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Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many of us are spending a lot more time at home. We’re all being called upon to avoid public spaces and practice social distancing to help slow the spread of this infectious disease. While it can be understandably challenging, there are ways you can modify your home and your lifestyle to make the best of this difficult situation.


Here are a few tips for creating comfortable and functional spaces within your home for work, school, and fitness. We also share some of our favorite ways to stay connected as a community, because we’re all in this together … and no one should face these trying times alone.


 

Begin with the Basics

 

A basic home emergency preparedness kit is a great addition to any home, even under normal circumstances. It should include items like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first aid kit, and other essentials you would need should you temporarily lose access to food, water, or electricity.


Fortunately, authorities don’t anticipate any serious interruptions to utilities or the food supply during this outbreak. However, it may be a good time to start gathering your emergency basics in a designated location, so you’ll be prepared now-—and in the future—should your family ever need them. 


 

Working From Home


Many employees are being asked to work remotely. If you’re transitioning to a home office for the first time, it’s important to create a designated space for work … so it doesn’t creep into your home life, and vice versa. If you live in a small condominium or apartment, this may feel impossible. But try to find a quiet corner where you can set up a desk and comfortable chair. The simple act of separating your home and workspaces can help you focus during work hours and “turn off” at the end of the day. 


Of course, if you have children who are home with you all day (given many schools and daycares are now closed), separating your home and work life will be more difficult. Unless you have a partner who can serve as the primary caregiver, you will need to help manage the needs of your children while juggling work and virtual meetings.


If both parents are working from home, try alternating shifts, so you each have a designated time to work and to parent. If that’s not an option, experts recommend creating a schedule for your children, so they know when you’re available to play, and when you need to work.1 A red stop sign on the door can help remind them when you shouldn’t be disturbed. And for young children, blocking off a specific time each day for them to nap or have independent screen time can give you a window to schedule conference calls or work uninterrupted.



Homeschooling Your Children


Many parents with school-aged children will be taking on a new challenge: homeschooling. Similar to a home office, designating a space for learning activities can help your child transition between play and school. If you’re working from home, the homeschooling area would ideally be located near your workspace, so you can offer assistance and answer questions, as needed.


If possible, dedicate a desk or table where your child’s work can be spread out—and left out when they break for meals and snacks. Position supplies and materials nearby so they are independently accessible, and place a trash can and recycling bin within reach for easy cleanup. A washable, plastic tablecloth can help transition an academic space into an arts and crafts area.

 

 If the weather is nice, try studying outside! A porch swing is a perfect spot for reading, and gardening in the backyard is a great addition to any science curriculum. 


In addition to creating an academic learning environment, find age-appropriate opportunities for your children to help with household chores and meal preparation. Homeschooling advocates emphasize the importance of developing life skills alongside academic ones.2 And with more meals and activities taking place at home, there will be ample opportunity for every family member to pitch in and help.



Staying Fit


With gyms closed and team sports canceled, it can be tempting to sit on the sofa and binge Netflix. However, maintaining the physical health and mental wellness of you and your family is crucial right now. Implementing a regular exercise routine at home can help with both.


If you live in a community where you can safely exercise outdoors while maintaining the recommended distance between you and other residents, try to get out as much as possible. If the weather is nice, go for family walks, jogs, or bike rides. 


Can’t get outside? Fortunately, you don’t need a home gym or fancy exercise equipment to stay fit. Look for a suitable space in your home, garage, or basement where you can comfortably move—you’ll probably need at least a 6’ x 6’ area for each person. Many cardio and strength training exercises require little (or no) equipment, including jumping jacks, lunges, and pushups. 


And if you prefer a guided workout, search for free exercise videos on YouTube—there are even options specifically geared towards kids—or try one of the many fitness apps available.



Socializing From a Distance


Even though we’re all being called upon to practice “social distancing” right now, there are still ways to stay safely connected to our communities and our extended families. Picking up the phone is a great place to start. Make an effort to reach out to neighbors and loved ones who live alone and may be feeling particularly isolated right now.


And while parties and playdates may be prohibited, modern technology offers countless ways to organize networked gatherings with family and friends. Try using group video conferencing tools like Google Hangouts and Zoom to facilitate a virtual happy hour or book club. Host a Netflix Party to watch (and chat about) movies with friends. Or plan a virtual game night and challenge your pals to a round of Psych or Yahtzee.


There are safe ways to connect offline, too. Rediscover the lost art of letter writing. Drop off groceries on an elderly neighbor’s porch. Or organize a neighborhood “chalk walk,” where children use sidewalk chalk to decorate their driveways and then head out for a stroll to view their friends’ artwork.


Of course, there’s one group of people who you can still socialize with freely—those who reside in your home. Family dinners are back, siblings are reconnecting, and many of us have been given the gift of time, with commutes, activities, and obligations eliminated. In fact, some families are finding that this crisis has brought them closer than ever. 

