On the night of August 5, Kyiv was subjected to a massive attack by ballistic missiles and drones. Against the backdrop of exhausting shelling, famous Ukrainian women — Solomiya Vitvytska, singer INEYA, and actresses Elena Svetlitskaya and Elena Lavrenyuk — shared how they cope with the aftermath of anxious nights and return to their usual lives.
Rituals that help endure
Solomiya Vitvytska, a TV host and public figure, admitted that it is important for her not to fall out of her usual rhythm. "If there are scheduled meetings, broadcasts, repairs, work or household chores — I try not to cancel them. It's not about pretending that nothing happened. It's about the feeling that life is stronger than fear," she shared.
According to her, everyone feels exhausted after such nights. However, it is ordinary tasks — work, coffee with loved ones, checking off items on a list — that help restore a sense of support. "The enemy wants not only to destroy our cities but to knock us out of life. I don't want to give him that victory," added Vitvytska.
Simple things that save
Former lead singer of the group SESTRA, singer INEYA, admitted that after nights with sirens and explosions, it is difficult for her to immediately return to her usual state. "Every time I catch myself thinking that after such nights you wake up as if you are a different person. It seems the body has already stood up, but the soul is still there — between sirens, explosions, and waiting for when it will finally be quiet," she said.
INEYA emphasized that on such days, one should not demand maximum productivity from oneself. "On such days, it is hard to gather yourself, smile, work, and be productive. And that is normal. We are not machines. We are people living in a reality where every new morning is already a reason to be grateful for life," noted the singer.
Simple things and time with loved ones help the artist recover. "Simple things save me: my daughter's hugs, hot tea, a few minutes of silence, fresh air, prayer. I remind myself that I need not only to survive but to live. Even in small steps," shared INEYA.
Basic bodily needs
Actress of series and films Elena Svetlitskaya advises paying attention to the body's basic needs after a heavy night. "Heavy nights are a real test for our bodies. Therefore, the most important thing we can give them the next day is to meet the basic needs that were disrupted at night," she noted.
Among the main ways to recover, she named sleep, sufficient water intake, and balanced nutrition. "First and foremost, it is sleep and increased anxiety. Be sure to drink enough water throughout the day. If possible, sleep in the hours that were missed at night. It is also important to eat properly, not overeat, and not try to compensate for sleep deprivation with large amounts of sweets," Svetlitskaya said.
According to her, instead of sweets, one can choose fruits, and moderate physical activity can help the body gradually recover. "If you crave sweets, it is better to choose fruits. And of course, do not forget about physical activity — it helps maintain cortisol levels within normal limits," added the actress.
Yoga, breathing, and contrast showers
Stage and screen actress Elena Lavrenyuk tries to first restore her physical and emotional state after shelling. Yoga, breathing exercises, coffee, and contrast showers help her in this. "After shelling, I first try to restore myself. I practice yoga periodically, so in the morning I like to breathe a little, drink coffee, and take a contrast shower," she said.
Lavrenyuk also tries not to watch news and footage of the aftermath of attacks at least in the first hours after waking up. "And I try not to re-watch the consequences of shelling at least in the first hours after waking up, because this emotionally knocks me down very much," explained the actress.
Lavrenyuk admitted that after such nights, she does not always have the strength to return to work immediately. "I understand that I need to work, but after such nights, there may be neither physical nor emotional resources," she added.
