Hi
all! This is Nisreen from Tokyo.
How
are you? Me, I'm the same old same old -- surviving!
Let
me share my seven strategies for coping during the pandemic. These make my
life a little lighter, and a little brighter.
1.
Light a candle.
In
the evening, take some time to turn off the bright room lights, the phone, and the
computer.
Light
a candle with a nice scent instead! Breathe and relax. Be careful don't knock
it over -- especially in those wooden Tokyo flats!
2.
Yoga routines are life savers.
I
can't brag too much, since I'm just a baby-level self-taught yoga practitioner.
An app called Headspace has given me chances to watch yoga routine videos and
meditation guidance. Since I started doing yoga on lunch breaks and in the
evening, I've become less stressed, and feel more fulfilled. It certainly feels
like "mindfulness", a term that's used a lot in yoga. The
routines also have tremendous workout benefits, such as enhancement of core
strength and flexibility.
3.Go
to bed before 11:30 P.M.
This
is easy to say, hard to do.. I just have to admit that my skin is much clearer on days following a good night’s sleep than otherwise. I do
though sometimes allow myself to stay up late and do random things like
reading comics or indulging in YouTube Michael Jackson video marathons.
4.
Use fancy body scrubs and lotions.
The
body scrub from Sabon makes you feel like a queen...I know it's not
cheap, but you deserve it!
5.
Wear lovely coloured leggings and funky socks
Staying
home and not having to dress up doesn't necessarily mean that you don't enjoy
fashion. Dress up and be cute just for yourself. Summon your inner Fab 5!
6. Use colourful paints.
Painting,
especially abstract painting with bright colours, can be a liberating
experience. It unleashes your passion and creativity. It helps you to be more
in the moment. Materials can be crayons, pastels, oil paintings, or acrylic
paintings. Get your hands dirty!
7.
Dance.
Of
course -- dance! HipHop, Ballet, Flamenco, Samba, Bollywood -- any dance form
is good, as long as you enjoy it and feel like yourself.
I,
of course, enjoy Oriental dance (belly dance) more than any other dance forms.
I can really feel and express a deep feeling of joy when dancing to Middle
Eastern or Turkish music. It is such an energising experience that never fails
in reminding me of my biggest fortune -- being alive!
Love,
Nisreen
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