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Ace #stayhome🏡restrictions with pro-tips from the Yahoo team

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Last April’s Circuit Breaker (CB) caught the entire population off-guard. Parents, office executives and everyone else had to deal with new, unprecedented situations like Home-Based Learning (HBL), work from home (WFH), online grocery shopping, home cooking, and more.

Now that we have the Circuit Breaker experience under our belt, many of us have found easing into Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) a much smoother process. Curious how others are dealing with it? We polled the Yahoo team the one thing they are doing or plan to do differently in Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) this year compared to Circuit Breaker in April last year.

The Yahoo Shopping team offers some recommendations to ace the #stayhome game should you be going through similar experiences. Read on to find out how you can tackle Phase 2 like a pro.

Young man exercising at home.
Young man exercising at home.

Eve Tan, Demand Partner Manager

Last year's Circuit Breaker that lasted two months put a hard stop to our daily lives. The good that came out of it was that it gave us time to ponder if the things we have been pursuing so far were really necessary. Many started to exercise, rediscover Singapore and spend more time with the family. And so did I.

This year, Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) just goes to show that full recovery from the pandemic will not be happening anytime soon. Things can slip up anytime. I have since increased my workout intensity from once to thrice a week. My family and I plan to take up a half round-the-island cycling trip with the kids this June as well as a staycay in the city.

Yahoo Shopping team suggests:

Reward your family with a luxurious room in Marriott.com or explore more options with Booking.com.

Equip you and your family with foldable bikes so you can go further. Always put safety as the number one priority: Wear helmets to say safe.

If you have yet to utilise your SingapoRediscovers vouchers, check out Trip.com and Klook.

Foldable bike. PHOTO: Decathlon
Foldable bike. PHOTO: Decathlon

Aeriel Peh, Senior Account Lead

After going through CB last year, I am more prepared with Phase 2 (Heightened Alert). I feel less anxious and worried about where and how to get the household necessities. I was unfamiliar with food delivery apps before CB and purchased household necessities online only 50% of the time. This time around, becoming adept in using apps like Deliveroo, Foodpanda, Grab Food, RedMart, and Lazada apps have proven to be lifesavers!

Yahoo Shopping team suggests:

Stack and save with Lazada vouchers

PHOTO: Food Panda
PHOTO: Food Panda

Blake Ng, Project Manager

This year I plan to experiment with more recipes. Dining out has been a privilege since 19 June 2020, and I never expected the current no dine-in situation. I wished I had learned more dishes since the last Circuit Breaker and post-Circuit Breaker period. Eating well is essential for both mental and physical health. That's why I plan to invest in more kitchen wares and recreate the Malaysian dishes that I miss.

Yahoo Shopping team suggests:

Shop WMF for all your kitchen needs.

Get Tefal vouchers and save.

Consider getting an instant pot that allows you to cook a wide variety of dishes, using different cooking methods with just one pot.

PHOTO: Lazada
PHOTO: Lazada

Madeleine Koh, Software Development Engineer

The most significant change since last year's CB is having an addition to the family. This year, I plan to spend more time engaging my two kids in educational activities and bond with them at the same time. For my elder one, who is 5, I will introduce drawing and doodling to him. As for my one-year-old, I plan to bond with her via sing-along sessions, reading, painting and playing DIY games with her.

Yahoo Shopping team suggests:

Check out Early Development & Activity Toys to stimulate the minds of the young ones.

Develop their creativity with arts & crafts activities.

Crayola. PHOTO: Lazada
Crayola. PHOTO: Lazada

Roy Koh, Business Lead

This year, I endeavour to stay healthy by increasing my workout frequency and lowering my food intake. During CB last year, I mindlessly binged on food and Netflix since gyms were closed. Also, I didn't dare venture outdoors for exercise. This time around, I got myself a treadmill and some free weights to exercise at home safely.

Yahoo Shopping team suggests:

No gym? Set up a mini gym at home! Get a mini stepper with resistance bands for enhanced intensity, while elliptical machines and rowers provide effective full-body workouts.

Want something different from Netflix? Enjoy the big-screen experience on your TV with Disney+. Stream all your favourite movies and more for just S$11.98 a month or S$119.98 per year (15% savings).

Prime Video. PHOTO: Amazon
Prime Video. PHOTO: Amazon

Ruby Tan, Designer

During last year’s Circuit Breaker, I took the extra time, saved on commuting, for granted. This time around, I aim to maintain a work-life balance. I want to be healthier and have started to learn to cook and prepare meals for myself. I also plan to exercise discipline in maintaining home workouts at least three times a week.

Yahoo Shopping team recommends:

An Air Fryer can help prepare healthier meals.

Start with an Alo Move membership. You get unlimited access to yoga, fitness and meditation right at home for only $20 per month. Take advantage of their annual membership that is at 30% off now. What's more, it comes with a 14-day free trial.

Quality workout attire not only helps motivate you further, but you also get more wear out of them. Try Alo Yoga, Lorna Jane and Lululemon. Plus, they are on sale now!

Consider getting the much-raved about Nintendo Ring Fit to provide an excellent workout and overall toning while having fun.

Online culinary classes. PHOTO: Skillshare
Online culinary classes. PHOTO: Skillshare

Tarry Tham, Sales Lead Designer

Last year's CB forced me to put my wedding plans and new home milestones on hold. Despite this, my spouse and I have decided to stay optimistic and proceed with our plans this year. We aim to make the best out of the current situation and are planning for home renovation.

Yahoo Shopping team recommends:

A robot vacuum cleaner can save you and your spouse precious time and energy while keeping your home clean and tidy.

Create the perfect mood and ambience with a galaxy projector.

There’s nothing like a relaxing afternoon tea break with your loved one to bond with each other.

Snag good deals in the upcoming 6.6 Sale happening on both Lazada and Shopee. It's an excellent time to furnish your new home.

New to Lazada? Get S$10 off S$20 purchase. Use "YAHOO10OFF”. Valid till 31 May only. Grab this offer, exclusive to Yahoo readers only!

New to Shopee? Use code "SKIM66NEW" to get S$10 off a minimum S$20 spend — first 250 new Shopee users only, from 6 June to 7 July.

PHOTO: Emma Sleep
PHOTO: Emma Sleep

Alicia Chiang, Strategist

Last year's Circuit Breaker, I got myself to do things I’ve always wanted to do but constantly gave excuses for. So I learnt how to play the ukulele, started attending investment classes for beginners over Zoom, started on an online certification & went back to reading. When Phase 2 started, I fell back to my lazy ways. Perhaps this Heightened Alert can bring me back to my productive self again!

Yahoo Shopping team suggests:

Stay centered with a crystal starter kit.

Pick up meditation, or Zentangle drawing for peace of mind.

Choose from countless personal development courses, from speed reading, communications skills, Neuro-Linguistic programming, emotional intelligence courses and more from Udemy to bring you closer to your goals.

PHOTO: Book Depository
PHOTO: Book Depository

At this point, we are not sure if Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) will end by 13 June. But one thing's for sure, as long as we stay in and stay safe, we will pull through this pandemic together! So, what's your Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) like?

Read more:

Make Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) the most fruitful #stayin experience ever

5 ways to #stayhome with your kids without tearing your hair out

Essential tools and tips to remain centered amidst the COVID-19 storm

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YahooSGShopping
YahooSGShopping