For the last two weeks, I’ve been laid up with two intense infections that overlapped- stomach flu/gastritis and either H3N2 or Covid. I have no energy, I am breathless all the time and my delicate stomach won’t allow me eat much. Being someone who likes to exercise and be occupied all the time, this period of quarantine has been mind numbingly boring. So if I get a sudden unprecedented burst of energy at 4.30am, I am going to take full advantage of it. 

A few days ago, I was lying on the couch and staring at the wall (literally) in front of me and I thought, the last few pieces have been quite heavy so I want to write about some of the small things that I am grateful for and that give me mental peace. These are things that everyone can do or have. 

1. Hot cup of desi chai

I need my chai in the morning to centre myself. I either make it with lots of lemon grass from my garden or fresh ginger. I drink the chai in bed while reading something. This is a ritual I stick to wherever I am. 

2. Laughter is the medicine

My mother laughs easily, my father not so much but he has developed a sense of humour over the years. Our family get togethers are about drinking chai through the day and laughing. I remember my sister, mother and I used to laugh uncontrollably sometimes at the dining table. 

I fell in love with my husband because of his quirky sense of humour. I’m grateful to have close friends who I laugh a lot with too. 

I will also admit to laughing watching instagram videos. Basically, I laugh easily and loud and it helps alleviate tension, in my experience. 

3. Man’s best friend

My dog, Bijlee Beyoncé was sent to me for a reason. She walked up to our house as a puppy and decided to adopt us. She just wants to be loved and give love. She’s my in-house therapist and goofball. I talk to her all the time. I don’t know what she’s thinking but she wags her tail and follows me around. She loves to cuddle and I like the warmth of her furry body. 

4. Nature

I find it extremely peaceful to be in nature. I have a terrace garden with lots of plants and a swing. My mother in law has a stunning old garden downstairs and we are a 5 minute walk from Lal Bagh Botanical Garden. If I don’t manage to go to Lal Bagh, I spend more time in either of these two places. Just a little piece of heaven. 

5. Family time

I am very close to my family. I speak with my parents everyday, sometimes twice and my sister at least thrice a week. I cherish every conversation. All four of us are nerds, for lack of a better word. The conversations vary widely between catching up on daily goings on to politics, books, movies, what have you. The moods and tones also vary, sometimes the conversations are argumentative, high tension, mostly light, relaxed and very comfortable. 

These are my 5 favourite things that help me get through the day. What are yours? Take a moment to think about them.