 

 

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

 

Even with all of the tools and technology available to keep us connected, many of us are still feeling stressed, scared, and isolated. However, you can rest assured that you are not alone. We’re not only here to help you buy and sell real estate. We want to be a resource to our clients and community through good times and bad. If you and your family are in need of assistance, please reach out and let us know how we can help.




Sources:

  1. CNBC -
    https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/16/how-to-work-from-home-with-your-kids-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak.html
  2. TheHomeSchoolMom.com -
    https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/benefits-of-homeschooling-2/
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Source: Inc.com


As a realtor, I’m always on the go meeting clients and going to showings and at times it’s takes longer to go into the office. The social benefits of a workplace is always a plus, but it can become a distraction when you engage in conversation with co-workers on your way to get a glass of water.


On occasion, I do work from home which allows me to be productive without external distractions. Although, we are all guilty of falling off our daily agenda when the TV is a few steps away or when we aren’t around others and therefore don’t feel the same obligations to get stuff done.


So, here are some tips I follow to ensure that I’m going to have a productive workday from home:


Wake Up Early

You get to skip your morning commute to the office… why not start the day early and dive right into your to-do list. Otherwise, it might end up looking like a prolonged breakfast and letting your motivation slip away. Getting tasks checked off your list first thing in the morning can be key in being productive for the rest of the day! 


Pretend like You’re Going Into the Office/Meeting clients

Preparing your day like you’re going into work can put you into the mindset of being focused, motivated and determined to be as productive with your day as possible. There shouldn’t be a reason that this mental association should be lost when working remotely. Simple things like setting an alarm, making coffee and changing into another outfit can help put you in the right mindset.


Have a Dedicated Work Space

Working from home can doesn’t mean you can’t have an office. Rather than spending your time working from your bedroom or couch; spaces that are often associated with leisure time — find a specific room or surface in your home to work.


Source: HubSpot

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Changing the Lives of Youth- Vancouver Covenant Sleep Out 2019

The Covenant House in Vancouver was established on September 22, 1997 to provide shelter, food, immediate crisis care, and an array of other services to homeless and runaway youth. The help that the organization has provided in the last 20 years made positive changes in our community. Their principles and goals aim at providing immediate help for struggling youth, making the place a safe haven, building strong relationships, creating foundation for a positive future, and fostering confidence for the young people to make informed decisions.

The current Covenant House building is located at 575 Drake Street and a new building across the street that is set to be finished in spring 2019. We were able to attend their open house and found out what great things will be happening in the near future. The new building will have 10 floors for 75 male and female youth. In addition, the building will have amenities such as a gym and fitness center, art room, classrooms, lounge, and library. Not only are they creating a space for youth to sleep but also a place to make friends and nurture their talents and passion which will allow them to become positive members of society. As for the current building, it will also be redeveloped with 5 floors, including a health clinic, to provide a short-term stay for youth, with 2 floors being drop-in. As youth become committed to transition into a new life, they will move to the new building. While aiming to help the homeless youth, the Covenant House has also vouched to be a responsible organization for the rest of the community as well with their “Good Neighbour Agreement”, which addresses neighbourhood concerns in regards to security and safety.

As a proud member and long-time resident of Yaletown, Aleya Bhaloo has volunteered to sleep outside, once again, to raise awareness for homeless youth on February 28th, 2019. It takes $4,000 to take one youth off the street for the ENTIRE year to provide them with proper basic needs alongside with mental health and counselling. We are excited to be participating in such a meaningful event and hope you will pledge for Aleya.

Homelessness has many faces. It can look like a young person sleeping in a doorway or other times it might be someone asking you to spare some change. Often it shows itself as a shared glance from a broken soul. Regardless of how we are reminded of the need, a common feeling often resonates: what can I do to help make this better? Here is your chance to make a difference!


Click HERE to donate, every little bit helps.

More information about the Vancouver Covenant House can be found HERE.

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Concert is proud to introduce Salt, a 33-storey slender tower offering one of the first opportunities to purchase in the emerging neighbourhood – Downtown South – at a very attainable price.

Located at the corner of Hornby and Drake Streets, Salt provides a taste of urban living with easy access to Yaletown, Granville Island, English Bay, fashionable Robson Street and the downtown business core.

Salt’s streamlined, white modern interiors designed by renowned BBA Design offer a casual modern ambience with high-gloss white and vertical grain accent cabinetry; clean white glass tile backsplash and quartz countertops; built-in European appliances including Fisher-Paykel oven and dishwasher drawer and integrated Blomberg fridge with full matching overlay paneling; and long-lasting laminate wood flooring throughout, including the bedrooms.

Choose from one bedroom to two bedrooms plus den, many offering extraordinary panoramic views of the city, mountains, English Bay and beyond. Most homes range from 475 to 925 square feet with over 125 of the 194 homes priced between $295,000 and $495,000.
 
Contact me today for more details or for buyer representation.  If you register prior to April 30th, 2011 you will receive a free ipad . Don't miss out on this reasonable opportunity to own In Downtown Vancouver!
 

 

 

 

 
 
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