Current Final

Category: Lifestyle

  • Coronavirus: Six tips to manage self-isolation anxiety

    Coronavirus: Six tips to manage self-isolation anxiety

    The coronavirus pandemic is affecting our everyday lives, and with things changing so quickly, the stress of it all may feel overwhelming. Fear and anxiety about our health, finances, kids being home from school, caring for our elderly loved ones and social distancing can cause strong emotions in adults and children.

    Laura Rhodes-Levin, a licensed therapist who specialises in the evaluation and treatment of anxiety, depression and trauma, offers six practices we can do at home to manage our anxiety during the coronavirus outbreak.

    1. Have fun with the family by playing games, gardening and cooking

    Rhodes-Levin suggests making the most of spending time with family by playing board games, doing crafts, cooking or gardening. “Distract yourself with cooking. Don’t go for perfection,” she says. “This is a time to get creative and find joy in the moment … build a good ol’ fashioned fort.”

    2. Exercise and stay active

    Physical activity can greatly reduce anxiety. She encourages adults and kids to keep their bodies in motion. “Have fun with chores.” Another suggestion is to start a fitness challenge and see who can do the most push-ups or simply take time to stretch.

    3. Listen to music

    Tap into your senses and listen to music. “Using your five senses is the best way to quiet your mind,” she says. Aromatherapy is another great way to relax. “Any of your five senses are going to be a great way to shift your focus.”

    4. Catch up on movies and TV shows with the family

    Choose to focus on something else besides the coronavirus, and cherish the family bonding time by watching your favorite movies and TV shows. “This is a good time to reinforce the family unit,” she says. “Laugh together. Even if it’s a sad and heavy movie, crying together is a big release of tension,” Rhodes-Levin explains. “We want to release our tension.”

    5. Get productive by fixing things around the house

    She also suggests fixing things around the house to not only keep your mind occupied but to stay active. “We all have things that we have put off doing around the house.” Take time to do research projects, like fixing the plumbing in your kitchen. “Get things done,” she advises. “Get things off that to-do list.”

    6. Write a journal

    Another way to create positivity is to take pen to paper and physically write. “It brings up positive endorphins when you actually write something out that’s meaningful and loving.” By focusing on writing down your feelings it can help you gain a sense of control and that can help with gaining inner peace.

    “Distract yourself with something that engages you,” she says. “Be careful but don’t be fearful.”

  • 95-year-old becomes the oldest woman to recover from coronavirus

    95-year-old becomes the oldest woman to recover from coronavirus

    A 95-year-old has become the oldest known woman to recover from coronavirus in Italy.

    Alma Clara Corsini, from Fanano in the province of Modena, was diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier this month.

    Corsini fully recovered from the Covid-19 without the need for antiviral treatment after her body showed a “great reaction” to the disease, doctors say. The hospital has discharged the 95-year-old. 

    As per reports, Corsini became the ‘pride of the staff’ during her stay at the hospital that has been trying to cope with the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 in the country.

    Italy, the epicenter of the virus in Europe, has had more than 59,000 cases of Covid-19 so far. The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in Italy yesterday rose to 5476 – an increase of 651 from the day before.

  • Anonymous person donates Rs1 million to Sindh’s coronavirus fund

    Anonymous person donates Rs1 million to Sindh’s coronavirus fund

    Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah received an “anonymous” donation of Rs1 million for the Sindh Coronavirus Emergency Fund on Monday.

    The CM shared this on social media and expressed his gratitude to the person who made the donation.

    “Such acts of kindness strengthen our resolve to continue fighting this challenge, & reassure us that humanity stands tall during such extraordinary times,” he wrote alongside pictures of a cheque and a letter.

    Meanwhile, the letter sent to the chief minister by the anonymous donor reads, “I am a retired person of 88 years. In response to your appeal, I submit herewith a cheque of a humble amount in face of the unheard and dreadful epidemic.”

    Earlier, on March 17, the Sindh government had set up a ‘Coronavirus Relief Fund’ to fight the epidemic.

    The provincial government’s spokesperson Murtaza Wahab in a tweet had said the Sindh chief minister, advisors, special assistants and all PPP MPAs will donate their one-month salary to the fund.

