These 21 days of lockdown have given us quite some time to introspect, and open our hearts to things we’ve never consciously thought about. We are all in the same boat, trying our best to thrive happily as we practise social distancing to the T.  While the situation at hand might not be the most favourable, and we may be battling anxiety of what lies ahead, there is a silver lining in the clouds.

The quarantine phase has shown us what it truly means to #TakeItSlow -- to take every moment, every day, as it comes and truly live in the now. To be more patient. To be more present. It is teaching us to value our jobs a little more, crib a little less, and appreciate the joys of smaller things that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Have you observed how the birds are louder than ever before?

Make the most of this time and keep yourself happy, and live your flow to the fullest. Here are a few fun things you can do if you haven’t started already that will help you reconnect with your inner Diva, take it slow and live a little more.

#1 Make Time for Fitness 

Health comes first and as cliched as it may sound, focusing on fitness can truly do wonders for the body AND the mind. But who said workouts at home should be boring? Look up ‘Pilates’ or ‘Yoga at home’ and you will be surprised at the number of workout videos and tutorials available online to keep your fitness game going strong. If you’re not as much into fitness and are looking for a way to get started, try something new every day that you’ve never done before, and surprise yourself. Or let your inner fashionista be your drive. Experimenting with outfits to wear for each workout session could be a great motivation, and while you are at that, make sure you don’t forget to have fun with your looks. LIVA recommends using breathable and comfortable fabrics for your workouts-at-home sessions, so you are feeling agile and comfortable throughout. The best workout fabric is the one that helps you move.

Bonus Tip : Follow fitness trainers on Instagram and tune into their Live session, or try a Zoom workout. We kid you not, you will probably switch to the indoor fitness regime much after the pandemic subsides.

 Photo by Valeria Ushakova from Pexels

#2 Move Over Binge-Watching

Binge-watching is so 2019. With the number of TV shows and movies that are available on multiple OTT platforms these days, most of us have forgotten to read. It’s time to move over binge-watching and invest in yourself! Use this time to dust off that bookshelf, and catch up on your reading lists. Challenge yourself to read for at least an hour a day. Or go on a binge-reading spree and see how many books you can do. When was the last time you did that anyway?

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#3 Tune into a Soulful Meditation

Don’t let these stressful times get the better of you. One of the age-old yet most effective ways to tune into your inner self is to practise deep breathing and meditation. The endless scrolling through news everyday can definitely get on to your nerves, so take some time to unwind and connect within. For more innovative ways to meditate at home, try an app, watch a YouTube video or tune into a podcast. If you find it difficult to stay still, we suggest tuning into a guided meditation for deep sleep and healing. Meditation is all we all need to keep calm, maintain peace, and solidarity during these tough times, and you will wake up feeling more fresh and energetic.

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#4 Experiment in the Kitchen

With banana bread and dalgona coffee memes gaining popularity, this pandemic has turned us all into a self-proclaimed home-chef, and we are not complaining! Look up #QuarantineCooking, and you will be floored with the number of food posts reigning social media these days! Be kind to the society, and don’t unnecessarily hoard supplies. Make the most of the ingredients you have at home, and get innovative with your preparations. Look up a recipe for your favourite dish, or simply ask granny (we bet she will be over the moon!)  and start whisking away the batter to all its glory. Not only is cooking therapeutic, it will also leave you happy and well-fed.

 Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

#5 Plan a Self-Care Sesh

From lighting candles every evening, spending time with the family, to sitting down for a home-cooked meal, self-care has been underrated and how! Self-care meaning one needs to look after one’s physical health and mental health alike. It could be simple things like a hot water bath, treating yourself to an extra chocolate, reflecting and writing in your gratitude journal, getting on a face-mask and working up a skin-care routine, or consuming news in limited amounts. Let your imagination take the driver’s seat when it comes to self-care and see where it takes you. Ladies, these are the times when you should make self-care top priority.

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#6 Games with the Fam

Why wait for Diwali to play poker or cards with the family? Now is the time to sit together and have a post-dinner gaming session. There is a horde of digital games that you can indulge in happily. Try Psyche, Poker, Pictionary, or even games that will get you nostalgic such as everyone’s favourite Ludo. Extra points for bringing out an old board game and getting everyone at home involved!

  Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels

#7 Pursuing that Long-Lost Hobby

What would you do if you had to pick up an alternative career? Thought you could have been a writer if you didn’t pursue a job in finance? Or, wanted to try your hand at sketching, or have your own blog? Reminisce your childhood days and bring back that long-lost hobby. Be it painting, quilling, knitting, dancing, singing, or gardening, Now is a wonderful time to learn a new skill and invest in yourself.

 Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Our hectic lives don't give us a chance to take a break and just simply breathe. But, this is a great opportunity to take it slow. Empty your cup, and refill it one day at a time, finding your flow, and enjoying every sip to the fullest!