COVID-19 has dramatically changed our daily routines. For many, these effects have been especially adverse: the pandemic has put many lives and livelihoods at risk.

If you're lucky, you're at home right now, and have the privilege of being able to adapt, simply by making changes to your daily routine, and by using technology to connect with others and stay productive. In that case, you're more easily adjusting to a new normal—and pulling through in these ways:

1.W e’re relying on more creative ways to keep close

The longer we observe physical distancing, the more we need creative ways to stay in touch with our loved ones. Thanks to today’s messaging and video-calling apps, such as Zoom and Google Hangouts, or even calls on Facebook Messenger, and Viber, everyone is easily within reach. Use this time to catch up with relatives and friends, to check up on them, and to send them words of encouragement. 

2. We’re seeing the value of utility apps and online transactions

Before all this, maybe you neglected offers to sign up for online billing, or prompts to download the apps of your network, bank, and utility providers. Now, though, it's easier to see the value of apps like PayMaya, which allows us to check our accounts, shop online, buy load for others, pay our bills, send and receive money, do bank transfers, and even donate to organizations helping frontliners and affected communities. Not only do these types of apps save us time now; they also keep us safe and allow us to help those in need.

3. We’re embracing the work from home setup

Companies and employees are now learning that remote work arrangements really are feasible, and have been feasible for some time. The internet has made it possible. This is why for many professionals, having enough data powered by a reliable internet service has become a vital work tool. Our internet connection puts us in touch with colleagues, allows us to share work files, keeps us productive in the comfort of their home. Providers that give extra data for customers, such as Smart Signature's bonus data package for subscribers, definitely help here.

4. We’re learning to rely on ourselves more

Turbulent times test our mettle, and in the absence of our go-to fastfoods, online deliveries, or app-based services, many of us are left to fend for ourselves. No matter how difficult our tasks may be – from cooking, washing, or cleaning – we can always rely on How-To videos and DIY channels on YouTube to help us accomplish these without a hitch.

5. We’re exploring new hobbies to calm our mind

Dealing with a pandemic – and the 24-7 news grind that comes with it – may take a toll on our emotional and mental health. We can definitely use a break from time to time, and discovering a new hobby, book, or series to get absorbed by is an easy way to calm our mind. Thankfully, there is a vast amount of new hobbies or content we can access online to take our mind of our fears and worries even just for a while. You can discover a new album or playlist on Spotify, get absorbed in a new series on Netflix, or enrich your skills by taking online classes on Masterclass.

Staying safe, connected, and productive home gets easier with Smart Signature, which gives customers generous data allocation  to enjoy all these apps powered by Smart LTE, the country’s fastest mobile network as certified by global network analytics firms Ookla and Opensignal. 

Even better, Smart has started rolling out a one-time bonus data to all new and existing Smart postpaid customers for their connectivity needs, valid for 30 days. Learn more about the Smart Signature plan that suits you at www.store.smart.com.ph/plans/postpaid.