Stef In The City: 5 Tips for Surviving Life Indoors
Stef in the City is a monthly column by Stefanie Jones. Stefanie moved from London to be a co-host of the nationally syndicated TV show Daily Blast Live which films in Denver. Starting in 2012, Stefanie was the host of Fashion One Television, an international channel focusing on beauty, glamour, style, luxury, and viewed in more than 120 countries worldwide. A regular correspondent for international fashion weeks and at red carpet events around the world, Stefanie used her VIP access to report on some of the industry’s most exclusive parties. She has interviewed fashion’s most well-known insiders, including Anna Wintour. Every issue, Stef will share her fashion and beauty insider tips with our readers. In this issue, Stef shares five tips for surviving life indoors.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIC ANGUIANO
Let’s be honest my loves, it’s not quite the Spring that we’d all planned for, however, I’m determined to find the positives of our current situation and share them with our wonderful Cherry Creek Fashion readers. During times like these, it really is imperative that we do all we can to stay upbeat and positive for our well-being (and that of our friends and family) so I’ve put together some daily top tips to ensure a productive day.
1) Get up at your usual time.
We all love a long sleepy lie in, but keeping your regular wake up time is actually really important for your body clock. As tempting as it might be to stay snuggled up a little longer, you will quickly adjust to it and when you do have to head back into the office it will be a real shock! Use what would be your commenting time to have a longer shower, make a delicious breakfast or read a chapter of a book (I highly recommend Dear Girls by Ali Wong for a giggle). You can also catch up on the news during your extra morning time, but I would say limit how much you consume as it can add stress during these uncertain times.
2) Get dressed.
This may sound totally obvious but dressing with some purpose and getting ready for the day will change your entire outset. Believe me, it just doesn’t work staying in your sleepwear all day, not only will you not properly wake up (your brain will be slow to get into gear and get going) but you’ll also get to a point in the day where you feel really gross. Nothing about working in pajamas (or in bed for that matter) is conducive to a good working day. By ALL means, wear the comfy clothes you may have; this is definitely a time for leggings and baggy jumpers, just as long as you’re putting something on that isn’t PJs. Trying to wear clothes that make you feel happy, wearing bright colors has been proven to be uplifting so even if you’re remaining indoors for the foreseeable, you can still use fashion and accessories to cheer up your day. You may find that you’re enjoying not having to wear your usual work clothes, so make even your home clothes bright and fun. It will have an impact on anyone else in the house as well.
Something that really makes me feel put together is applying a touch of makeup and having my nails done nicely. You don't have to look like your about to have a board meeting (or in my case, go on air) but it helps to have a little tinted moisturizer, lip balm, and mascara. It helps me feel ready to face the day and gives me confidence. I know at the moment the nail salons are closed and a shellac manicure is a mere dream at the moment but we can all add a pop of color or a quick file to keep us feeling good about ourselves. It might sound a little silly but whenever I’m on my laptop working it’s nice to look down at my nails typing away and see they’re neat and tidy. Work with whatever makes YOU feel good and work-ready whether its a lipstick, earrings or a cute blouse.
3) Take breaks.
Breaks are vital to brainpower and productivity - whether its to make a cup of tea, text a friend, step outside if you can or even just walk around the house for a while. If you now find yourself working from home and you're usually at a desk, try to have lunch at the same time as you normally would, just because you are at home doesn’t mean you have to be rooted to your desk - you could go sit on the balcony for some breathing room and vitamin D. Find positives wherever you can, for example, you can whip up a lunch that you wouldn’t usually be able to do or check in with loved ones with a call to break up the day.
4) Staying home with children.
I have no children so I don’t have this issue, but hearing from friends that do have bundles of joy at home due to no school at the moment have said how everyone being at home is a lot tricker. If you have a partner at home with you, taking shifts is 100% essential for your sanity. Make as much use of nap time as possible. If you can work whilst they play on their own then that’s great but if not, putting them in front of a film or TV show will buy you some time to get stuff around the house or on the computer done. If you have older children that are doing their own thing during the day, you can create a little ‘Stop and Go’ sign on your door so they know if you or your partner cannot be disturbed if on call or in a virtual meeting.
5) Workouts and meditation.
Last, but certainly not least, it helps everyone physically and mentally to work out. Whether it’s following an online yoga class - there are so many that are free on YouTube or even trying something new that you’ve always wanted to give a go, for example, Ballet! The English National Ballet has been posting weekly workouts that you can do at home in the kitchen on their Instagram. It’s fun, challenging and will make you feel great afterward. So many companies have been releasing material online to keep us fit and healthy whilst at home that it would be a waste to not give a few a go. I’m big on meditation, it helps me clear my mind, focus and be a happier person. I love headspace, which you can trial for free for ten days or alternatively you can download Insight Timer which has thousands of free meditations you can try for your own inner peace and me time. If you have never tried it, believe me, it will change your life. Now is the time!
Until next time darlings. Follow me @steffrjones
