By Ng Su Fey on February 1st, 2021
New experiences may not immediately come to mind when you’re in lockdown, quarantine, or simply staying safe at home. But when the days are marked (or rather, unmarked) by consistency, it is more important than ever for our wellness to introduce some change into our lives. And while certain activities are limited at the moment, there is still plenty to do. Here are four ways you can refresh your mind and space from the comforts of home.
Discover Southeast Asian Art
Thanks to the #MuseumFromHome initiative, institutes across the globe have made their collections digitally public. Be it through virtual tours, videos, or high-resolution scans, there are many ways you can delve into Southeast Asian art.
These galleries at the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore are an exquisite showcase of heritage artisanship. Jakarta’s Museum MACAN has detailed publications on its exhibitions and collection. And if you feel like museum hopping, the map feature on Google Arts & Culture is a portal to anywhere your heart desires.
Start A Mindfulness Journal
The practice of mindfulness has been linked to a host of wellness benefits. And if your thoughts are tangled up, it might be a good idea to start journaling now. All you have to do is take some time for yourself, pick up a pen, and write down how you’re feeling in the present moment.
Not sure where to begin? These video guides by Lavendaire and Rowena Tsai can help ease you into the process. And remember, there is no right way to journal. Whether yours is embellished with illustrations or covered with messy handwriting, what matters is that it provides a place for you to express yourself.
Embark On A Culinary Journey
Here in Malaysia, food is one of our biggest prides. Our local cuisine is as important as it is delicious for its role in connecting both people and cultures. While you’re at home, why not take the time to help out in the kitchen and inherit those cherished, age-old family recipes? Or if that isn’t an option, the Internet can be a treasure trove of traditional fare.
Whether you’re baking buttery pineapple tarts to ring in the Year of the Ox, recreating the curry puffs from your favorite street vendor, or indulging in a simple yet decadent sago gula melaka, we can guarantee your stomach will be happier for it.
Clean Out Your Closet
Most of us are spending our days in the comfiest pieces we own, but that doesn’t mean we can’t think about the rest of our wardrobe. Taking a trip through your shelves and drawers can be an engaging experience. Perhaps you’ll rediscover pieces that inspire you, like an ornate silver top or an elegant bag handwoven by polio and landmine survivors in Cambodia. Maybe you’ll identify items to let go of (remember to donate, recycle, and repurpose). At the very least, future you will be thrilled for a more organized space.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Su Fey is Dia’s intern from Malaysia. She is currently on a gap year and has volunteered with local welfare and environmental organizations. Her interests include sustainable development, literature, and film photography. Su Fey is planning to pursue a degree in engineering and will begin her undergraduate studies this fall.
