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As the world continues to struggle against the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, our regular daily routines have been disrupted beyond recognition. While the virus forces us indoors to self-isolate and prevent the spread, it is now more important than ever to focus on self-care to keep us feeling calm, grounded and give us a sense of normalcy during these unprecedented times. As the world continues to struggle against the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, our regular daily routines have been disrupted beyond recognition. While the virus forces us indoors to self-isolate and prevent the spread, it is now more important than ever to focus on self-care to keep us feeling calm, grounded and give us a sense of normalcy during these unprecedented times.

There's no way of sugar-coating it: the COVID-19 pandemic is having a catastrophic effect on our livelihoods with jobs, family milestones and day-to-day routine under threat. Throw in government regulations instructing us to stay home and we're having to adapt to a stranger (and potentially lonelier) world. Having arrived back in Sydney just shy of two hours before the Australian borders closed after a brief trip home to the UK, I was ordered to self-isolate for two weeks. With the office shut for the foreseeable and a knack for working from the kitchen/dining room table/bed, I didn't think I would mind the solitude (I believed I might even relish it) - but going day-after-day without seeing a soul soon took its toll on my mental health. You'd think that holding everyone's social plans under quarantine would ease the all-too-recognisable tinge of FOMO but it only struck harder with friends showcasing their freshly-baked banana bread on Instagram whilst isolating families whipped out old fashioned board games to pass the time. RELATED: Online Courses And Apps To Help You Learn A New Skill In Quarantine It's important to highlight that not everyone is thriving (let alone, enjoying) isolation. The reality is that many of us are far from home, bunking with housemates or obeying social distancing laws without a pal to turn to. "There are many Australians who are already suffering from loneliness and self-isolation so the pandemic will only compound that," Nick Tebbey, National Executive Officer for mental health organisation Relationships Australia, told marie claire. "When you combine the requirements with the uncertainly around how long this will last for and whether or not we've seen the most stringent of requirements yet, there is an awful lot of stress and anxiety. We will definitely see consequences to people's mental health and wellbeing as a result of that." So with our 'old lives' dangling frighteningly out of reach for an unimaginable timeframe, how can we navigate the blurred line between loneliness and solitude? Follow a daily routine It's all too tempting to bury our head beneath the covers after a quick scroll of the morning headlines but creating a daily routine (and getting dressed) will trick your brain into thinking it's just another day. "We might not be able to control what's happening outside but we can control what's happening in our house," Tebbey stresses. "Plan to get up at a certain time and maybe incorporate some exercise into your schedule before work. A daily routine makes it easier to cope with all of the uncertainty that's surrounding us."

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The impact the COVID-19 pandemic has been exponential on small Australian businesses in the fashion industry, with the closure of stores and diminishing sales just the start of what could be a months-long ordeal. New initiative We Wear Australian is hoping to help make the transition a little easier, aiming to drive awareness to the Aussie brands who have been deeply affected by the global situation. “The Australian fashion industry has never experienced tougher times," Richard Poulson, co-founder of Morrison and CEO of new eCommerce environment Showroom-X, said. "But we are a creative and resilient industry, by uniting and putting a spotlight on the industry impact and response we are able to support each other and contribute to the rebuild of Australia," The three-week initiative - which will begin on April 9 - sees the participating designers offer special offers to consumers. Partners include The Daily Edited, Manning Cartell, Ellery, Mara & Mine, Matin, We Are Kindred, Bassike, Rebecca Vallance, Le Specs (among many other leading labels).

While the growing COVID-19 pandemic has had an immeasurable impact on the health and safety of Australian citizens, its effects have also placed an equal amount of strain on the economy – particularly on local small businesses. During this difficult time, many of us have been left unsure of how to support these businesses, as several of our local hotspots have had to reduce their trading hours, transition to online or takeaway only, or in many cases, shut their doors completely. Thankfully, a team of volunteer developers have found a solution, creating an app that will bring small businesses some relief. LocalSpots is a not for profit app that allows you to purchase gift cards for shops and restaurants in New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT that will remain valid for three years.

There's no denying 2020 is a strange time for beauty. Regular grooming and pampering sessions at our local haunts have been swapped for DIY face masks and letting the au natural lead the way.