How to turn a BAD DAY into a GOOD ONE?

Over the last few weeks, I have been going through "waves". Not your instragammable aesthetic waves, but the gross English sea-side ones. Imagine thunder, lightning, and a whole lot of chaos. These waves, I think, are triggered by the following: 'isolation', 'lockdown', 'pandemic', 'fear', 'death rates', 'unemployment rates'... the list goes on.

You will often hear "but everyone is facing these things". Whilst that is said to comfort you and to put you at ease because everyone is on the same boat, but recently to me that means nothing. WE ARE ALL ON THE SAME BOAT HEADING TOWARDS A STORM. How is that any better? Ok, ok can you see I am going a bit mad? These "waves" have made me feel uneasy, uncomfortable, and anxious about the future.

Breathe Ishani, breathe. I have always been an adventurous person. I can never sit still, I have to be out there doing spontaneous things and living. I started this year with a spontaneous trip to Japan - that was the tone I wanted to set for the rest of the year. But, here we are. Not only am I told I can't travel, but I also have to "sit still" and stay at home. Taking this all, day by day. One of the biggest things that this year has taught me is that focusing on the bigger picture and long-term life plans is futile.

Focus on the little things, the everyday. It is much easier said than done. Trust me, I know - I have been trying to practice gratitude so much. But that is the only way. We have grown up in a world of Instagram, and in pursuing the unattainable. This can have a major impact on our expectations. So, let's take it slow, and small. Focus on smaller things. For example, this morning, I really appreciated the sun coming into our living room. The fact that I can see the sunrise from the comfort of my sofa is so nice! I made myself a wholesome breakfast (avocados were involved), read some Vogue, and watched Gilmore Girls. I know it's hard to believe but Gilmore Girls and Avocados will not cure your sadness and glumness. But, it will distract you. It will refocus your energy and attention on things that maybe you didn't notice before.

Learn more on how to deal with stress during a pandemic in the first issue of Ensemble (page 18) and little tips to reframe your perspective with a Youtube video I recently made on how to turn a BAD DAY into a GOOD ONE?

p.s. issue 1 of Ensemble is on the monthly magazine page (check the menu at the top)