No. 02

– getting through bad days –

It’s the end of mid-March, and boy what a whirlwind of a month it has been already! I’m almost afraid to say the C-Word on here as it appears to be what everyone is talking about for the past few weeks. I think to suggest that Corona Virus or COVID19 has caused upheaval on people’s lives is an understatement. From a social perspective, not only has this ‘event’ opened eyes to certain issues in society but has highlighted people’s actions. Many people are at risk and vulnerable due to the lack of Government action. I live with my parents and every decision and choice I have made over the past two weeks had my parents in mind as they are both at high-risk due to their respective heart issues.

I’m incredibly privileged and thankful to work for a supervisor who applied measures to encourage flexible working to protect me and my family. But what about those who cannot? What about the people who work in supermarkets who have to turn up to work the next day to help cope with the number of customers stockpiling in case of a nationwide lockdown? What about the workers, who in a bid to protect themselves wear gloves, only to be told not to as it will ‘only encourage the panic’?

What about the people who don’t have the luxury of being able to work from home — afraid to go to work but have no choice but to — because if they don’t turn up, they lose their only source of income? What about our local, independent coffee shops & cafés that are suffering from the loss of sales? What about the people who had special events and holidays planned, months in advance, and now have to cancel them, or postpone them, or go ahead without their loved ones there?

And what about those who have lost their loved ones before their time, in this past month?

It’s in these moments, perhaps, that we should take a moment to be aware, be thankful and most importantly, be considerate to those around us. This Sunday and over the next few weeks, take care of yourself, call your loved ones and check up on them, be sensible, and treat others how you’d like to be treated. If you feel lonely or isolated, come and chat with me! Drop me an email, or leave a comment below and I’ll keep you company <3

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Things that I am thankful for & what I’ve been up to

1. Social media & the internet. Both of these things have become synonymous to ‘busyness’; things that negatively impact your downtime and ‘mindful living’. But to be honest, without either of these things, the past week would have been hell for me. I am a people person. I love being around friends, colleagues and family. Working from home is great every once in a while, but to be at home in complete solitude detracts the joy of some company. Without the internet, I would not have the luxury of working from home. Without social media, I would not be able to keep in contact with my friends (with whom I’ve had to cancel all social gatherings over the foreseeable future) and family who live abroad.
2. Having a hobby. I may not have been that grateful when my mum took me to piano lessons as a child — it seemed more like a chore than a hobby back then. But now, I cannot go without playing the piano every week. It’s a great way to wind down away from the screen, and detox from the stress of life right now.
3. So, I’ve discovered that sesame seed oil is an OG skincare holy grail. Another one of my mum’s homemade recipes, which at this point, I think should be trademarked with a Mother-Knows-Best ^TM. The recipe is quite simple, pulverize a handful of sesame seeds with a few shavings of jaggery (easily procurable from Asian food stores). Quite literally, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.

ii.

Blogs I’ve read, & shows I’ve watched this week

1. I Didn’t Call It Romance by Ashlee Gadd on Coffee and Crumbs is a great piece about the realities of love, marriage and romance.
2. Four Small Things I’m Doing To Be Happier in 2020 by Gen Vanderzeil is a great uplifting read in such dark, unsettling times and easily implementable in your own daily routine.
3. Love is Blind on Netflix. I’ll be honest, I watched the first couple of episodes and wasn’t immediately hooked. However, upon recommendation of a friend, I went back to it and found that I did start to enjoy it more past episode 4. Though the show has been spoiled for me, I look forward to watching the journey these couples go on.
4. The Bachelor, US. This is one of those that I hate the principle of, but can’t help but watch because of the drama. This season was a dumpster-fire to put it simply. The bachelor was as weak as a limp noodle and more indecisive than chameleons walking. But, boy, was it great entertainment! The season finale itself was a great watch — and it also raised the question of how involved should parents become in their children’s love lives? More so than the show, I love YouTube recaps of episodes, if only to laugh with someone on the ridiculousness of it all. My favourites are Roses and Rosé with Lauren Zima, Whit & Ry and The Bachelor Happy Hour Podcast with Rachel Lindsay and Becca Kufrin (two former Bachelorettes).
5. Working from home for most of the week definitely altered the routine I’ve become accommodated to, and this rhythm & routine blog post is a great read if you find yourself in a similar position to mine.

iii.

Tips to take care of yourself, & destress

1. Light a candle, and meditate. Meditation is about quietening the mind. Not reacting, just noticing. Even a minute can make a difference. Be in the moment noticing everything around you and just observe without reacting. My current favourite candle is the Night Music scent from Bella Freud.
2. Do relaxation exercises. I follow this youtube channel for yoga at home but there are hundreds of videos available at your fingertips.
3. Steep some essential oils in a small bowl and let it rest on a bath of hot water (in a slightly larger bowl) for a homemade diffuser.
4. Immerse yourself in a creative outlet, doing something like playing an instrument, cooking, baking, art or photography can take you away from stress at hand.
5. Express your feelings. Write your stress away in a journal, or if you prefer, start a private WordPress blog to store your thoughts away online.
6. Take on a healthy diet. Now more than ever, it is important to look after your health, and as someone wise once told me, our health always seems much more valuable after we lose it. Up your Vitamin C intake, add turmeric to your meals and drink plenty of water!

And on a final note;

see you in the next post.

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