Your 25-day plan to getting through the new Phase 2 in Singapore

After the events of last year, you could cut yourself some slack and take it all in. And maybe give yourself a break from the kitchen too. Since dining out isn't going to be a possibility for the next couple of weeks, food and drink delivery services are your new best friend. Independent restaurants, bars and hawkers are also providing meals and cocktails to-go, so you can order your favourite takeaway dishes when the craving hits. Do support these local businesses so that we still have these places to go back to once everything is back to “normal”.

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There’s no need to panic-buy when there are shops that ship the freshest deals right to your door. While supermarkets and grocery stores are considered essential services and will remain open, those looking to stay extra vigilant (or just feeling slightly lazy) can choose to have their groceries delivered, thanks to online grocery stores. Just remember to buy only what you need – we’ve got a robust supply chain and a healthy stockpile of items in Singapore so you definitely do not need that extra roll of toilet paper.

RECOMMENDED: Where to shop for your groceries online

Cinemas in Singapore remain open at reduced capacity. But if you’d rather cosy up at home with some popcorn, settle for a movie on the telly. In this age of online streaming, films of all genres and languages – even those from Singapore – are easily accessible at your fingertips. While some are available to stream for free, others come with price tags that won't break the bank. Even events like Singapore Mental Health Film Festival, and Singular Screens are screening must-watch titles online and on-site.

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Culture vulture can still get their fix at the many museums in the city for less than $20 (or free for citizens and permanent residents). Catch Dale Chihuly's stunning and intricate glass sculptures at Gardens by the Bay, pore over pioneer art master Cheong Soo Pieng's ink masterpieces at artcommune gallery, stroke your chin at the mixed media installations at National Gallery Singapore, or visit a joint exhibition starring six celebrated, post-independence Singaporean artists. Want more? Take this time to unearth Singapore's rich history at the National Museum of Singapore, or its darker days at the newly reopened Changi Chapel and Museum.

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Didn’t manage to score tickets to Singapore International Festival of the Arts (SIFA)? You can still catch Toy Factory Productions' A Dream Under The Southern Bough: Existence,  The Necessary Stage’s The Year of No Return, and The Commission, a collaboration by Wild Rice, Singapore Repertory Theatre and Pangdemonium, on demand online. For something different, put on your detective hat for virtual interactive plays such as the murdery mystery The Bride Always Knocks Twice – Killer Secrets, and the whodunnit tale The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure about a missing Peranakan treasure.

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Staying at home shouldn’t come at the expense of your physical health. If you’re not the type to head out for a hike or jog, a handful of local gyms have started streaming live workouts and posting online exercises, so you can get sweating in the comfort, and safety, of your own home. Plus, there’s no need to fight for the shower once you're done – that's always a plus.

RECOMMENDED: The best gyms with online workouts and gyms and studios offering outdoor classes in Singapore

It's hump day, so why not turn to meditation for a safe space amidst the current chaos? For good reason too, since it has been hailed to reduce stress, increase calmness and clarity, and promote happiness. It has also been linked to productivity. And the best thing about it? You can meditate anytime and anywhere. If you're a beginner, we've got you covered with our basic tips and app recommendations that can help you form a daily mindful meditation habit.

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It's not just about Amazon, Lazada and Redmart when it comes to online shopping in Singapore. There are also local online stores that let you stock up on books, tea, wireless headphones and more to get through the stay-in season. You don't even have to look cute to go out. Sink into the couch in your comfiest sweatpants and click away.

RECOMMENDED: The best local online shopping sites

TGIF! While all bars are closed for the month, some, including Jigger and Pony, Atlas, and Employees Only, are offering bottled cocktails and beers to-go to help tide you through this stay home period. Therefore, for days when you're craving a stiff drink (we could all use one during this period), support your local watering hole by getting some tipples to-go or delivered.

RECOMMENDED: Bars offering cocktail takeaway and delivery

It’s inevitable – the more we stay at home, the more our domesticated side surfaces. With more time on your hand to spare during this period, is your kitchen calling out to you? You are certainly not alone. It’s time to put away that packet of instant ramen and strap on that cooking apron. Let these local YouTube channels kickstart your culinary journey – complete with engaging personalities, inspiring visuals, easy-to-follow instructions, and most importantly, great-tasting recipes.

RECOMMENDED: Local YouTube cooking channels to inspire your next kitchen adventure

There’s no denying that karaoke is (almost) every Singaporean’s favourite pastime – besides eating. Whether you’re singing along to pop hits with your buddies or brooding over a break-up with tear-jerking slow jams, there’s always a reason to flex your impressive vocal chops (or lack thereof). We put together the top tracks you need to put in queue for the perfect karaoke sesh. Karaoke versions of all of them are widely available on YouTube. All you have to do is get a mic and plug it into a speaker.

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Outdoor run or cycle can do wonders for the mind. After all, it’s a relatively fuss-free way to stay fit, sans the expensive gym memberships. If you’re going to keep up a routine, you’re going to need somewhere to do it. We suggest picking places with views to keep yourself inspired including leisure beginner-friendly options, intense mountain biking tracks and everything else in-between to suit all abilities. Just make sure you avoid crowds and keep a safe distance of at least one-metre between other runners and cyclists.

