Covid’s not going away soon. Here’s how to cope.
How to come to terms with the reality that we’re in this COVID thing for the long haul? We have two suggestions, for starters:
#1- Meditate. We’re not exactly Zen masters, but if there was ever a need for grounding and acceptance, it’s now. Meditation is really easier than you think, even for the A-type personalities among us. There are tons of apps out there to help you get started. Our favorite is Headspace. Co-founded by former Buddhist monk, Andy Puddicombe (he’s also the soothing voice on the app), Headspace is great for beginners who don’t have much time to devote to a meditation practice. We like it because it’s easy to follow and offers specific meditation courses for practical things like finding acceptance, dealing with financial stress, overcoming anxiety, and getting better sleep. Each session is around 10 minutes (longer sessions are also available) so its super easy to stick to a daily routine of mindfulness.
Not ready to drop USD 70 for a one-year sub? You can get the flavor of it on a new Netflix animated series, the Headspace Guide to Meditation. The end of each half-hour episode is a short, guided meditation.
Want to know more about Headspace as a business? Check out this episode of one of our favorite podcasts: How I Built This with Guy Raz.
Go to (or dream of going to) the desert: One of the few places you can visit with minimal risk in the middle of a pandemic is the desert, where the fresh air and open sky can help you to clear your head. From the nearby Western Desert to harder-to-reach locales like Siwa, Egypt’s breathtaking desert landscapes are among the best in the world. Siwa Oasis was recently featured in the New York Times’ 52 places to love in a dark year. This year’s 52 Places focused on inspirational destinations that are off the beaten track, reminding us that the world is still full of hidden treasures to explore. Read it and dream.
Not ready to head to the desert yourself? Sign up for a trip with Jeep Club Egypt. Coming up: A one-day trip to Qasr El-Sagha (the Golden Fortress) in Fayoum (19 February) and a trek to Siwa (25-28 February, with the option of staying an extra night until Monday 1 March).