Editor’s Note
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CONTACT US PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com HEALTH EDITOR Viwe Ndongeni-Ntlebi viwe.ndongeni@inl.co.za LIFESTYLE EXECUTIVE EDITOR Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za DESIGN Shellyn Hutson shellyn.hutson@inl.co.za PRODUCTION Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni@africannewsagency.com SALES Charl Reineke charl@africannewsagency.com Kyle Villet kyle.villet@africannewsagency.com ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com
A LOT has been said and written about the devastating pandemic and the impact it has had on our society economically and socially. But for me, everything starts a bit closer to home and I know that the real impact of the harsher lockdown restrictions was on people’s mental health. I’ve seen friends, family, and colleagues battle to get to grips with what’s being called the new normal. It has taken a lot of mental gymnastics for people to finally ease into new routines. When you are working from home and indoors 24/7, looking into the mirror can get tougher. This might be an opportune time to go on a journey of self-love – when you are ready for some introspection. In this issue, we help you understand why self-love has gained popularity during the pandemic and why you should hop on to the self-love wagon. Weight gain is a serious issue during the pandemic. While it may be best for your health to deal with extra kilograms, we speak about how to be kind to yourself with the added weight.
We share some mental and emotional challenges you may encounter living in your new body and why body positivity is important. Our daily routines can determine our mood for the day. We look at daily affirmations that can help you love yourself a little more. Most people spend time at home. In this issue, we share tips on how you can turn your space into a sanctuary to escape the turmoil of modern life – without digging deep into your pocket. For those who need to escape from the world we share places you should visit for peace and meditation. As lockdowns have eased around the world, the possibility of a third wave arises and the restrictions being reinstated. It is going to be important to listen to your needs and build positive selflove habits. Be kind to yourself, forgive yourself, and build a good relationship with yourself. After all has been said and done, you only have yourself.
Viwe
Inside
• Me, myself and I: Why self-love has gained popularity during the pandemic • Turn your space into a sanctuary • Bring the outside in: Why you should keep plants in your home • Mirror mirror… Affirmations to start your day • 5 ways to boost self-love • I lost weight – but gained baggage • Sing the body electric: How body positivity is linked to self-love
• Spending the pandemic talking to yourself? • Journaling: Write your way to better health • How to get started with meditation • 3 places to visit when you need to unwind • Frequent travel makes you happier – study • 5 fun yoga poses for kids – and why they should do them
