Category: Views & Ramblings

1. 10 Tips on How to Celebrate Halloween While Social Distancing

   Posted on 9:00am Wednesday 30th Sep 2020

   The COVID-19 pandemic is bringing many changes to our daily lives. Some of the events we are used to celebrating during this time of year may have been postponed, canceled, or changed. But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate them together. Right now, we are practicing physical distancing to help slow the spread of coronavirus and we we may not be able to physically attend Pride festivities, graduation ceremonies, birthdays, weddings, various holidays, or all of the events that we usually celebrate in person.

   

   So what about Halloween? Young and old people alike allow themselves to do what is typically forbidden: dressing up, walking in the dark, and bumping on the doors of unadulterated outsiders. However, in order for everything to be fun, you have to follow a few safety tips. To these is also added the COVID-19 factor. This year, we will have to be extra careful in many respects.

   1)     Host or participate in a virtual meeting (e.g., party, online video session, ceremony, etc.) with other social network members.

   2)     Go for makeup and face paint rather than a mask. Here it is about the traditional Halloween masks that cover the entire face. However, you can find a mask (this time, we are talking about the one now mandatory in indoor public places given the COVID-19) that will coordinate with the disguise, while leaving the eyes clear.

   3)     While makeup is recommended, if a child is keen on wearing a mask, make sure it is snug to not interfere with their vision and breathing.

   4)     For the aged ones who want to celebrate Halloween with friends, request them to tell you about the route they will take, give them a maximum time they will have to be back, and recommend that they stay in small groups of four to five people.

   5)     Treats stir up little foodies in disguise, but they can be extremely dangerous for young children or those with allergies.

   6)    If you accompany your child on his gourmet walk, you will be able to make him wait before tasting the treats that fall in the bag or, at the very least, checking the candies as they want to eat one. Once at home, take the time to examine your little ones' candy before they eat it.

   7)     Avoid treats without packaging.

   8)     Watch out for your children's allergies.

   9)   Watch out for soft candies, peanuts, or very hard sweets that could cause choking.

   10)  Given the COVID-19 pandemic, to avoid taking any unnecessary risks with sweets that come from different homes, leave them in quarantine for about 24 hours. Of course, a Halloween party without tasting the sweets is not a Halloween party. Plan ahead and get some sweets ready for your children. They can be enjoyed the same evening. We will avoid groupings at all costs, and ideally, we will pick up candy in our neighborhood, or even among people we know. It will probably be necessary to reduce the number of houses visited and celebrate more with the family rather than on the street.

   

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2. Habits of Organised people

   Posted on 12:00pm Sunday 6th Sep 2020

   I am a planner, an organiser, I like to co-ordinate everything with military precision and I have one particular friend who is convinced that there is two of me. But this isn't a humble brag, I just like to be uber organised.

   When you are looking at someone who is organised, you might be wondering what’s the secret. The secret is that there are some traits that most organised people have. The best part is that you can also cultivate them. There is no magic in being an organized person. All you need to do is formulate some habits.

   

   Some habits of organised people are:

   • Write things down- Organised people are sure that they can remember something when they just pen it down. You can’t depend on your memory alone as there are chances you might forget what you had to do actually. Take time and write down important things like dates and tasks to do. Though you can easily add your essential tasks to Google Planner and calendar, nothing beats jotting down ideas as it keeps you creative. Hence you should start writing things and reap mental benefits.

   • Have a fixed routine- Ideally, highly organised people have a set routine for tasks that happen every day. It is essential to have a way as it defines how you spend your life. You will create an overall life pattern if you stay organised in your day to day life.

   • Know how to ask for help- Organised people don't portray that they are healthy all the time, and they don't do everything on their own. Organised people are aware of both their strengths and weaknesses, and they know how to ask for help. You should always remember that your time is valuable, so if you don't take help and invest a lot of time in putting efforts, you might end up wasting time.

   • Stay current on their to-do lists- When it comes to being organised and efficient, it takes time to plan on things. Thus it is essential to keep a to-do list to stay current. You need to maintain a notebook and keep it with you all the time. If you don't prefer writing, you can keep the list on your phone. Lastly, you need to keep your list updated as you complete the tasks.

   • On a semi-daily basis, purge clutter- Highly organised people don't live in squalor. If you want to become an organised person, then you need to stop living in squalor. Often highly organised people wish to declutter their spaces on a daily basis. It would be best if you didn't wait for a special day to donate things or throw things. It is essential to declutter it daily. Furthermore, it is an OK -known fact that you can easily stay organized when you have less stuff.

   • They are optimistic and goal-oriented- It is a common fact that none of us are cheerful all the time, but organised people tend to be joyful always under all circumstances. In the quest to be organized, you should always have a can-do attitude. Furthermore, it would be best if you ever stayed goal-oriented. Highly organised people don't do everything for fun as they still have some reason behind it. The key to being managed successfully is by remaining optimistic as much as possible.

   • Don't put things off until later- If you are trying to stay organised, you need to stop putting things off. Be it hanging clothes or finishing work; an organised person ensures he or she always does it ASAP.

