The Yahoo team shares how we #stayhome amidst the rise in COVID-19 cases
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If the recent advisory to stay in and keep social gatherings to one a day is not stopping you from rescheduling your non-essential appointments, perhaps the escalating COVID-19 cases will. To be fair, we have been cooped up for so long – it has been a year and nine months since the coronavirus reared its ugly head in January 2020, and it has been tough navigating the ups and downs of the dynamic restrictions put in place.
While 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. By now, every one of us should be 'trained' to handle the ever-changing nature of the safe management measures (SMM) in response to the coronavirus situation, whatever that may be.
Now that we have the Circuit Breaker, Heightened Alert and no dine-in experiences under our belt, many of us have found easing into the current stay-in advisory 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 this year compared to the Circuit Breaker in April last year.
When it comes to a pandemic, a support group is vital to pull us through together. 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 too, can tackle staying at home like a pro.
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. So did I.
The recent surges in coronavirus cases just go 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 during the school holidays, 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 stay safe.
If you have yet to utilise your SingapoRediscovers vouchers, check out Trip.com and Klook.
Aeriel Peh, Senior Account Lead
After going through CB last year, I am more prepared for whatever SMM is to come. I feel less anxious 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
Blake Ng, Project Manager
This year I plan to experiment with more recipes. Dining out has been a privilege since 19 June 2020 but with the ongoing pandemic, eating at home may be a good way to stay safe. 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 kitchenware and recreate the Malaysian dishes that I miss.
Yahoo Shopping team suggests:
Shop WMF for all your kitchen needs.
Get Tefal vouchers and save.
Arm yourself with a good set of knives – a basic in the kitchen.
Consider getting an instant pot that allows you to cook a wide variety of dishes, using different cooking methods with just one pot.
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 and Lego toys.
Reading to your children at a young age has proven benefits.
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).
Ruby Tan, Designer
During last year’s Circuit Breaker, I took the extra time saved on commuting for granted. With the new stay in advisory, 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. Stay healthy with Mediterranean meals.
Start with an Alo Move membership. You get unlimited access to yoga, fitness and meditation right at home for only US$20 per month. What's more, it comes with one month's free access with every purchase.
Quality workout attire not only helps motivate you further, but you also get more wear out of them. Try Alo Yoga, Lorna Jane, Sweaty Betty 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.
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 good mattress is quintessential to all bedrooms. Get an award-winning, German-engineered mattress for a good night's sleep.
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 and a Philips hue light.
There’s nothing like a relaxing afternoon tea break with your loved one to bond with each other. Prefer coffee? A Nespresso machine is a must. There's a S$70 off promotion right now.
Snag good deals in the 9.9 sales happening on both Lazada and Shopee. It's an excellent time to furnish your new home. Yes, 9.9 sales are still ongoing but hurry, only for a couple more days!
New to Shopee? Key in promotion code "SLNEW99", get S$10 off a minimum spend S$20.
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 online certification courses & went back to reading. Recently, I fell back to my lazy ways. Perhaps this stay in advisory can bring me back to my productive self again!
Yahoo Shopping team suggests:
Stay centered with a crystal starter kit.
Wish to master more musical instruments? Try the kalimba, harmonica, flute, or keyboard.
Pick up meditation, colouring 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.
It may be a downer to stay in (again!) but hey, as long as we stay in and stay safe, we will get through this pandemic together! Hope the above sparked some ideas on how you too, can embark on a fruitful stay-in experience as well.
