Since circuit breaker measures were first introduced on April 7, most of us have had to embrace new norms to the way we live and work. Whether it’s adapting to working from home, being unable to meet up with friends or extended family, or having to rely on food takeaways and deliveries, routines have been disrupted and daily life turned upside down.
For SPH radio DJ Cheryl Miles, the show must go on. Just like newspapers, radio is considered an essential service so Cheryl still turns up at the office to host her weekday programme on ONE FM 91.3, Afternoon Tune Up with Cheryl Miles (1pm to 4pm).
Here, Cheryl shares how she’s coping with life under circuit breaker measures, with her best tips to help you survive (and thrive) under these tough circumstances:

“Starting and ending my day with a skincare routine has helped me feel good about myself and deal with the current circumstances better. I also mask once a week to deep cleanse and brighten my complexion.
As hair colouring and treatments are considered non-essential, I’ve had to resort to colouring my own hair. I think it’s important to make time for self-care and grooming to give your day some structure and to pamper yourself. It also helps to soothe any stresses. Also, make sure you get enough sleep every night so you are able to face each day with a clear mind.”
“Now is the best time to pursue that side hustle you’ve always wanted to start. It will help you to diversify, find deeper purpose and create an extra source of income that may turn into something more profitable down the road. I have been taking advantage of this downtime to cook, share recipes on my blog and work on a cookbook I am aiming to launch in July.
Inspired by the date night dinners I cooked for my husband during our courtship and some family recipes too, Smitten in the Kitchen will feature 65 recipes with all the photographs taken by me. To help raise money for those affected by Covid-19 who require food aid, I’ve also released an e-book version of 16 recipes for the charity, Food from the Heart.
If you are feeling like your world has been turned upside down by this pandemic, starting a side hustle can give you something to look forward to. Even if it’s just using this time to reflect and figure out what your passions are, it can really inject some excitement to your day.”
“When I finally got my own HDB flat, I made sure I created specific areas for different activities. The bedroom is only for sleep and not for work. I also allocated a spot for yoga and exercising, and have a home office too.
When you are working from home, it can be hard to switch off and unwind as everything blurs into the other. It’s important to divide your day and be extremely mindful of creating boundaries for yourself based on time and space. If it is lunch time, be sure to move yourself to another part of the house and don’t eat in front of the computer. Even if you have a quick 10 minute lunch, allow yourself to enjoy your food and savour every bite without any interruptions.
Carving out time to exercise is not only great for your physical health, it helps boost your mood and clear your mind.”
“Just because we can’t go out to the movies or dine out, doesn’t mean that date nights are off. Order a fancy meal from your favourite restaurant and support the F&B industry while you’re at it! Light candles, put essential oils in the diffuser and play some romantic music.
If you do everything with intention you can create the right mood and atmosphere for anything, whether it’s date night, ‘me’ time or family time. Things are challenging right now, so it is important to set aside the day and make the effort to connect with your spouse. This will strengthen your bond and create deeper intimacy.
We have become a society that has relied so heavily on texting and superficially staying in touch on social media, that we haven’t really developed authentic and sincere connections with people. We need each other more than ever, so make time for the people in your life and extend that kindness to strangers too.”
“Now is really the time to count your blessings. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, focus on what you do have. It can be very easy to be influenced by others who are acting from fear and panic. But indulging in that emotion doesn’t help anybody and only deepens your worries.
If you pause and take stock, you will realize you have more than enough and that there are others who need your help. Helping others where you can, whether calling a friend to cheer them up, or donating money or your skills to a charity, can really lift your spirits (and those you touch with your generosity) and fill your heart with hope.”