Hey everyone! 😀
It’s no secret that the country is facing a really difficult time right now, with the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.
Times like these can be scary and testing for a lot of us. Which is why it’s important - now more than ever - to keep our community spirit alive. And see this through together.
No doubt it’s a stressful time for many. Having to manage new ways of working, looking after loved ones, and even just navigating through daily life. But we have always been a strong community, with members that are truly there to support one another. And we could all probably do with an extra dose of that support, at this time.
Whether that is through actively encouraging one another to stay positive and occupied, understanding how to navigate the media better at this frantic time, managing entertaining our kids if they are at home more, or navigating having to work remotely. We’re sure many of you can relate to at least one of these things.
Now, we thought it would be a lovely idea for all of us to share our top tips and life hacks at this time. Then, our ace Design team will pull together our ideas to create something that we can share with the wider giffgaff community.
So, what have we been thinking about so far?
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Tips on: Staying Connected (digitally)
Even though it may feel like you’re being asked to shut out the outside world, it’s really important to stay communicating - and at least digitally connected, at this time. If we can’t be together physically, let’s find ways to stick together virtually (you guys are the pros at doing this already, yay!) What are your top tips for keeping the conversation flowing? How are you making sure you’re staying close to your loved ones - or reconnecting with old friends, or family you haven’t been in touch with recently?
(If you know of any good local community groups, or online support groups in your areas - share them with the community in this thread too, encase other people in you area aren't aware of them 🙂)
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Tips on: Staying positive
It’s super important to stay positive and keep those good vibes going, at this time too. Even if it seems hard to do so, right now. There’s lots of ways you can do this - from handy apps to help manage stress or anxiety, to making a new routine for screen time vs family time, or finding time to do things like exercise or check in on one another.
What are your best apps for keeping calm, and staying positive (we’re seeing so many pop up recently, encouraging us all to sleep better, meditate more and manage anxiety, for example)? And what about when the tech is switched off? What are you doing to stay energised? At the gaff we’re big fans of music, art and cooking, for example. How about you guys? 😀
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Tips on: Working from home
Many of us will have to work from home over the next few weeks, or even months.
It might be a little odd for some people that aren't used to it. So, we think it’d be worth sharing some top tips around managing your new working environment. Including if you have little ones running around. Let’s hear them...
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Tips on: Entertaining children at home
Many of you will have young children or young relatives, who will also be experiencing a change of routine. And you may find that whilst you’re having to stay at home - they are too! What are your top tips for keeping them entertained or occupied. Whether it’s something creative, something that can keep them busy alone for a few hours, or something you can do together. We’re hearing a lot about virtual learning, online educational shows, creative activities. What would you suggest? 😄😅
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Tips on: Earning a little extra from home
If we’re going to be stuck indoors, then why not get inventive and think about how we can earn a little extra at the same time. We’re thinking things like upcycling old clothes, giving old furniture a new look - and then a new home. Learning a new craft. Give us your best ideas!?
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Tips on: Digesting the media
The media can be quite daunting at times like these. 😮 With endless articles, opinions and conversations being put out, at the same time. And it can be super hard to navigate it all. How do you deal with the information overload?
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And how about: Boredom Hacks
Just because we’re having to spend more time indoors, doesn’t mean things have to be ‘boring’. There’s lots of ways for you to keep yourself entertained, without having to leave the house. We’re talking about DIY (everything from homemade anti-bac and washing up liquid, to revamping some of your old things). Gardening - if the weather allows it. Apps or games that can keep twiddling thumbs occupied for a little while. And if the whole family can get involved at once, even better. What’s your suggestions? 😄
We’d love to hear your suggestions on any of the above - as well as other things we haven’t thought of yet!
If you’ve got a tip or hack that fits into any of the above groups - copy the group name from above - e.g. 'Tips on: Staying Positive', and add your tip/hack, alongside it, then share it below 😃 (this will just help us, when it comes to grouping your suggestions together at the end of the week, and knowing which sort of tip/hack it is!)
It would also be great for you to share any good articles you’ve come across on this sort of topic, so everyone can take a read.
We can’t wait to read what everyone comes back with, and to share with even more members at this time!
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We’re going to check back in on Friday afternoon and send over some of your ideas to our Design team. So they can start pulling everything together. So, keep those ideas coming in over the new couple days and we’ll be back around 😃
Over and out - and stay positive everyone!
Kiesha & Shaina xo
