5 Things to Do for Self Improvement

     We’re all on lockdown - we know, so we hope you’re all doing your part self-isolating at home to #flattenthecurve and beat the Coronavirus. But just because we’re stuck at home doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Here are some things you can do to keep yourself busy getting that self improvement while we’re all on quarantine!

1. Workout

Get those endorphins flowing, babes! While the gym may be closed, this is no excuse to slack off on your workout, especially when you have all the time on your hands. There are tons of online workouts you can follow to stay in shape and get your blood flowing! Whatever your workout of choice is - yoga, pilates or HIIT (high intensity interval training), there’s bound to be an online class you can follow. Our favorites include Whitney Simmons for her super fun HIIT workouts (you can download the app), Barre3 online (get their 15 day free trial), and Popsugar Fitness. Also, don’t forget to check out your local gym’s stories - they might be doing online classes on Instagram Live, too!

• Whitney Simmons Workouts - She says if she can do it, you can do it too!
• Barre3 Online - Mixing Ballet, Pilates and Yoga, this one will exhaust every inch of you!
• Popsugar Fitness - With different lengths and focus areas, you’ll find something for you!

2. Bake some Goodies

After you’re done working on those buns, bring out the baker you never thought existed! Easy home recipes are all over the internet now. While your pantry stocks might not be as complete and a run to the local store won’t be so easy to do right now, you might be surprised with what you can still whip up from what you currently have! Do take it from us though: read the ingredients and procedure first before you actually begin baking! You don’t want to realize mid way that you don’t have a specific ingredient when everything else is mixed together already. Coming out of this quarantine with a new skill - how awesome is that? Here are three recipes we’ve personally tried and tested:

• Luscious Lemon Squares - Perfect mix of sweet, tangy and refreshing!
• Chocolate Chip Cookies - Can’t go wrong with cookies!
• Old Fashioned Bread Pudding - A great way to use up stale bread if you have any!

3. Go on a Virtual Tour

I know - we’re all bummed with travel plans getting cancelled, but good news! Here are some virtual tours that can get you feel like you’ve travelled anyway - well, almost. Breathe in some culture and outdoors, relax and open yourself to an amazing virtual experience!

• Central Park - Visit New York’s sprawling park right in the middle of the city!
• Le Musee de Louvre, Paris - Travel to the city of love and see the Louvre (without the tourists!).
• San Diego Zoo - The San Diego Zoo gives you access to live streaming of their different enclosures including their koala, polar bear, and tiger cams.

4. Dress it Up

Just because you’re staying indoors doesn’t mean you can’t dress up for yourself! Elevating your outfit will definitely put you in a lighter mood, and there’s no one else you should dress up for more than yourself. Do your hair and makeup and put on a stunning outfit! Of course, pics or it didn’t happen - so take that selfie while you feel yourself in front of the mirror. Post your selfies on social media and tag us and the rest of your Blackbough babes so we can hype each other up. Remember, we’re all in this together!

5. Read a Book

How many times have you promised yourself you’ll be reading a book every month, and how is that going? We know, we know, other things get in the way and frankly that goal usually takes a back seat from others, but now we’ve got time, it’s time to hit the books! And before you shop for another, we’ll stop you right there - why don’t you just pick up those books you previously bought and never touched? But if you’re seriously in need of a new book, or need to feed that itch to browse, Scribd is offering a month for free!

Everyone’s efforts will count during this period, so don’t forget to practice social distancing, maintain proper hygiene and prioritize wellness! We’re sending our love and prayers for everyone, and looking forward to sunny days on the beach once this is all over. Until then, keep safe!