The Heartbreak Handbook

By Biba Hamer

So, the theme of this month's edition is 'Love', things we love to do, watch, listen to, people we love, and then there's just all that gross romance business.

Personally I think it’s a great theme! It will cheer us all up a bit to remember the things we love and are missing in lockdown, and to help us appreciate the things we can still enjoy while we're all shut up!

But let’s be realistic, there’s not a lot to do at this point and most of us are barely managing to roll over in bed to plug in our dying phones, let alone appreciate life’s best bits. I don’t know about you, but my screen time last week was 36 hours for one day, and I know it’s an urban legend to get square eyes from staring at a screen to long, but I honestly think they're beginning to develop corners now!

If we’re being completely honest, lockdown is a bit like a breakup, but instead of splitting from your S.O, it’s like the ultimate breakup between you and the outside world. And therefore, I think we should start acting like we’re all stuck in a heartbreak Rom-Com (I may or may not have watched one too many of them in lockdown)

So here’s my step by step guide to romanticizing your life in lockdown.

Step One

Make a playlist, every good rom com has a memorable soundtrack that really encapsulates the mood you're aiming for. If it’s crying at 2 in the morning, or running through a field Pretending your in a perfume advert, honestly you could even use the “Jaws” theme tune if you want! (shout out to that 70s classic, a little reference to last month's Issue) whatever floats your boat, or in Jaws' case perhaps whatever sinks your boat.....

Step Two

Get all dressed up for absolutely no reason at all. Now hear me out, getting yourself completely dressed up and then just playing your favorite music (hence step one), has been scientifically proven, by yours truly, to make you feel 100% like you're living in a Rom-Com. But maybe try and avoid having a ‘the other woman’ situation, resulting in you sitting alone in a wedding dress drinking red wine out of the bottle. We’re aiming for Emma Stone in the opening scene of ‘Easy A’ here!

Step Three

Find something you like to do, and do it! Get yourself on a walk, dance around in your room, do some art, make something. By actually getting something done your going to feel so much more positive and productive , instead of feeling yourself sink slightly more into your mattress. Being active is a scientifically proven (not by me, I don't think I can take the credit for this one) way to combat depression and low mood!

Step Four

Online shopping, this is a magazine after all. What's life without a little treat! Go online and start creating your dream lockdown looks. Pinterest is a personal favourite tool of mine to plan my wardrobe, as well as my dream wedding, of course.

I hope that everyone is well, and is staying healthy both mentally and physically in lockdown. Romanticise your life and live a little, after all, there is no better time than now!