6 tips to keep busy and healthy while staying home

Here are some tips and ideas on staying entertained, productive and healthy during self-isolation from Emirates cabin crew member Natasha De Souza Allegria, who is from Pretoria.

Cooking and baking

I currently have two cookbooks that am obsessed with:

• Half Baked Harvest by Tieghan Gerard – this is my favourite!

The recipes always result in flavour-packed meals, they’re super easy to follow and generally consist of common ingredients that you’d have in your kitchen.

• No Fuss Vegan by Roz Purcell – I bought this a few weeks ago as I thought it would be interesting to try out some vegan recipes.

What I love about the cookbook is that it’s not just for vegans, it’s for anyone who wants to find new ways of eating more vegetables and enjoy tasty meals in a quick and easy “no fuss” way.

Emirates cabin crew member Natasha De Souza Allegria. Picture: Supplied

What to watch: my top picks

I’m also keeping busy by watching movies and catching up on my favourite series. I’m currently catching up on Money Heist and This Is Us.

Mental fitness

I love to read books that motivate someone to be and do better, and books that inspire growth. I am currently reading The 5am Club by Robin Sharma and before that I read The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak.

Playing board games with loved ones

I love playing Monopoly. I didn’t realise how competitive I was until I started playing the game frequently. I also love Sudoku and building puzzles.

Stay active indoors with online workout apps

My husband and I are workout buddies. We’ve been following the “Insanity Workout Programme” by Shaun T, it is just that – insane! But we feel so amazing and energised after each day’s session.

Emirates cabin crew member Natasha De Souza Allegria. Picture: Supplied

The importance of self-care and caring for others

• Use face masks and keep your skin hydrated. This is also something I would normally do during our crew rest on a long-haul flight.

• Leave your phone, just for a few hours. Spend that time doing some of your favourite hobbies.

• Try to not mistake thirst for hunger. Before giving in to a craving, drink something instead.

I like to either have a glass of cold water with a few slices of lemon or sometimes even a nice hot cup of tea. Most of the time you’ll find that you were not actually hungry but just slightly dehydrated.

• The service training we go through never leaves us. With both myself and my husband being at home, I find myself spoiling him by making the foamiest cappuccinos each day and not forgetting the biscuit on the side.

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