself with kindness. Do you talk to yourself the way you would to a friend?By Angela HauptAugust 17, 2021 What We Learned About Loneliness From Social DistancingPsychologists say they can help us feel more connected with loved ones now.By Meryl Davids LandauJuly 08, 2021 8 Tips for Finding More Me Time When You' re BusyYour schedule may be packed, but that doesn't mean you should neglect self-care.By Maura CorriganApril 30, 2021 How Creative Hobbies Can Help You CopeArt therapy is a legit stress-busting tool. We dig into the science here.By A. Rochaun Meadows-FernandezJuly 15, 2021 6 Tips for Drinking ResponsiblyAlcohol abuse rates rose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Take control of your relationship with booze now.By Jessica MigalaJuly 28, 2021 I Need Therapy Now What Good for you. Here's how to find someone who can help. 7 Self-Care Practices That Are Perfect for FallFrom whipping up your favorite squash recipes to breaking out your sweater-weather gear, do these things to take...By Karla WalshSeptember 14, 2022 8 Self-Care Practices That Are Perfect for SummerSummer can be a go-go-go time of year. Here’s how to make sure you’re taking time to slow down and enjoy it, too...By Christine ByrneJune 21, 2022 5 Self-Care Practices That Are Perfect for SpringIs your self-care routine season appropriate? Experts suggest taking advantage of longer days and warmer temperatures...By Christine ByrneMarch 26, 2022 Why Decluttering Is Important for Self-Care and When It Isn t Decluttering can help improve mood, ease anxiety, and improve productivity. If it has these stress-busting benefits...By Stacey ColinoMarch 09, 2022 Why Making Time for Holiday Traditions and Splurges Is Self-Care TooDid you know that taking time to participate in festive activities can be good for you? Here, experts weigh in...By Kimberly ZapataNovember 18, 2021See More Diet and NutritionWhether you're looking to maintain or develop healthy eating habits, lose weight, or bolster your immune system through food, these resources will show you the way. The Habits That Can Help You Lose Lockdown Weight and the Ones That Won t Get into these RD-approved routines to help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.By Joy ManningAugust 25, 2021 10 Healthy Work Lunches With 3 IngredientsNo time to pack a meal? No problem!By Brianna SteinhilberNovember 05, 2021 8 Healthy Recipes for Busy PeopleThey're registered dietitian–approved, so you know they're good.By Amy Gorin, MS, RDNAugust 03, 2021 The 16 Best Apps for Weight LossUnhappy with your weight? Try one of these tech tools to get back to your ideal number.By Jessica MigalaJanuary 19, 2022 How to Break Out of a Healthy Food RutIf you started eating healthier when the pandemic began, keep it up! These tips will help.By Joy ManningAugust 16, 2021 The Ultimate Diet Guide for Busting StressHere’s exactly what to eat and avoid to feel less frazzled.By Kelly Kennedy, RDNDecember 18, 2020 7 Foods That Can Support Your Immune SystemThese nutritious eats help fight back against COVID-19, the flu, and other illnesses.By Elizabeth MillardNovember 04, 2021 7 Self-Care Practices That Are Perfect for FallFrom whipping up your favorite squash recipes to breaking out your sweater-weather gear, do these things to take...By Karla WalshSeptember 14, 2022 8 Self-Care Practices That Are Perfect for SummerSummer can be a go-go-go time of year. Here’s how to make sure you’re taking time to slow down and enjoy it, too...By Christine ByrneJune 21, 2022 5 Self-Care Practices That Are Perfect for SpringIs your self-care routine season appropriate? Experts suggest taking advantage of longer days and warmer temperatures...By Christine ByrneMarch 26, 2022 Why Decluttering Is Important for Self-Care and When It Isn t Decluttering can help improve mood, ease anxiety, and improve productivity. If it has these stress-busting benefits...By Stacey ColinoMarch 09, 2022 Why Making Time for Holiday Traditions and Splurges Is Self-Care TooDid you know that taking time to participate in festive activities can be good for you? Here, experts weigh in...By Kimberly ZapataNovember 18, 2021See More FitnessExercise can help keep you grounded and resilient in the face of stress, not to mention physically strong. No matter your fitness level, here's how to make time for movement. The 7 Best Exercises to Ease DepressionFrom running to dancing, these movements may help reduce your symptoms.By Wyatt MyersNovember 08, 2021 Short on Time Try These ' Exercise Snacks' They're the moves that personal trainers bust out when they're busy.By Elizabeth MillardNovember 18, 2021 6 Moves for Stronger TricepsThese upper-arm muscles play a role in everyday movement.By Karen AspNovember 17, 2021 Yes Walking Can Be a Workout Here’s how to take the mild exercise and craft it into a calorie-torching, mood-boosting fitness routine.By Karen AspMarch 07, 2022 8 Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every DayRevive your fitness routine by taking these baby steps.By Wyatt MyersMay 06, 2019 The Best Fitness Apps to Help You Jump-Start a New RoutineIf your fitness routine faltered during lockdown, make a fresh start by downloading one of these apps.By Hedy MarksFebruary 04, 2021 7 Self-Care Practices That Are Perfect for FallFrom whipping up your favorite squash recipes to breaking out your sweater-weather gear, do these things to take...By Karla WalshSeptember 14, 2022 8 Self-Care Practices That Are Perfect for SummerSummer can be a go-go-go time of year. Here’s how to make sure you’re taking time to slow down and enjoy it, too...By Christine ByrneJune 21, 2022 5 Self-Care Practices That Are Perfect for SpringIs your self-care routine season appropriate? Experts suggest taking advantage of longer days and warmer temperatures...By Christine ByrneMarch 26, 2022 Why Decluttering Is Important for Self-Care and When It Isn t Decluttering can help improve mood, ease anxiety, and improve productivity. If it has these stress-busting benefits...By Stacey ColinoMarch 09, 2022 Why Making Time for Holiday Traditions and Splurges Is Self-Care TooDid you know that taking time to participate in festive activities can be good for you? Here, experts weigh in...By Kimberly ZapataNovember 18, 2021See More SleepQuality z's are key for a healthy mind and body. To boost or maintain your sleep, turn to these resources. Are You Revenge Sleep Procrastinating If you’re skimping on sleep for more leisure time, you might have adopted this bad habit.By Moira LawlerAugust 24, 2021 The Foods That Are Most Likely to Mess With Your SleepIf you struggle with sleep, RDs say these bites are probably not doing your slumber any favors.By Ferozan MastAugust 27, 2021 7 Tips for Fine-Tuning Your Sleep ScheduleYour body loves consistency, and your routine may be about to change. Here's what to do. How to Use Mindfulness to Improve Your Sleep 5 Sleep Aids You Shouldn t Use 5 Yoga Poses to Try to Help You Sleep The Right Way to Take a Power NapSee More Skin CareIf you're finding your social life busier these days, put your best face forward by following this expert advice. Dermatologists Tips on Creating a Minimalist Skin-Care RoutineDon't make workday mornings more complicated than they need to be.By Moira LawlerJuly 22, 2021 7 Mindfulness Habits for Healthier SkinHere's how to quell stress from the inside out.By Jessica MigalaJuly 08, 2021 9 COVID-19 Skin-Care TrendsDermatologists predict these popular concerns and treatments will outlast the pandemic.By Jessica MigalaAugust 17, 2021 More Wellness TipsKeep your mind, immune system, and overall health at top of mind with these pointers. 76 Self-Care Tips to Use During the COVID-19 PandemicAfter all, self-care looks different for everyone.By Sarah DiGiulioOctober 06, 2021 Family Feud Over Vaccines Here' s What to DoExperts share their advice for navigating these difficult conversations.By Paula DerrowOctober 06, 2021 7 Flu Shot Myths DebunkedNo, the flu shot won't give you the flu!By Julia CalifanoSeptember 06, 2022 8 Tips for Strengthening Your Immune SystemMore human contact means more exposure to germs. Here’s how to bolster your body’s natural defenses.By Lauren BedoskyNovember 05, 2021 Is It Allergies or COVID-19 Some of the symptoms overlap. Find out how to tell them apart, so you know when to get help.By Elizabeth MillardApril 11, 2022 When It' s a Cold or the Flu Not COVID-19With socializing comes the risk for more colds and the flu. If you've got the sniffles, here's what to expect.By Erinn ConnorSeptember 22, 2022 Where Can I Get a Flu Shot Flu season is fast approaching. Here’s a list of places to get inoculated.By Don RaufOctober 07, 2021 7 Self-Care Practices That Are Perfect for FallFrom whipping up your favorite squash recipes to breaking out your sweater-weather gear, do these things to take...By Karla WalshSeptember 14, 2022 8 Self-Care Practices That Are Perfect for SummerSummer can be a go-go-go time of year. Here’s how to make sure you’re taking time to slow down and enjoy it, too...By Christine ByrneJune 21, 2022 5 Self-Care Practices That Are Perfect for SpringIs your self-care routine season appropriate? Experts suggest taking advantage of longer days and warmer temperatures...By Christine ByrneMarch 26, 2022 Why Decluttering Is Important for Self-Care and When It Isn t Decluttering can help improve mood, ease anxiety, and improve productivity. If it has these stress-busting benefits...By Stacey ColinoMarch 09, 2022 Why Making Time for Holiday Traditions and Splurges Is Self-Care TooDid you know that taking time to participate in festive activities can be good for you? Here, experts weigh in...By Kimberly ZapataNovember 18, 2021See MoreNEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Permission to Breathe Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.