It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to feel pressure or guilt to use this sudden increase in downtime to be productive every single moment. However, the importance of slowing our pace to care for ourselves has never been more essential.

Stressful times affect us all in different ways and how we choose to navigate and cope with those challenges will be unique to what our own mind and body needs. Here you’ll find five items that have really helped me feel more grounded and at home in my space. I hope they help you too.

Take a Bath

Starting off this list with possibly the most obvious and clichéd form of self-care, but that doesn’t make it any less effective. There’s something about soaking in a hot tub that just melts away stress.

Baths have been proven to elevate your mood and bring on feelings of comfort and easiness. They also can help relax tense muscles and prepare you for a good night’s sleep. Kick up your bath experience a notch by adding a bath soak, bubbles or salts. Buck Naked Soap Company’s Lavender & Rosemary Bath Bomb will leave skin soft and your bathroom smelling like a spa. Pamper your skin even more by applying a body oil post bath like Weleda’s Wild Rose Body Oil to deeply nourish and moisturize skin.

 Make Time to Stretch

We know the importance of stretching before and after a workout, but various studies have also shown it to be effective in decreasing mental pressure. Try combining stretches with a simple breath practice to further reduce stress. Whether you take ten minutes between Netflix episodes or start your day with a session, roll out your mat and stretch it out. Check out B Yoga’s Everyday Mat for the perfect amount of cushioning and lots of grip.

Light a Candle

Nothing says cozy more than the warm light and soothing scent of a favourite candle. They can also be super useful while working from home to help you transition out of “office” mode and back to your comfortable home where you can unwind.

Woodlot’s Original Coconut Wax Candle made with pure essential oils is a warming blend of eucalyptus, sandalwood, and sweet orange. If you prefer something with minimal scent, try Honey Candles Pure Beeswax Candle that offers the slightest hint of honey and can even neutralize airborne allergens and toxins in the air.

Cozy Loungewear

Although pajamas are great and an old sweatshirt totally gets the job done, sometimes treating yourself to a nice set of loungewear can make you feel just a bit more together. Smash + Tess make the most comfortable and surprisingly flattering rompers for lounging around the house.

Make a Cup of Tea

A warm beverage is like the universal way to bring comfort to someone. Putting on the kettle can be almost ritualistic, an invitation to take a seat and relax. A few favourites: Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile with Lavender Tea, Stash Moroccan Mint Green Tea, and Numi Organic Rooibos Chai Herbal Tea.

Let’s all be kind to ourselves and find simple ways to make our everyday a bit less stressful.