by THE PINK TARHA
We remember as kids growing up in the 90s – a time where cable TV was a luxury and the internet was not yet a thing – we would often be left at home with very few entertainment options. Interestingly enough, this “quarantine season” amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is making us rediscover our youth where times were much simpler.
Today, we are very fortunate to have the internet as a multiple avenue of resource and leisure but this particular situation lately has also required people to stay at home. And for those who are used to a social or more active lifestyle may find themselves disoriented at how to adjust accordingly. Introverts, however, are having the last laugh. (Shoutout to you guys!)
Staying at home is the least we can do to help combat this disease. But admittedly, there is still anxiety and fear around being confined all day long. So let’s venture into some of the things that we can do to take our mind off the negatives, and focus on the positives. Here are some of the benefits of staying at home:
Catch up on sleep.
Being busy and sleepless is neither cool nor healthy. Use this time to re-acquaint yourself with your comfy bed and snuggle up in between the sheets. Aim for the 8 to 10-hour mark and surely you’ll feel better already.
Appreciate alone time.
This applies to those who are living here without their families of course. This is the moment where you can be away from toxic people and social distancing plays to your advantage. Alone time allows for self-reflection, meditation, and prayer – many of which can reset your soul and sense of self.
Read and finish a book.
An oldie but a goodie! With all these travel bans and self-quarantine rules, reading can transport you to another world without ever leaving your house. You can rekindle your love for fiction and non-fiction and even discover new genres. In this day and age where people just “look” and don’t READ… remember, #ReadingIsFundamental.
Get creative.
We have particularly taken up Paint by Numbers projects that have been helpful in keeping our focus. We’ve also been active in creative journaling and lettering. We’ve also cooked our own meals more often seeing that we’ve been at home and can’t really go out to eat in public. You can partake on a new skill to your liking and explore other creative spheres you have yet to discover (enhancing your makeup skills, drawing, playing the piano, learning a new instrument, etc).
Exercise.
Staying at home can make us couch potatoes too – so don’t fall into that trap! If the munchies come knocking in, try doing a couple of jumping jacks first and drink a glass of water. Making a schedule of one hour out of your day to sweat can do you good. Try an online Zumba workout or a circuit training of squats, lunges and planking – that ought to raise your heart rates to a healthy level.
De-clutter your space.
No need to take it Marie Kondo levels, but you can take this time to dispose of the things you no longer use around the house but never came around to clearing them. Organize your closet. Dust off those old shoes and maybe wash one of them. Put away items for donations. Redecorate the living room. Refreshing your surroundings is never a bad thing.
Have a solo concert in your living room (or bathroom)
Music can be the number one stress reliever. Play your favorite song and get that hair brush out in front of you. Belt out the refrain and don’t apologize for it. Dance along if you want to. This concert is for you alone and you will never be able to do this outside the comfort (and privacy) of your own home, so get loud. As long as it’s daytime, of course.
Staying at home doesn’t have to be boring. It can be productive, creative, and even fun. All it needs is the right mindset and preparing your surroundings for it to succeed. It’s also an opportunity for us to re-realize the most important things in our lives: health and happiness. And they can be found in the simplest, most uncomplicated little things.
Janelle Vales-Yasay and Reina Tejano-Berina are the power duo behind the successful multi-awarded blog “The Pink Tarha”, an online lifestyle guide in Saudi Arabia. They started their blog in 2009 and since then have inspired many people by showcasing the fun and interesting side of living in KSA. What started out as a hobby for the girls has gained so much positive attention and appreciation in the process winning them the Saudi Excellence in Tourism Award.
Facebook/Instagram: @thepinktarha
Website: www.thepinktarha.com
