Ace #stayhomeđĄrestrictions with pro-tips from the Yahoo team
Our editorial team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the products and deals we love. If you love them too and decide to purchase through the links below, we may receive a commission. Prices were correct at the time of publication.
Last Aprilâs 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 yearâs 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.
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.
Thereâs 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 "YAHOO10OFFâ. 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 â first 250 new Shopee users only, from 6 June to 7 July.
Alicia Chiang, Strategist
Last year's Circuit Breaker, I got myself to do things Iâve 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.
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
What are organic products? Are they worth the higher price tag?
These vegan leather bagsđas seen on Angelina Jolie and Lady Gaga are on sale now
Kickstart a sustainableđ»lifestyle with these eco-friendly ideas
How brands are helping to save đ±Mother Earth and what you can do
Expand your financial portfolio, invest in luxury watchesâ
This homegrown accessoriesđđ brand elevates your style without costing you an arm and a leg
âïž9 life hacks to ageing gracefully
Must-have grooming products for menđšđ»âđŠ±: 99% cashback and free shipping
Embroideryđ§”is the new tie-dye: Ways to kickstart a hobby
Want quality sleepđŽ? Try this under S$50 sleep hack and sleep like a baby
9 mini lifestyle changes to bright, healthy đeyes
IWD 2021: Quit the Cinderella syndrome and empower đŻyourself and other women
Fun-filled, family-friendly activities for grandparents and kids this school holidays
The sleep đŽhack trending on TikTok and otherđ€tips that doesnât involve pills
Everyday attiređand accessories with your favourite cartoon or đŹ movie characters
Outfits and bags in auspicious colours that will put you in the mood for CNYđ
Huat your way to a brand new year đđwith the auspicious colour red đ§§â grandma approved!
Pantone colours of the year 2021: Tips to rock your daily wear in greys and yellows