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In Quarantine, Ellie Kemper Is Re-Thinking Her Self Care Routine

Photo credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin
Photo credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin

From Woman's Day

If there were ever a time to make sure you're taking care of yourself, now would be it. As the country faces a global pandemic that shows no signs of slowing, an ongoing civil rights movement, and an election looming, life can feel stressful. One way to mitigate that stress is by establishing and/or focusing on a tried-and-true self-care routine, which is exactly what actress Ellie Kemper is doing.

"It feels important now to spend time taking care of yourself," Kemper tells Woman's Day. "I like to set aside time for myself to go for a run, watch something comforting and distracting on TV, or just sit by myself for 15 minutes and eat animal crackers in total silence."

In addition to her steady diet of animal crackers, Kemper has been investing in a complete revamp of her beauty and skincare routine. "I’ve been using this time to take a closer look at the ingredients in my beauty and personal care products and to prioritize more natural options where I can," she explains.

Kemper has partnered with Tom's of Maine for its Prebiotic Personal Care line, which played a large part in her decision to reconsider her self-care regimen and look for meaningful ways to foster a healthy microbiome. "I think that many people are familiar with probiotics, but may not be as familiar with prebiotics, which basically are the nutrients that promote the growth of the good bacteria that already exists on our body." Kemper has also been obsessing over the brand's hand soap, especially since she's been washing her hands "nonstop" to stay safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While focusing on a beauty regimen or daily skin care routine might feel frivolous during difficult times like these, Kemper knows it's important to set aside time for yourself, to regroup when necessary, and to actively and unapologetically practice self-love. Studies have shown that the current public health crisis has had a negative impact on a majority of Americans' mental health, and moms in particular —
who are shouldering the bulk of the parenting, household, and at-home e-learning responsibilities — are finding it that much harder to take care of themselves as the pandemic rages on. So while washing your face or investing in a beauty routine that works for you might seem inconsequential, even the simplest act of self-care can have enormous benefits.

"When so many things feel out of our control, I appreciate how it feels like I’m taking care of myself," Kemper says. "[It] is important to do right now."


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