29 March, 2024
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No Electricity? Here are 9 Things you can do instead

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If you lived in Lebanon this past year, you’ve probably suffered from the extensive 20-plus-hour- power cuts that paralyzed the population of 6 million. Without going into details, let’s just say that these long extensive power cuts weren’t even the cherry-on-top in the long list of crises Lebanon has been facing these past years. I cherry you not!
One cannot deny that electricity is a basic need as it has an impact on our day-to-day lives. Sadly, whether you like it or not, if you’re living in Lebanon you will have to find ways to adapt around these power cuts. I’ve decided to Zen my way through it. Here are my top 9 activities to do during a power cut:

1.Get to know your family members
Most of us are so consumed with our portable black screens connecting with people across seas that we tend to neglect connecting with our loved ones inside our own household. Take the blackout as an opportunity to just spend time with your family and furry pets.

2.Plant some greens
Gardening is such a therapeutic activity that is much needed these days. Even if you don’t have an actual garden, you could always use pots for indoor and outdoor plants. You’d be freshening-up your home and your soul with these green beauties. You could even plant some herbs to use in your daily meals like thyme, mint, and basil. That way you can literally reap what you sow.

3.Get a journal
Let it all out! And no, I’m not talking about using Facebook’s “What’s on your mind?” section.  I’m talking about privately writing “what’s on your mind” in a notebook. If you live in Lebanon, you surely store all the negativity you hear and see inside; that my reader, eventually would just eat you up inside and turn you into a bitterly sour person.  If you’re like me and can’t afford to lose a kidney to get some much needed mental health service, my advice to you is to write down everything you’re thinking and feeling as this would help you reduce stress and anxiety, it would help you reflect on struggles you might be facing, and it would help you express your feelings about certain traumatic events to which you could find solutions to avoid being in that position again. Journaling is such an underrated activity and is the best way to actually spend time with yourself.

4.Read a book
Instead of scrolling up and down through your phone, why not turn a page instead! I know that reading is considered such a dreadful task to some of you, but I reckon you never gave yourself the chance to discover what kind of book or genre you would truly enjoy. Search for best-selling books under topics you enjoy the most. You could find affordable second- hand book stores online and around Beirut.

5.Activate your artistic side
Most schools in Lebanon stop offering Art classes as part of the curriculum by the 6th grade, even though it is crucial to grow this type of intelligence. Take the opportunity and catch up on some of those skills. Learn to do some DIY home projects, some arts and crafts, or just draw your feelings out!

6.Get sweaty
Electricity blackouts can go hours on end, so instead of sitting around feeling frustrated about it: EXERCISE and sweat all those negative feelings out. What’s there to lose? You’ll get in shape mentally and physically as a reward.

7.Clean your space

Another physical activity to cut some time off is by cleaning. Use the free time to rearrange your closets, wash those dishes, sweep those floors, and dust off those shelves. There’s a saying that goes, “Clean your space, clear your mind.”

8.Do some yoga
You won’t realize how much you need it until you try it! Everyone needs a good stretch these days. Not only is Yoga a great way to strengthen and tone your body, but it is also being a natural way to improve circulatory health and to maintain a balanced metabolism.  There are so many online guided yoga videos you could choose from to suit your level and target.


9.Learn how to cook a new meal
Try out those recipes you’ve always wanted to try. There are so many dishes in the world to choose from! Pick one out and explore a new culture. If you can’t go there, bring it to your kitchen!

Wrapping up:
“I’m so bored of these” was what my sister said when I told her I’m writing this article. She is one of the many people who feel they are annoyed by all these trending self-help articles on how to become better person. They see that these types of articles are just pressuring people to be perfect in an imperfect world which eventually leads them to be frustrated, demotivated, and annoyed because they couldn’t keep up with any list or advice.  However, that wasn’t my intention for writing this piece. I wrote this because I found out that this electricity blackout was actually a blessing in disguise. I shared these activities that I got to do on a daily basis to fill the time gaps during a power cut which led me to become a healthier and more productive person. Why not share it with the world? You might decide to adapt one of these activities in your daily routine as an added value to your abundant life. Go ahead! You may see the glass as half empty, but I see it as half full because I chose to see the benefits that came out of these power cuts. Even once these electrical blackouts would come to an end, I would always incorporate these activities in my daily routine. I would advise you to do the same!

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