Massages. Facials. Sweaty, happy yoga classes that end in group hugs. Gone are the days when those were our favorite forms of self-care. 

In the era of COVID-19, we’re all having to get creative when it comes to tending to our mental and physical well-being. But with many of us pulling triple duty as employees, homeschool parents, and short-order cooks for a pack of hungry, housebound family members, it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself.

Blogger Tawna scores fresh air and a free car wash while in quarantine with her bored teenager.

Here are seven ways to accomplish that whether you’re quarantining in Bend or anywhere else.

Find fresh air safely

I blogged a couple weeks ago about ways to safely score a fresh air fix, but I can’t emphasize enough how vital this is for keeping your mind and body in tip-top shape. Walking around your neighborhood, planting flowers in the yard, even washing the car can go a long way toward giving you a much-needed breather.

Do keep in mind that State Parks and Forest Service trailheads remain closed, so keep your trekking close to home. 

But try viewing this as an opportunity to spend time getting to know your own neighborhood better. Walk the dog along a route you normally wouldn’t choose and scope out the spring blooms in neighbors’ yards. Bust out the bikes and pedal some pathways that might be right outside, but aren’t part of your normal route. 

There’s no better time to discover beauty in your own backyard.

Do an at-home spa day

I know it’s not the same to massage your own feet, and yeah, your hair is looking a little scraggly. I feel ya, friend.

An at-home spa day is not only an excellent form of self-care, but a fine way to freak out your dog.

Luckily, a number of Bend beauty businesses are getting creative with helping us through these uncertain times. Radiant Day Spa has been offering some awesome tips in their newsletter with at-home spa ideas. In addition to their suggestion to draw a bath with essential oils and some candles, they suggest following up your steamy sesh with a seven-step facial. Best of all, they’ve packaged up the whole kit for only $35 and will ship it for free or deliver it right to your door if you’re in Bend.

Other Bend day spas are also selling spa goodies online, including Jinsei Spa and Angelina Organic Skincare offering full arsenals of beauty products to help your skin survive these dry, dark days.

Got another favorite day spa in Bend? Scope out their website or social media feed to find out what they’ve got for self-care-at-home products and ideas.

Nourish your body

Candlelit date nights in your favorite Bend restaurant will have to wait, as will those girls’ gatherings that fill your soul by surrounding you with your favorite peeps.

But you can still find a measure of it when you order takeout or delivery from your favorite Bend restaurant. The bonus here is scoring feel-good points by knowing you’re supporting local businesses that are really struggling now. 

A picnic in a Bend park with takeout from your favorite restaurant is a lovely form of social distancing.

To score the next best thing to that girls’ night you’re missing, check out this post featuring 6 ways to find human connection during quarantine.

If you’re not in Central Oregon, consider buying a gift card for your favorite Bend dining spot to help ensure they survive and are up and running when the time comes to plan your next Bend vacation.

Breathe, stretch, or scream

While fresh air is a valuable commodity, you can still score plenty of exercise and good-body vibes indoors.

Many Bend yoga studios are offering at-home classes, including Namaspa and Groove Yoga. You’ll find lots of options on our Fitness page, including local gyms offering more cardio-intense workouts.

If you’ve had it on your list to take one of Jon Paul Crimi’s breathwork classes in Bend, you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Check out his page for details, and be prepared for a truly mind-altering experience. Even if you’re not into the woo-woo side of breathwork, the class concludes with a primal scream, and couldn’t we all use that right now?

Blogger Tawna does a yoga class at home with some help from her dog, Jack.

Do good deeds

Our Visit Like a Local initiative and The Bend Pledge have inspired oodles of visitors and locals to practice sustainable recreation. Simple additions to your routine, like packing reusable water bottles and picking up trash on trails can leave you feeling good about leaving Bend better than you found it.

That said, I know I’m not the only one thinking twice right now about scooping up that skanky used tissue on the sidewalk. Make sure you’re using proper protective gear like gloves and masks if you’re continuing your quest to tend Bend’s public spaces.

If you’re looking for other ways to lend a hand to Bend community members in need, the Bend Pandemic Page is an awesome resource.

Also, consider supporting your favorite Bend business by purchasing gift cards to use on future trips. Companies like Wanderlust Tours and Cog Wild need our help to weather this storm, so think of it as an investment not only in small, family-owned businesses, but in your future Bend vacation.

Feather your nest

It’s been at least eight years since I took a Bend workshop led by Lynnette Xanders that introduced me to the concept of Feng Shui. I’m still fascinated by the notion of arranging furniture and knick-knacks in my living and work spaces to create a more harmonious environment, so I was tickled to see she’s offering online workshops with tips for transforming your space to feed your soul. With everyone trapped at home, now’s a perfect time to do some rearranging. Sign up for her newsletters or check out her YouTube channel to learn more.

Start dreaming about your next Bend adventure by building a Love List on the Visit Bend website.

If dabbling in Feng Shui gives you the urge to add some new elements to your indoor space, try shopping local to grab that unique lamp for your wealth corner or a special nightstand for your love corner. Bend home decor shops are among the hundreds of Bend businesses shuttered during quarantine, but many offer online shopping and even delivery.

Give yourself the gift of hope

As weird as it is to keep saying this on behalf of a tourism bureau, please, please don’t visit Bend. Not now, anyway.

But once the Coronavirus crisis is behind us and there’s no longer a need to stay home and stay safe, we’ll be ready to welcome you with open arms. Why not let yourself dream a little?

Build yourself a Love List on our website, and fill it full of all the fun things you want to see, do, drink, and eat when you’re here. Share it with friends and family to spark joy and hope for a future filled with beautiful Bend vacations. 

Better days are just around the corner, friends. We’re looking forward to seeing you again soon!