  • Looking for some retail therapy? Check out the brands offering online sales

    Looking for some retail therapy? Check out the brands offering online sales

    The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a countrywide lockdown and led to the closure of all shops and shopping malls. The public is being urged to maintain social distance and remain at home until the situation is managed. In challenging times like these, retail therapy offers some respite and while we cannot go out and shop, we can definitely indulge in some online shopping. A large number of brands in Pakistan are not only offering this service but are also offering discounts.

    The Current has listed a few brands that are offering a discount on their online stores.

    Sana Safinaz

    Website: https://www.sanasafinaz.com/pk/

    Sapphire

    Sapphire is offering upto 50% off on their online stores.

    Website: https://pk.sapphireonline.pk/

    BTW – By The Way

    By The Way is offering 30 – 50 % discount.

    Website: https://www.btwonline.com/

    Zeen

    Website: https://www.zeenwoman.com/pk/

    Edenrobe

    Website: https://edenrobe.com/

    Alkaram

    It is the last day to get up to 50% off on alkaram designs.

    Website: https://www.alkaramstudio.com/

    Khaadi

    Website: https://pk.khaadi.com/

    Masarrat Misbah Makeup

    Masarrat Misbah Makeup is offering discount on selected items.

    Website: https://www.masarratmakeup.com/pak/

  • Baby girl born in India’s UP named ‘Corona’

    Baby girl born in India’s UP named ‘Corona’

    A girl born in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur town on Sunday − the day of ‘Janata Curfew − has been named Corona by her uncle.

    The uncle, Nitesh Tripathi, said that he decided to name the baby after the deadly virus because Corona has unified the world on this issue.

    The baby has already become the talk of the town. The hospital staff who were intially taken aback by this later hailed the newborn’s family for naming her after coronavirus.

    Tripathi said that he had taken permission from the newborn’s mother and father before naming the baby. Other family members had also been taken into confidence.

    “The virus is no doubt dangerous and it has killed so many people in the world, but it has also inculcated many good habits in us and brought the world closer. This baby will be the symbol of people’s unity to fight the evil,” he added.

  • Fact Check: Does Sana Hashwani of ‘Sana Safinaz’ have COVID-19?

    Fact Check: Does Sana Hashwani of ‘Sana Safinaz’ have COVID-19?

    Claim: Sana Hashwani of the clothing brand Sana Safinaz has COVID-19

    Fact: Sana Safinaz verified through a public announcement on their Instagram that she did not contract the virus

    While dealing with the coronavirus pandemic is stressful enough, the misinformation and fake information that comes along with it is even more nerve-wrecking.

    Late last week, rumours were doing the rounds that Sana Hashwani, who is the co-owner of the fashion brand Sana Safinaz has been tested positive for the coronavirus. It was also being said that her daughter also has it and that the two attended a party despite knowing.

    Below is a screenshot of a message that was being circulated on social media.

    screenshot in social media circulation

    Following this, the brand posted an official announcement clarifying that the designer did not have the novel coronavirus and urged people not to spread misinformation. Sana’s medical reports were also shared as further proof.

    “Sana returned from the UK and took a test as a precaution so as to not endanger family members with compromised immunity,” the statement read. “She has tested negative but nonetheless placed herself under self-isolation as any sensible person returning from abroad should do at this time.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-C9G4IgJXL/?utm_source=ig_embed

    The brand also urged the public to be more careful while sharing information and passing on “unverified slander and gossip.”

    VERDICT: FALSE

  • Pakistan is the happiest country in South Asia, 66th in the world

    Pakistan is the happiest country in South Asia, 66th in the world

    The United Nations (UN) on World Happiness Day (March 20) released its World Happiness Report which ranked 156 nations according to how happy their citizens are. The report placed Pakistan on the 66th position making it the happiest country in South Asia. Pakistan was previously at the 67th position and has improved its ranking in the recent report. Meanwhile, India has slipped from the 140th to the 144th position, making it one of the most unhappy nations in the world.

