We deserve something nice and strong, don’t act like I’m lying - let’s treat ourselves. One of the things I want to take up when this COVID thing is over is mixology, I plan to go take some classes and become one of the best mixologist you’ll ever meet (in my mind of course) plus it’s just something I’ve always wanted to do as a hobby so why not? Grab your glasses and mix with me, it’ll only take five minutes.

PREP TIME: 5 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes

Serving: 1 (Spritzer)

Ingredients

· 6 oz vodka (3 oz equals 1 full shot)

· 1/2 tbsp sugar

· 1 medium lime

· 1/4 cup pomegranate juice*

· 4 oz lemon lime drink (4 oz equals ~ 1/2 cup)

· 3-4 ice cubes

· 3 drops of bitters

· 3 tsp pomegranate seeds

Instructions

1. Mix vodka and sugar, in the serving glass, stirring well until the sugar is mostly dissolved.

2. Add pomegranate juice and squeeze in half your lime. Then add lemon lime soda and stir.

3. Drop in ice cubes and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, garnish with a lime slices and serve.

The past few weeks have been some of the most challenging ones in a while largely due to this raging epidemic. COVID-19 has changed the way we go about our daily lives for outgoing folks and homebodies alike. I was just in Trinidad in February jumping up and down in Port of Spain to the sweet sounds of soca having the time of my life. I left there and went to St. Lucia for a few days to wind down before heading home (I’ll tell you guys about that later) – now I’m locked in at home with an island wide curfew in hopes of trying to “flatten the curve” which is another task in and of itself the struggle of dealing with different minded people.

Instead of trying to approach the situation negatively, I tried looking at it as an opportunity to do some introspection and come up with novel ideas aimed at self-improvement and sharing that journey with you guys thus this blog. I also found this exercise (would be cool to kinda journal them) that I want you guys to try with me, it was a Instagram stories series by Chad Lambert IG: @chadcalm (a trained clinical psychologist) and I found it to be a really smart way to use time positively to “FACE COVID”:

F - Focus On What's In Your Control

To reduce anxiety around the uncertainty, focus on the elements that you can control. Start small, focus on controlling your body by moving your muscles, stretching and paying attention to how your body feels as you release the tension, as well as your breathing throughout. You can also take charge of how you spend your day whether it's video-calling or online games with friends or rediscovering old hobbies, ensure to include ways that will replenish your energy levels.

A - Acknowledging Thoughts and Feelings

Document these through journaling, creating a song/poem, drawing or painting, recording and playing back to yourself. After acknowledging, you can challenge some of the negative thoughts by introducing different perspectives.

C - Coming Into Your Body

Shifting your focus to the different sensations your body can experience using grounding exercises. The 5,4,3,2,1 exercise allows you to pay attention to each sense (Observe 5 things your are seeing, 4 things you're hearing, 3 things that you're feeling/touching, etc)

E - Engage In What You're Doing

Being mindful (in the here and now) allows you a break from incessant thoughts concerning the past and future. Eating mindfully can give you this break as you take the time to savour your meal, focusing on nothing else but the flavours each bite brings.

C - Commit to Action

We may be unable to do many of the activities we typically would at this time. However committing to at least one task a day will increase your focus of control and improve your internal motivation.

O - Open up

Ask yourself, am I truly being open and honest with myself? How have I been managing this pandemic? Try not to go into judgmental or problem solving mode (I could have, I should have). Allow yourself to just express freely, either to yourself or with a trusted source.

V - Values

Becoming more attuned to your values by describing them in relation to the various domains in your life (family, friendship, intimate relationship, career, education, health, spirituality) e.g. to be a caring friend (friendship). Rate (1-10) each domain according to its importance as well as how successful you have been in living in accordance with the respective values.

I - Identify Resources

Have a list of reliable resources on hand when your own tank is low. Whether it's for emotional or informational support, being able to identify your go to sources can bring a sense of relief.

D - Disinfect and Maintain Social Distance

We all know of the various ways to keep ourselves safe. Encourage yourself and others to continuing practicing them and remember, social distance does not equate to social disconnection. Stay connected to your loved ones from a distance.

You guys can choose one or two per day to do – write them down so you can check back on your progress and so you won’t forget.

Let’s do a cheers to a newness that will be birth from this “setback”, and thanks in advance for the celebration we will have when this is all over.