Eid ul Azha is almost here and it is that time of year where we are high in our festive spirits. It is the time families and friends get together to mark the end of Hajj by praying, feasting, dressing up and celebrating. The Coronavirus pandemic however has changed things this year and not everyone will be celebrating Eid the way in which they normally would. Many people travel to their families for the auspicious occasion, but for obvious reasons, things are slightly different this year.
Not everyone is able to, or feeling brave enough to travel to their families and may have to celebrate Eid alone. If you happen to be someone who hasn’t been able to travel over the Eid period, live alone, or don’t have any family residing near you, Eid might get a little lonely for you. But no need to panic. With Eid falling over the weekend, there’s a number of things you can do to stay busy and occupied. You can use this as an opportunity to give yourself time, finally get around to doing that task, or even catching up with friends who do happen to be in the same city as you. We’ve rounded up some things you could do if you’re spending Eid alone this year.
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Cook a delicious meal
If you’re usually busy and caught up in your usual routine, you may be eating quick meals or indulging in takeouts. A quick sandwich or a salad and wrap, or something that doesn’t require too much of an effort to cook. This Eid, why not indulge and cook yourself a hearty meal that will make you reminisce about an Eid at home. Perhaps get your mother’s favourite recipe or look one up online and get all your ingredients beforehand. Spend Eid afternoon cooking and listening to your favourite playlist and really make a day out of it.
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Have a wardrobe clearout
For some, having a clearout is often therapeutic. If you’re usually busy during the week and have a pile of clothes just lying around, or if you’ve been putting your spring clearout on hold, this could be the perfect time to get it done. This could also be a great time to have a clearout and donate your clothes or belongings to a charity which is a noble cause. Take out a chunk of your day and dedicate it to clearing out one wardrobe at a time. If there’s something buried deep inside your wardrobe and you haven’t worn it in over 6 months, it’s time to get rid. Use that as a general rule of thumb and it will make it easy for you to detach from your clothes and belongings. Think about someone who could make better use for it and let it go!
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Feed the hungry
Eidul Azha is an Eid for feasting and spending time with family and close friends. If you’re alone however, why not take this opportunity to feed the hungry and the poor. While you may be alone this time around, there are those who don’t have access to clean water and food the whole year round. Look up some local organisations or non-profits in your vicinity and see what you can do to help. Alternatively, you can also help at a shelter and take part in distributing food to those in need.
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Buy new clothes and put a fabulous outfit together
You might not be celebrating Eid with anyone, but dressing up for yourself can be just as worthwhile. If you haven’t shopped in a while, or even if you have, why not take a trip down the highstreet and shop your heart out. After all, you are spending Eid alone so why not spoil and treat yourself. Buy a couple of basics that can be put together in a variety of ways, so you end up with more than one outfit. Spend the rest of the day putting some fun outfits together for the next time you head out with friends.
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Have a spa day at home
Having a spa day is one of the ways you can spend time alone this Eid. It is the perfect opportunity to pamper yourself and really spend time on giving yourself that TLC. Oil your hair, do your nails, wax, give yourself a facial and end your session with a nice hot bath.
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Try a YouTube beauty tutorial
If you don’t get time during the week to use your favourite beauty and makeup products and they’re just piling up, this can be your chance to try that beauty tutorial you’ve saved on your Youtube. Once you’ve put your outfit together, take out all your favourite makeup products and give that makeup tutorial a go. Or maybe you’ve been meaning to learn how to curl your own hair or perfect those beach waves, whatever it may be, there’s a tonne of inspiring tutorials that can keep you busy all weekend long. If you’re feeling confident and adventurous enough, perhaps you can film a video yourself.
Eid Al Adha: Check out these Tips to Stay Healthy and Avoid Overeating
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Meditate
This is truly your chance to be alone and practice your breathing and mindfulness. Use this as your chance to slow things right down, breathe and clear your mind with any form of meditation that works for you. If you’re struggling to find out where to start there’s a lot of content available online so browse through some articles on meditation and get started! Maybe you’ll enjoy it so much that you can turn it into a regular habit.
