Showing posts with label Corona Virus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Corona Virus. Show all posts
An Ode to stay-at-home Mothers
House wife, home maker, mother, stay-at-home wives / mothers; you may choose to address them in different ways, but what cannot be ignored is a very simple fact - instead of a regular, mundane 9 to 5 job, she does the "when I open my eyes, till I close my eyes" job. Housework is one department which often goes unappreciated. No one notices when the homemaker does it, but everyone notices or rather, ends up realising their folly, when she is unable to do the same (especially when she is sick). Being a son, living in a house with two other men (my brother and father, respectively), I have grown up admiring the only woman in my house, who chose to spend her life as a home maker - My Mom.
Currently, we are all going through a very tough time, and have been confined to the four walls of our respective houses. The entire nation has come to a standstill after the major outburst of Corona Virus. Ever since the lockdown has been announced, almost every company has been asked to follow the work from home mode of delivering and managing work schedules. Needless to say, this breakdown has impacted many people in various ways. Introverts are living their ultimate dream (kind of, no offence), as they don't need social environment anymore, while Extroverts are dying for social interaction and moving out of their homes. It's been almost 10 days, and we feel things around us have changed a lot. Some feel lost in their own homes, literally find ways to kill boredom, some choose to laze around and crib about the current circumstances. (yeah, despite my partner constantly telling me to avoid this, I've been through situations where I have cribbed and even accepted the situation, with the will to fight through it).
At the same time, many of us have figured out new ways to kill this boredom. While some continue to work hard, some have dedicated extra time to their hobbies, others are re-discovering their passion. Social media is packed with hidden master chefs displaying their new cooking skills and experiments, and some are, well, still fighting against the odds. However, this is just the tip of an iceberg. We still have a long way to go.
Just as I was carefully analysing the situation, an important thought crossed my mind, and struck me hard. My mom came up and I began noticing her routine. I carefully observed how she was taking care of all the small things. At the same time, she was also dealing with our random food cravings, irritation, talks on boredom among others. All this, while maintaining family balance and looking after every individual. Won't deny that we have proactively lend a helping hand, but nothing can match up to her skills. Yes, my mother is a house wife, or rather - a homemaker, by choice. And while we crib about our work from home routine, stay-at-home mothers like her have a work from home every single day. Beat that, will ya?
So many of us, including myself, have been cribbing about the lockdown and work from home since more than a week. But, they have been doing it since the day they chose this role and began looking after the family. It hit me that when all of us leave for work, Mom spends almost half the day alone, facing that same horrible boredom. No one to talk to, except a few phone calls here and there, and maybe a trip to the bazaar, for groceries and essentials. She gets everything together at home, while waiting for us to get back, enjoy dinner together and once again, get busy in the ever churning wheel of life.
Every single stay-at-home mom, whose efforts often go unnoticed and unappreciated, deserve a real round of applause for their selfless efforts. Time and again, every Mother (including mine and even those, who choose to balance work with their home commitments) have proved that none of what we do at our workplace, would be possible without their effort. She is not just a housewife - she is the real hero of every family. Without her, it just wouldn't feel like home.
A massive respect to their efforts, dedication, and selfless support (Remember, stay-at-home mothers don't even get paid to do all this). How about we go out and thank our mothers, wives and partners with a hug and some love? And remember, while you continue to work from home (or even otherwise), take some time out to appreciate them with a kind gesture.
I took the step and appreciated the hero in my life. Now, it's your turn!
Self Care in the time of Self Quarantine | Covid-19 Awareness
Mental and Physical health is an important part of overall wellness. For many, especially those who aren’t well acquainted with the process of working from home, the last few days haven’t been easy. It tends to get overwhelming for many, especially those who are used to the process of regular social interactions.
With an overload of information related to #Covid19 being shared everywhere, we often ignore the importance of small joys. In times like these, there is a need to focus on the importance of Self Care and filling our life with some positivity. So, while we #SelfQuarantine, how about we try and do the following:
Learn something new
Take up an online course, experiment with a new dish in the kitchen, learn that dance form by watching online tutorials, play with paints or just learn a new language. With digital courses and tutorials available across platforms, learning doesn't have to be confined to four walls and a blackboard alone.
Make time for our hobbies
Stocked up on new books in the past few months, but never got the chance to read? Or, is the guitar in your room pushed to a faraway corner, where dust often greets it more than you do? This can be the perfect time to live your passion and discover the small joys attached to it. We all have a hobby (or more) we love, which perhaps, had to be pushed in the back-burner due to various reasons, including the everyday work routine.
Stocked up on new books in the past few months, but never got the chance to read? Or, is the guitar in your room pushed to a faraway corner, where dust often greets it more than you do? This can be the perfect time to live your passion and discover the small joys attached to it. We all have a hobby (or more) we love, which perhaps, had to be pushed in the back-burner due to various reasons, including the everyday work routine.
