Grace Massoud wrote this article in MTV Website:

Doing the same thing over and over again, even if you quite enjoy it, can get pretty dreary. When boredom sets in, you fall into a state of numbness and dissatisfaction with life. I’ve been on a physical detox lately which feels great I’ll tell you that. Intermittent fasting has many health benefits all associated with longevity which enticed me to give it a go. 

Before that though, I’ve been on a fast from the same old plans that no longer satisfy my lust for life. Well semi-fast. Attempting to come up with new and fun ways to spend the weekends and picking up a new hobby, learning a new skill. 

How about you get out of your rut this weekend? The environment of political and economic unrest in Lebanon makes the country somewhat depressing. We need to give ourselves some grace and an extra push to rediscover our “Joie De Vivre”. 

If you’re a dog lover and want to give some strays the love and care they’re deprived of, head on over to Give Me A Paw animal shelter and take these poor creatures out for a walk, groom them, pet them. They’ll be overjoyed and you’ll lower your stress levels while getting those warm and fuzzy feelings. 

Who here loves music and its transcendental power as much as I do? Reality bites. Music gives our life a soundtrack and casts a spell on us to make us believe if only for a moment in time that anything is possible. Luckily, live jazz and blues bands can be discovered at some restaurants, bars and pubs. This weekend the Monnot Theater will pull back the curtains on both a musical play and a talented singer’s performance of traditional music.  

Speaking of theater, plays are a marvelous way to detach from reality and witness art in motion. Not to mention paintings and photography exhibitions. Art and culture are the heartbeat of any country. They are our hope for survival because they give people an outlet to express their feelings and tell their truth, spreading joy and evoking sentiments in art aficionados. 

Furthermore, stand-up comedy turns some sad realities into a punchline. Be sure to choose a comedian whose humor you appreciate and catch a show. I can tell you from recent experience that it’s such a delight laughing for an hour and a half straight. There’s a science to it that we should look for the silly and humorous event daily, and tell the tale to a friend or family member to derive happiness. 

Without further gilding the lily, and seeing as spring has sprung, take a hike on the many scenic routes available to us a stone’s throw away. It’s a sight for sore eyes to bask in the resplendent beauty nature has to offer as seasons change. That in and of itself is therapy and rejuvenation.