Ever since COVID-19 has taken over the world, we’ve all been instructed to stay at home due to the lockdown to prevent the spread of this disease. Even though working from home is something that all of us enjoy, it may make us feel lonely and mess with our routines. For example, I used to dream of the idea of working from home and leaving the house as little as possible. However, ever since this dream became a cold, harsh reality, I don’t know if I’m still a fan of it. We all need a little bit of routine, structure and self-care to be the best versions of ourself. That’s why reached out to some of my colleagues and asked them how they’re practising self-care during the lockdown. Here’s what they had to say:
Alisha Fernandes
I like to stick to a routine. I make my bed every morning so I feel like it’s a start to a new day. After that, I wash the dishes, fill bottles with water and make coffee for my roommate and myself and then start my day. I cook every day and I try to find ways to minimise food wastage so that it helps with rationing. For instance, did you know that you could use celery leaves in broths?
I’ve also started documenting the cooking because many of my friends who might even be better cooks than me get stuck in a rut when thinking about what to cook and end up eating the same thing over and over again. And finally, my flatmate and I use Down Dog, a yoga app. I also do workouts from my friends who are trainers, to mix up the exercises every alternate day. On the weekends, I drink and have movie and show marathons and treat myself to a face mask.
Natasha Patel
I make it a point to work out every day. Whether it’s a walk or jog in my building compound or working out via an Instagram live with a trainer. Any form of exercise can really rejuvenate you. I’ve tried to find a new hobby—baking. I started small by making pancakes and the more I got into it the more I make it a point to make something small. Whether it’s hummus or a quick mini salad with dressing.
Nelly Wadia
I wake up and get some coffee or cola (stop judging me) and peanut butter toast, must-have brekkie or cannot function. After breakfast, I make a list of all the things I need to accomplish on that particular day and slowly start knocking things off that list. I write and take a lunch break in between. I talk to my colleagues through the day, they keep me rolling—I miss their faces. I’m not a hugger but I assure you when I go back to work I’m going to hug my mates!
Cooking dinner every day has been the best way to de-stress. After a few games on the PlayStation and then a movie before bedtime. Slowly catching up with my very long list of movies and shows to watch. Right before bed a line or two of gratitude I put out into the universe and a small prayer for the affected.
Saania Hava
After spending most of the day working from home and doing some domestic chores, I feel more mentally drained than physically. So, I finish everything by 9 pm, take a shower, do my night-time routine and curl up comfortably in my bed. That’s my me-time! Watching some OTT shows while snacking on popcorn helps me unwind at the end of the day. Sometimes instead of me-time I have some we-time with my family by playing cards while listening to old ghazals.
Sara Lokhandwala
My routine usually consists of waking up around 10 am and taking a walk on my balcony for some fresh air. I’ve been making the Dalgona coffee ever since it’s been in trend. Working here and there and doing some make up to look like I’m not dying haha. Watching movies and listening to music. That’s my been my routine in a loop ever since the lockdown.
Mrinal Bhatt
I make sure to stick by my regular morning and night routine to not feel off the hook but in the day, I am making the most of this phase where we have no house help. The lockdown has helped me focus better on tasks indoor. Have committed to ticking off tasks that have been long pending—mainly learning Pranayama and traditional cooking.
I guess the best self-care activity have taken is to cook up some fabulous family dishes which my Nani and Dadi used to make like pros, foods I grew up on. My dad is a Manglorean, my mom is a Gujrati and my husband is a Maharashtrian. It is now an obsession to learn core family dishes from all 3 sides! It has me connecting with my aunts and uncles across the globe. I am so kicked about it!
What is your self-care routine during the lockdown? Let me know in the comments below.
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