There’s no business without wellness
Summer is here. For real. Between the seething temperatures to people’s vacation pictures, summer has made a comeback. When my husband and I were in Bryant Park last weekend with some friends, the place was packed. A large majority without the mask. It freaked me out a little.
Take your time
I don’t take my freedom today for granted. While I am excited about businesses reopening in New York City, in-person meetings, hugging people after a year, and some level of normalcy returning to our lives…I am also nervous, despite being fully vaccinated. I’m not sure if I am ready to transition to a life that involves taking the subway daily and venturing into bars or attending 100 people BBQs. I am not dismissive of science; the pandemic and what it’s cost me and those I know has shaken up my confidence. It will take some time for the faith to grow. I want people to give me (and others) the space on how to handle life post lockdown. Take care of your mental and emotional well-being!
Post-lockdown mind and body
Now with the western world reopening so suddenly, many of us probably feel unprepared. Jokes and over-circulated memes about “Quarantine-19 or Corona-20” became real and relatable overnight. You are expected to live your life again, which is great! But it doesn’t feel amazing when you have to think of a new wardrobe. I know a few people who have developed agoraphobia. Some have gotten comfortable being at home and working in their pj’s; others feel self-conscious of their weight gain and are not ready for others to see their body. I write about cherishing your body and not punishing it for not fitting into last year’s wardrobe. This article in the New York Times tells us that parents and caregivers experienced higher levels of mental health symptoms during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Don’t doubt the human resilience
Last year was not normal. There was stress-eating, mindless snacking, and baking brought upon by procrastination and lockdowns. But 2020 does not represent who you are and how you live. Learn to forgive yourself and stop feeling guilty about that extra cookie you ate. Stop judging, criticizing, and saying unkind things to and about your body. We are literally just getting out of a pandemic. You might have gained a few pounds. There might be an inherent struggle to get back to your workouts. But human beings are resilient, and we will turn things around. If you are looking for Ayurvedic tips to manage stress during the pandemic, I have something for you. You can sign up for it here!
My bookshelf
I am reading and savoring, “The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice,” by Deborah Adele. Perfect book for these times when we need more kindness towards ourselves and others. I also finished reading an advance review copy of Anisha Bhatia’s upcoming novel: The Rules of Arrangement. It’s a fun, vacation read.
I hope you stay healthy and happy. May wellness be your bestie.
Written by Sweta Vikram