Escape the COVID Blues
Upon returning from Israel last October, I was struck with an intense drive to slow down & scale back. A marvelous year of discovering new places left me wondering how I could ignite my inner spark the same way - every day! A few months of sauna therapy helped journey deep within - 2020 was going to be devoted to implementing more creativity. And then came along COVID-19… In some strange way, I had done the prep work and was armed with a list of projects, an openness for a change in my daily reality and a coping list that I am thrilled to share.
Golden Milk, Fous Desserts, 2020 ©Claudine Hart
Experiment with new lifestyles & recipes
You may want to take this down time to experiment with new regimes (Vegetarian, Keto, Paleo). Take the time to internalize and note the differences. Minimize sugar, carbs and alcohol but keep in mind a weekly treat. My Saturday bakery and café sprawl has been replaced with new recipes. Otherwise, I resort to Montreal gems opened for lockdown takeout.
Top treats:
French-Style Chocolate Cake and More!: mmmmm Pinterest Board
Apricot Brioche - page 27 of A Table in Venice, by Skye McAlpine
Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte) from Fous Desserts
Scones, Small Plates & Vins Nature : Lawrence (serving Larry’s Menu)
The best Potato Pizza in town : Pizzeria Aléa
Keep Moving
Walking is a great exercise and can be combined with a great audio book or friendly chatter at a distance. Give yourself a minimum 5K daily goal with a weekend stretch goal of 15K! If walking is not your thing than try gardening or YouTube Pilates, Yoga & Fitness classes. Try mixing and matching the below short sessions from these Canadian fitness wonders.
Home Pamper
Concoct a few treatments such as peppermint foot baths, pink clay masks and rose petal steam facials. Coop Coco is a great resource for your aroma and skin therapy needs – and they ship!
Feed your Mind
There are many digital platforms that allow you to learn from others around the world! Whether it is cooking, water coloring, gardening, video editing or digital advertising, create some space to learn something new or brush up on your skills!
· Skillshare has a 2 month free special right now so take advantage!
· Airb’n’b is now offering virtual experiences. The concert from Iceland have definitely peeked my curiosity.
· If you are a business owner or marketing enthusiast, Google has many courses designed to learn how to track results on your website, learn more about your audience and reach them in a successful way!
Follow the Birds
Birdwatching is great to clear the mind and lift spirits. Although my Saturday group outings are on pause, I enjoy reading Bird Protection Quebec’s Facebook thread or watching an educational video from the Audubon Society, and doing a bit of virtual birdwatching on Cornell Lab FeederWatch Cam at Sapsucker Woods!
Otherwise, being in the great outdoors is far better than staring at a screen so head out solo or on distancing walks at nearby parks. A few Merlins, Pileated Woodpeckers, a flock of Bohemian Waxwings and close up of a Cooper’s Hawk are some of my Pandemic highlights.
Dance it Out
When I feel extra restless and need a pick me up – I join more than 4000 others around the world and dance with Ryan Heffington live on Instagram. Working it out, ha, ha, grapevine, mamma cat and happy hippie are a sure bet and a must try.
Pivot Support
Clearly we all have to pivot during COVID-19 and some may need a bit more support - hello Jenny Blake! I have twice listened to the audio version of her book Pivot on audible. Her words are precious and key for anyone who wants to make a meaningful impact in the world. The book comes with a series of activities that can help you dive deep into your core want and needs and help carve a strategy to make things happen. Ready to feel more alive than ever?
Don’t Give Up Your Dreams
Ahhh, what about travel? I am spending much time organizing my snaps and creating upcoming content that I can’t wait to share. Travel will return eventually and you may find yourself pivoting to a less with more meaning strategy. Hot tip - Conde Nast Traveller has released the May issue for FREE when you download their app. Look out for the spread on Leatitia Clark, her upcoming book on Sardinian lifestyle and meals is already on my must-read list. Ahhh, flashing back to 2014!
Questions, comments? Send me a note and please take care of yourself + others. All recos come from the heart.