    The happiest nation in the world is Finland, who is receiving the honour for the third consecutive year. At number two and three is Denmark and Switzerland followed by Iceland at number four and Norway at number 5.

    Countries are ranked on six key variables that support well-being including income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support and generosity.

    One of the authors of the report John Helliwell in a statement said, “The happiest countries are those ‘where people feel a sense of belonging’, where they trust and enjoy each other and their shared institutions. There is also more resilience, because shared trust reduces the burden of hardships, and thereby lessens the inequality of well-being.”

    However, the impact of the lockdowns imposed by several countries due to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak has not been taken into account. Much of the data was collected in the years 2018 and 2019. The author of the report predicts that the lockdown conditions imposed on residents could, paradoxically, boost happiness in future.

    In a first, the report also compared happiness and well-being in different cities. While Helsinki in Finland topped the list, Karachi was declared the happiest city of Pakistani and South Asia at number 117 followed by Lahore on the 122nd spot. The happiest cities in the world include Aarhus, Denmark (2), Wellington, New Zealand (3), Zurich, Switzerland (4), Copenhagen, Denmark (5) and Bergen, Norway (6).

    On the other hand, Kabul is the least happy city followed by Sanaa in Yemen and Palestine’s Gaza.

  • Coronavirus puts Princess Beatrice’s wedding plans in a flux

    Princess Beatrice has cancelled her wedding reception in Buckingham Palace amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

    The princess, the eldest daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was set to marry her fiancé Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on May 29. But she may now have to delay that date for the ceremony, after canceling the reception.

    In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “Princess Beatrice and Mr Mapelli Mozzi are very much looking forward to getting married but are equally aware of the need to avoid undertaking any unnecessary risks in the current circumstances.

    “In line with government advice for the UK and beyond, the couple are reviewing their arrangements for 29th May. They are particularly conscious of government advice in relation to both the wellbeing of older family members and large gatherings of people.

    “Therefore, the planned reception in the Buckingham Palace Gardens will not take place. The couple will carefully consider government advice before deciding whether a private marriage might take place amongst a small group of family and friends.”

    Princess Beatrice and her fiancé intended to use the marquees and portaloos in the palace gardens, which are erected each year for the garden parties, for the reception of their wedding.

    But the palace had to cancel this summer’s parties amid the ongoing pandemic.

    Meanwhile, the Queen has moved to Windsor early because of the coronavirus outbreak and is joined by Prince Philip. As she arrived in Windsor, she released a statement on the ongoing pandemic saying that “my family and I stand ready to play our part.”

  • DC Hafizabad is winning the internet with his coronavirus song

    DC Hafizabad is winning the internet with his coronavirus song

    While some of us are freaking out about the coronavirus outbreak, others are using this as an opportunity to bring out their creative side.

    Deputy Commissioner Hafizabad Naveed Shahzad recently released an song in which he attempts to create awareness about the coronavirus and the necessary precautions to take. Shahzad has won desi Twitter with his song.

    https://twitter.com/theroygayle/status/1240551567259992065?s=20

    While we all enjoyed DC Sahab’s song, it seems a tad bit inspired by an Indian singer Tejas Gambhir.

  • SBP waives off online transaction charges amid coronavirus outbreak

    SBP waives off online transaction charges amid coronavirus outbreak

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday waived all charges on fund transfers through online banking channels to avoid the use of cash. The national bank’s decision comes after health experts urge the public to practise social distancing in order to prevent the virus from spreading.

    As per reports, the SBP made this move to minimize the use of cash to contain the spread of virus amongst bank staff and customers.

    Furthermore, under the guidelines issued by the central bank, customers using ATMs or visiting bank branches for transferring large amounts will not incur any charges.

    The state bank further advised the financial sector “to immediately facilitate education fee and loan repayments through internet banking or mobile devices.”

    The SBP in a statement said, “The objective of these measures is to reduce the need for visiting bank branches or the ATMs and to promote the use of Digital Payment Services such as internet banking, mobile phone banking, etc”.

    For this, the SBP has advised all banks to ensure availability of the alternate delivery platforms including ATMs, POS, payment gateways, internet banking, mobile banking and call centers for customers at all times.