   • Be prepared- Organised people tend to be prepared for the majority of the things that come their way. Of course, successful time management skills cannot be neglected. It would be best to plan your days evaluating how much time you would need to complete a task.

    

    

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3. 7 habits of self-disciplined women

   Posted on 10:00am Thursday 6th Aug 2020

   We always wish to live the life of our dreams, happy and peaceful. However, as we grow up, we realise that life isn’t as easy as it always seemed to be. Whether you’re working full-time or having your own business, it’s difficult to always stay motivated and lively.

   What I have noticed most while reading the biographies of highly successful women is that they are always so self-disciplined. These women faced struggles and every difficulty like we do but what kept them moving was their self-discipline and strong determination.

   

   Self-discipline is quoted as the ability to make yourself do something you know you should do even when you don’t feel like doing.

   I have also learned that self-discipline is a skill and not something that we are born with. Thus, it’s always possible to develop this skill with certain habits. The self-disciplined women tasted success because they had certain rituals that they daily followed.

   Here are the 7 habits of the women who practice self-discipline:

   1. They take baby steps

   The highly successful women aren’t scared of big goals because they know what to do next. We all set some or other goals in the beginning of the year but fail when we reach halfway. This is not because our goals are too big, it’s because we never churned them into smaller steps.

   Self-disciplined women know their daily, weekly, and monthly goals and aren’t scared of taking one step at a time.

   2. They prioritize their work

   With the long To-Do list, it’s normal to get overwhelmed and leave the work halfway. So instead of having any to-do list, prepare a priority list that will help you deal with the most important goals first.

   Write three most urgent tasks to do instead of filling up the whole page of the to-do list and overwhelm yourself.

   3. They know when to say ‘No’

   Doing everything by yourself and considering it as the traits of superwomen will just make things worse for you. Learn to say ‘no’ when things get too much for you to consume. It’s okay to take a step back and prioritize yourself.

   Disciplined women are always goal-oriented and they don’t take crap from anyone.

   4. They love deadlines

   These disciplined women already know when they need to accomplish certain goals and they’re always moving forward having a deadline in their mind.

   When you have the end date to do certain work, it becomes easier to plan out the roadmap around it and crush that task.

   5. They practice self-care

   I always had this idea that self-disciplined women make themselves do things against their wishes, even when they don’t feel like doing it.

   However, this is so not true. Self-disciplined women love practicing self-care and they indeed prioritize themselves above every task.

   6. They love routines

   This is again something that will help you to develop a proper plan and structure for the day. Disciplined women don’t wake up randomly wondering what to do next. Their routine is always planned and structured to avoid any fuss.

   7. They always finish

   We all take up new projects and work super excitingly but just as we reach half-way, our excitement is busted into the air.

   Self-disciplined women take their work seriously and they know how to finish the task they started.

   I really hope that these tips will also help you develop a disciplined mindset and achieve your goals.

   

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4. How to live a balanced life

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 1st Aug 2020

   We are constantly on the go, always moving from one thing to another. Trying to keep up with work, family, social, health, hobbies and more. This can often feel overwhelming, chaotic and stressful like you are doing so many things, but none of them well. That is why it is important to find the right work-life balance for you and your family. 

   

   Balance is all about feeling centred, it is about feeling that your heart and mind are not being pulled too hard in either direction. It’s about feeling in control of your life, grounded, calm, clear-headed, and motivated. 

   Balance is important to implement into your life, it creates harmony, peace and satisfaction. It helps us to be motivated as well as more attentive, productive and successful in what we do.

   Take care of and nurture yourself.

   Your health plays a large role in the quality of our life and work. We are more motivated and far more productive and healthy when we eat well, get enough sleep and do physical activity. Burning the candle at both ends catches up with us in the end, resulting in burn out.

   Limit screen time and instead. work in an activity or a ritual each morning or evening that is just for you, may it be a cup of coffee in the morning before you start your day, 15 minutes of yoga before bed, a lunchtime work or an evening bath.

   The space you come to relax and rejuvenate is vital in helping you to live a balanced life. When it’s disorganised, chaotic and not feeling very homely it’s hard, to feel at ease. Make your home a sanctuary, a place to come home and unwind. With the bedroom being the heart of the home when it comes to relaxation, to make sure you have all things comfort, The Dozy Owl has got you covered.

   Know Your Prioritises

   Balance is about knowing when to say no, it does not mean doing everything on your to-do list in one day. Look at what is important, what is necessary and what can be put off to later. Set your boundaries and manage expectations.

   Writing a list of your goals is a great way to manage the balance in your life, you may be in the process of building a career, studying, starting a family or buying a house. Work out what stage of life you are at and try not to bite off more than you can chew. It is best to focus your energy on a few milestones at once, so that you do them well and can move onto the next.

   Be Organised

   Being organised and planning ahead is a great way to bring balance into your life. Whether it is daily, weekly or monthly, create a to-do list or a planner for upcoming appointments, exams, meetings, holidays and milestones. In doing this you’ll be able to see if you are allowing enough time for hobbies, family time, social life, work and relaxation.

   

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