Remember March 2020? Life hit pause. Social calendars disappeared overnight, office desks turned into kitchen tables, and “WFH chic” meant pyjamas on repeat (with maybe a swipe of mascara for Zoom calls). Quarantine flipped routines upside down. We baked banana bread, binged Netflix, and scrolled TikTok until 3 a.m
But here’s the silver lining: quarantine gave us something rare — time. Time to reflect, slow down, and focus on ourselves. If you’ve been feeling stuck, This is your reminder: it’s never too late to embrace a better you during quarantine, even if the only ones seeing it are your plants.
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 at home
Quarantine blurred the line between weekdays and weekends. Suddenly Tuesday felt like Sunday… only with emails. Without structure, days blurred together — which is why building a quarantine routine helps.
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
Yes, sweatpants are iconic. But wearing them nonstop can zap your self-esteem. Clothes influence your mood during quarantine.
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 during quarantine isn’t just about fitness; it’s about proving 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 boredom with a new skill sparks growth — and helps you step into a better you during quarantine.
- 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
Quarantine self-care isn’t about 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.
