New ideas for when you're self-isolating.

Self isolation, self quarantine, hibernation, or just some simple down-time. In the midst of the corona virus and the recommendations of health officials to stay indoors, we thought it may be a good time to remind you that taking time to slow down and look after yourself is always important! We also wanted to help you think of new ways to spend your time if you’re indoors for a while. There’s only so many Netflix series' you can watch!

Chai Walli suggests popping the kettle on and introducing some of these ideas to your hibernation routine…

1. Enjoying the ritual of Chai
2. Journalling
3. Getting creative
4. Cooking & baking
5. Avoiding media overload
6. Indulge in a little online shopping
7. Hygge-ing

1. Enjoying the ritual of Chai

There is a mindfulness and focus that is needed when preparing authentic masala chai. From taking in the aroma of the tea leaves & spices, to watching the water and milk boiling on the stovetop. When we prepare chai in the morning, we are preparing our selves for the day. We are slowing down to focus solely on the task in front of us. And we are rewarding ourselves from that very first sip. 

2. Journalling

This one is a favourite of Uppma’s. Whether your idea of journalling is to write about your dreams as soon as you wake up, or about your hopes for the future, or simply what you did today. Taking pen to paper encourages our mind to focus and reflect. There is so much noise going on outside, both literally and figuratively, so it is important to gather your own thoughts and spend time with them. 

3. Getting creative

Children have this one sorted, as they paint and play and build and discover imaginary lands. Somewhere along the way, unfortunately, as adults we can lose this desire to create. With the time now to be inside, what is something creative that you can do? Did you used to enjoy drawing? Is your old guitar gathering dust and deserving to be loved again? How about using tea leaves to paint - giving your work a glorious vintage feel? Whatever it may be, we believe switching on the right side of your brain is the right thing to do!

4. Cooking & baking

It’s not surprising that we love nothing more than using our flavourful chai blends in our baking! A fresh-out-of-the-oven Apple Crumble will put a smile on anyones face, and our Sticky Date Pudding is a sure way to feel better about things! We would also encourage you to bake a little extra and share with those in need. Do you have elderly neighbours that aren’t able to stockpile groceries or that simply need a check in? What about a friend who is doing it tough at the moment? You can find our favourite chai-spiced recipes below that you can share with others. We would also love to see pics of your baking adventures (#chaiwalli).

Chai Sticky Date Pudding
Chai-spiced Apple Crumble
Chai Ice Cream

5. Avoiding media overload

This just had to be said! The media are very good at spreading the dooms-day message. Viruses are contagious, but so is fear and panic. On the flipside, we don’t mind catching a lil hope and calm and community! We encourage you to turn off the tv, put down your social media, and digitally detox at least for a couple of hours each day. Instead of listening to a podcast about the state of the economy, call a friend to hear about their day. Rather than watching every news bulletin on tv, head out to your garden and watch the bees instead. It may sound a little silly, but we promise you will feel the difference once you start to break away from media overload.

6. Indulge in a little online shopping

Whilst we don’t want to suggest that you should turn to spending money to make yourself feel better, supporting small businesses will do more good than you may know during this time! With foot traffic down, entertainment events cancelled and employees needing to stay at home, choosing where you do spend your dollars can help out small businesses during this tough time. Plus, we all know there’s a little rush you get from purchasing something online. Imagine this feeling, and then double it, with the knowledge that you’re helping out a business who needs your support now more than ever.

7. Hygge -ing

This Scandanavian word can be most likened to the English ‘Cozy.’ It’s one of our favourite steps during hibernation. It can mean many things, but when you want to bring Hygge into your world, look to the things that make you feel cozy. Drinking herbal tea in the evening, wearing woollen socks (room temperature permitting), picking branches and flowers from your garden to create your own bouquets inside. What makes you feel all cozy in your own space? What makes for your perfect hygge expression? For us, of course, it’s a freshly brewed chai, some Indian sweets, a good book & a positive outlook.

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We hope you’ve enjoyed our tips for enjoying your self isolation time. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself, and others, and to consider just how other people in your community are doing and if there’s anything you can do to assist.

Stay spicy,

xx Chai Walli