Embrace a Better You During the Quarantine Season

Remember March 2020? Life hit pause. Social calendars were wiped clean, the world swapped office desks for kitchen tables, and “WFH chic” suddenly meant pyjamas on repeat with maybe a touch of mascara for Zoom calls. Quarantine flipped routines upside down, leaving us stir-crazy, comfort-baking banana bread, and bingeing more Netflix than we’d care to admit.

But here’s the flip side: quarantine also handed us something rare — time. Time to slow down, reflect, and focus on ourselves. If you’ve been feeling stuck or in a slump, this is your reminder that it’s never too late to turn inward and embrace a better version of you, even if the only ones seeing it are your houseplants.

Be real with yourself

Honesty = confidence. If you find yourself dreading the question “So what do you do?” it might be time for a little self-check. Do you actually enjoy what you’re doing—or are you just coasting?

This doesn’t mean oversharing with everyone you meet online. Keep work convos for colleagues and hobbies for friends. But letting someone in, even just one person, can help you feel seen and supported. Hiding less = living more.

Build a mini routine (yes, even at home)

Quarantine blurred the line between weekdays and weekends. Suddenly Tuesday felt like Sunday… only with emails. Without structure, days can melt into each other, leaving you restless and unmotivated.

The fix? Create a mini routine. It doesn’t need to be intense. Wake up, make your bed, shower, brew your coffee, read your horoscope, or jot a quick journal entry. Small rituals bring back a sense of control. And control builds confidence.

Pro tip: keep weekends a little different from weekdays. Even tiny changes — like pancakes on Saturday morning or a longer walk on Sunday — keep the week feeling balanced.

Dress up, glow up

Sweatpants are a blessing. But let’s be real: wearing them nonstop can zap your self-esteem. Clothes influence how we feel — it’s psychology.

Swapping pyjamas for jeans or putting on a bright top can instantly lift your mood. Remember the buzz of nailing an outfit pre-COVID? That feeling still exists. Dressing well isn’t about impressing anyone else; it’s about reminding yourself you’re worth the effort.

As the saying goes: “Look good, feel good.” Science agrees.

Practice resilience (keep going, even when it’s tough)

Let’s not sugar-coat it: job hunting during a pandemic was brutal. Rejections hit harder when the world already feels uncertain. But resilience is built by showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Apply for the role you think you’re “underqualified” for. Pitch the project that scares you. Post that blog or art piece you’ve been hiding. The worst that can happen is someone says no. The best? You gain confidence from trying. Every small act of courage compounds into strength.

Move your body, boost your mood

Endorphins are basically free therapy. You don’t need to run a marathon—10 minutes of stretching, dancing in your kitchen, or a quick jog around the block can reset your whole vibe.

Exercise isn’t just about fitness; it’s about proving to yourself that you can do hard things. Each workout, no matter how small, is a tiny confidence win.

Try something new (goodbye boredom, hello growth)

Quarantine made life feel repetitive. Breaking the cycle with a new skill can do wonders for your confidence.

• Bake sourdough (even if it flops, it’s a story).
• Try calligraphy or sketching.
• Launch a podcast or blog.
• Finally give those TikTok dances a go.

Stepping outside your comfort zone sparks growth. Who knows? You might discover a hidden talent or hobby that sticks long after quarantine ends.

Little things that make a big difference

• Light a candle before dinner — it makes any meal feel special.
• Call a friend instead of texting.
• Rearrange a corner of your space for a fresh vibe.
• Play music that energises you in the morning.

Confidence isn’t built in one big leap; it’s layered through tiny, intentional choices each day.

The takeaway: You’ve got this

Working on yourself during quarantine doesn’t mean a total transformation. It’s not about becoming a new person overnight. It’s about little shifts: being honest with yourself, building a routine, getting dressed, moving your body, and trying new things.

This strange, challenging chapter is also a chance to re-meet yourself. And the version of you that comes out the other side? Likely stronger, braver, and happier than before.

So embrace it. Dress up, move, laugh, and lean into growth. Even if your only audience is Netflix and your cat., you deserve to feel like your best self.

Related reads:

• 10 Self-Care Rituals That Actually Work
• Fun Hobbies You Can Start From Home
• Why Dressing Up Can Change Your Mood