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As you would've known by now, the internet is a treasure trove of knowledge. It's a wonderful tool to learn anything and everything about the world. And just because schools are closed, doesn't mean your little Einsteins can't do some schooling. Harness in the power of technology and learn something new through interactive lessons, brain games, and other fun activities at home. There are dozens of online resources that challenge and entertain your kids – and even you – while they learn.

RECOMMENDED: The best online edutainment for kids

Public libraries are open at reduced capacity but if you prefer a fuss-free way of saving some time browsing through thousands of books, you can “borrow” ‘em with just a touch of a button. The National Library Board app has over 725,000 eBooks and audiobooks to choose from. Since its launch in 2016, the app has made it easy for anyone with an NLB card to download an ebook and read on the go – or at home. You'll also have access to magazines and newspapers from over 100 countries. What better way to keep up with everything that's happening in the world?

RECOMMENDED: You can borrow from over 300,000 online books free on this app and the best public libraries in Singapore

Nothing makes or breaks friendships – including families – quite like board and card games. The heat is on the minute the cards are drawn, the dice are rolled, and someone on the table shouts (or swears). Everyone feels engaged, invested, creative – anything but bored (pun intended). It’s also a healthy antidote for those looking to decrease screen time. Swap your fancy consoles with tabletop games that come with a twist such as Exploding Kittens, and The Singaporean Dream.

RECOMMENDED: The best card and board games to play

Get down to disco (or sing in the shower) with the hottest made-in-Singapore acts. If you're searching for your next earworm, you don't have to look very far. For a comparatively small music scene, we've got genres like rock, indie, hip-hop and even lo-fi beats covered. Discover some homegrown talents with our Local Vocal edit and the songs you should be listening to now.

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Here's a weekend project since you have a little more time on your hands. Just because watering holes are closed for now doesn’t mean happy hour is cancelled. But what do you put in the shaker when all you have at home is some vodka, a sad lemon and a few half-empty bottles of liqueur? Learn to make a cocktail or two as bartenders turned to social media to share recipes and tips.

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The recent closure of all standalone food and beverage stores means that most cake shops have to shut too. But the birthday celebrations must go on, and you can still have your cake and eat it. But if baking an over-the-top cake isn’t just on the cards for you, then order one online. Cake shops are still whipping up the sweet treats and delivering them door-to-door. Shower your favourite Gemini with some sweet lovin’.

RECOMMENDED: The best cake delivery options in Singapore

Nothing beats swapping the real world for a dystopian future, a blast to the past or even an entirely different country for a couple of minutes (or hours). And what better way to dedicate some time getting lost in a book written by Singapore's very own authors. Order one – or two – from an online bookstore, find a cosy spot in the crib, and kick back with your chosen page-turner.

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For us urban dwellers, growing our own food might sound like a distant reality – not all of us have balconies, gardens, or enough direct sunlight streaming through our windows to keep a basil plant alive. But thanks to these local companies, you can bring pockets of green to your home with easy indoor gardening kits that are far from being overly complicated. And as an added bonus, after a couple of months, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

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Now that we're mostly at home, we've got more time on our hands to upgrade our skills, learn new languages, pick up a paintbrush, or even start dabbling in new age practices. With various classes available all over the internet, the sky's the limit when it comes to acquiring knowledge. Whether you're thinking of joining an online course or trying something fresh with a local creative, there’s always some new hobbies you can shoot your shot at.

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If the zoo doesn't quite cut it, pack a pair of binoculars for some wildlife spotting at Singapore's nature reserves and parks. These tranquil sanctuaries are home to a variety of jungle creatures including monkeys, birds, monitor lizards, otters, and even crocodiles – crikey. It comes as no surprise as the tropical island boasts rich wildlife and rainforest which was once dense enough for orangutans to swing from one end of the island to the other. Plus, it’s always great to head out for some fresh air.

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It's normal to feel cooped up on Singapore's tiny island, so get off the mainland completely with a visit to our many offshore islands – best enjoyed with a friend of course. Some highlights: rediscover the kampong days at Pulau Ubin, enjoy a private beach getaway at Lazarus Island, or observe some marine life up close at Pulau Hantu.

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Marie Kondo your sweet digs and donate your pre-loved clothes, books and furniture instead of sending them to the bin. If you find something still in good condition that you have no need for any more, put it in a giveaway pile for someone else. Plus, you can donate your extra masks and sanitisation supplies to hawkers, cleaners, drivers, nurses and doctors, as well as those from lower-income families that need extra protection. 

RECOMMENDED: Where to donate used clothes, books, furniture and toys

We made it but the battle is far from over. To quote High School Musical, we're all in this together. And it's heartening to see so many community-driven initiatives that aim to help us all get through the chaos coronavirus has caused. We can start by taking care of the most vulnerable among us – the elderly, people with underlying health conditions and those in need – as well as those whose jobs have been most affected by the pandemic. Even if you don't have time or money to donate, we all can play a small part.

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