Practice home workouts
Sulking because the gyms are closed, and there isn't anything that can be done? Well, if you have the motivation to stay fit, even while at home, then nothing can stop you. There are so many Apps (like Nike Training Club, Sweat) & even routines being shared by fitness experts (I personally love the routines shared by Cassey Ho of Blogilates). All you need is a workout mat, a bottle of water, and some energy to get going.
Be mindful to support your immune system
Eat healthy, practice breathing exercises, maintain hygiene, take a hot water bucket bath or start your day with a glass full of warm water with lemon; there are many ways in which you can ensure your immune system stays strong. Avoid binging on junk, while binge watching your favourite series, and do not touch your face to pop that pimple. Ensure you wash your hands from time to time!
Take healthy breaks from news
Constant sharing of updates & news tends to take a negative toll. Being indoors and change in routine is enough. You definitely don't want negativity to affect your mental health. Look at the positive side of life a little more often, and restrict the time spent on reading updates. Perhaps, you can reserve 30 mins - 60 mins, anytime during the day, solely for reading newspapers and catching up on all the world news.
Encourage quick breaks in between work
I won't deny - I am guilty of spending hours behind the laptop, working round the clock, even to the extent of forgetting my lunch. However, with more hours being spent indoors and absolutely no travel whatsoever, it's important that you take short breaks to refresh. Take a walk around the house, drink some water, stretch yourself, step out in the balcony to soak in some sunshine or just take a power nap (if you can master it - well done. Because I simply cannot).
Hydrate yourself from time to time
Well, this is a no-brainer. You need to stay hydrated, and ensure you get enough daily intake of water. You can also include fresh fruit juices, buttermilk and other items.
It's time to re-connect
How about calling your old friends and reliving some precious memories? Or, a video call to tell your bae how much you love him / her? Perhaps, play a virtual game with friends or just challenge each other to watch the same film. Or, just enjoy some good ol' conversations with the family. This could be a good time to relax, unwind and create a stronger bond with those who matter.
Be Kind!
Spread positivity & be kind to those around you. Encourage paid leaves for your domestic help, discuss the matter with your society secretaries to extend paid leaves to the sweeper, cleaner or other daily workers, who extend their services to you everyday. Generously tip those who deliver food and other items to your doorstep. Extend your gratitude to all those who have been endlessly working throughout the time of crisis - including emergency service staff, medical staff, army, government officials among others. It's time we give back to the society, be responsible, kind, and stay united. Remember - gratitude attracts positive vibes!
Spend time with your Pets
This is an amazing time to play, be goofy and crazy with your pets. Spending adequate time with your pets can be the most amazing feeling ever, as their love is pure and unmatchable. And no, they cannot carry the Covid-19 virus. Please educate yourself before abandoning pets, and be aware that as per WHO - animals cannot be infected with this viral disease.
Let’s be responsible and respect regulations for a better tomorrow. All this, while ensuring that we look after ourselves and encourage Self Care! Stay safe, everyone.
How are you taking time off during this period of self quarantine? Join the conversation by commenting below or on
Love,
The Dancebee
Covid-19 | Preventive Measures against Coronavirus
Covid-19 continues to spread across various countries, bringing many cities to a standstill and forcing us to change our everyday work routine. Several precautions being taken by health ministries and governments of different countries, states - ranging from shutting down cinema halls, to gyms, swimming pools and even educational institutions. Even certain companies aren't far behind - with many offering 'work from home' facilities, to ensure that their employees avoid traveling in larger crowds. Every individual is busy creating their own list of preventive steps. And no, chanting 'Go Corona' isn't a definite step. Nope!
While updates roll out, it is important to note - Social media is packed with tons of information. Well, that's a fact. The internet is filled with all kinds of misconceptions, rumours, fake forwards and suggestions - many of which are constantly churned out from the social media factory. As alert citizens, it is our duty to share the right piece of information and be aware about the integral tips that need to be followed. While you research and look at various factors behind this disaster, let's just understand one fact - We must follow the basic necessities first! As a socially conscious creator, I felt the need to compile and share some important protective measures against Covid-19 (key reference: World Health Organisation). Remember, we are in this together! Let's make this world a better place, and fight against Covid-19 responsibly.
And while you are at it - remember to save water and avoid keeping the tap on, while you use the soap.
Please feel free to share these tips with your loved ones. And remember - avoid spreading rumours! As alert citizens, let's be responsible for the content and messages that we share. Also, it would be great if we can integrate basic hygiene processes in our daily routine more effectively. Things like using a sanitiser or washing hands regularly as basic ways in which we can prevent many more diseases.
Follow World Health Organisation @WHO on Twitter for official information and updates regarding Covid-19. Alternatively, you can also choose to follow the official handle of your nation's health ministry (For India - you can follow Ministry of Health)
Stay Safe. Be Alert! Lots of love to each and every follower.
For exclusive updates and news, join the conversation on
Love,
The Dancebee
