As our contact with the outside world slowly dwindles away, you may be thinking, “How am I going to survive months of social isolation? How am I going to live a life without parties of over 50 people? What am I going to do now that all California bars and breweries are closed?” 

Well I have the answer for you. Being quarantined might seem like a total bummer, but it also might just be exactly what you need.

What better time to work on your own self-improvement than when the government has mandated social distancing? If you follow these simple quarantine glow-up steps, you’ll be looking like fire when you emerge from your months of social isolation. As the bars open back up and as the parties start up again, you will be prepared to impress. 

Step 1: The Preparation Phase

The first step to any self-improvement plan is to make sure you’re feeling motivated and comfortable. You have to be able to look in the mirror and say “Girl, you’re worth this.” That’s why we’ve got to make sure you’re looking cute, even during social isolation. 

This is where the latest trend of matching sweat sets comes in. Comfy, coordinated and classy, a sweat set is the perfect look to rock during this year’s pandemic. 

Try this stunning, yet affordable, set from boohoo. This set comes in six vibrant colors. The best part about boohoo is that it is an online clothing store, meaning you can get your sweat set without ever leaving your home!

Next, you’ll be wanting to trade in your outside world shoes for some comfortable and stylish house slippers. These faux fur slippers from Shein (another online clothing store) will keep your feet looking fly.  

Step 2: Health and Fitness

According to the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has ordered gyms and fitness centers to close in response to the coronavirus outbreak. As other parts of the state witness more and more facility closures, Stan State students may be wondering what will happen here in Turlock.

There’s no need to panic, though. You can still achieve those abs of steel during your quarantine glow-up. In fact, working out is a great way to keep yourself from going stir-crazy while you sit at home. 

Pamela Reif is a YouTube fitness trainer who makes workout videos that do not require any equipment. This is perfect for those of you who are looking to get fit, but no longer have access to a gym or workout equipment. 

Reif’s high intensity training videos are sure to leave you sore and inspired. Each video is set to a workout playlist that includes remixes of some of the top hits, keeping you motivated as you work towards your fitness goals.

Another important aspect of your health is hydration! We all know that drinking water is important (especially when there is a rampant virus sweeping the world), but it can be annoying to have to leave class to pee every five minutes. 

That makes being home-bound the perfect time to cleanse your body! Say goodbye to the days of missing notes due to your bathroom trips. Now, you can simply pause the lecture, use the toilet, and refill that water cup whenever you please! 

Disclaimer: I am not encouraging the use of excess toilet paper. Please limit yourself to one square per flush. As we all know, toilet paper is the biggest priority during these desperate times and we must be responsible with our usage.

Our country is currently divided between those who have toilet paper, and those who do not. So as you’re about to tear off your usual 20 squares, please remember those who are less fortunate and conserve your paper.

Step 3: Hair Care

Over are the days of feeling obligated to bathe. Our hair has suffered from too many years of harsh shampoo, heat from blow dryers, curling irons and straighteners, and caked up hair products that lead to dry and flaky scalps. It’s time to let our locks breathe. Give your hair a break from the constant abuse that it suffers as we try to look our best. 

Instead of trying to strip your hair of it’s natural oils, try adding oil! Castor oil is an age old secret to long and luxurious locks. According to Verywell Health, applying castor oil to the roots of your hair is thought to promote rapid hair growth as well as to protect against hair loss. 

Step 4: Skin Care

Have acne? Well, now is the time to tackle your skin troubles. Again, this period of social isolation gives us the opportunity to take a break from all of the destructive things we do to ourselves in the name of beauty. 

Try this simple and natural no-makeup tutorial brought to you by the Signal beauty experts:

• Step 1: Don’t put on any makeup.

• Step 2: Done!

It’s time to put away the makeup. No more coating our faces with pore clogging chemicals. No more covering up blemishes, only to find that they are worse once uncovered. 

Trade in your foundation for a detoxifying face mask. The Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is a face mask that has been rapidly growing in popularity. The 100% natural mask is great way to deep cleanse your clogged pores.

Another factor to consider in improving one’s complexion is your diet. Of course, with the grocery stores around the country being cleaned out just hours after opening, it may seem like you have very few options in terms of healthy eating. 

On the bright side, the empty shelves may force us to eliminate the very foods that were causing trouble. No more dairy products on the shelves? No problem. According to a study found on US National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health, dairy is associated with an increase in acne. 

Oat milk and almond milk are excellent alternatives. But wait! Those are sold out too?? No problem. Take a look in your cupboard. If you have any oats or almonds, you’re halfway there. 

The Minimalist Baker has a quick and easy recipe for making your very own milk substitutes from simple ingredients found around the house. 

Your skin and your coffee will be saved with this simple recipe. Even in a pandemic, there’s no need to compromise your coffee.

If you follow these simple glow-up steps, the outside world is sure to be shocked when they see your transformation.

As we spend the next few months shut away in our houses, we encourage you to stay healthy, to care for your mind and your body, and to remain positive. 

Good luck, and stay safe!