How to keep Connected with your Communi-tea in Self Isolation

There’s no denying that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has put extra pressure on Australian communities. We know that it’s been a tough few weeks for many, especially coming off the back of droughts, bushfires and other forces that Mother Nature sent our way.

But amongst all the panic buying, the global uncertainty and the new economic pressures, there’s been so many inspiring stories of communities rallying together, friends reconnecting and the true sense of mateship being shown in ways that we have not seen for decades.

For many this is a chance to slow down and reflect, but also to reconnect with those who you treasure the most. We’ve loved hearing stories about cups of Nerada tea being shared across streets with neighbours, or random acts of kindness shown to those most in need. Yes, there’s a limit of gatherings to two people and we stress there’s a need to stay safe, but there’s plenty of things that we can continue to do to mix up our time at home and keep those hugs happening virtually.

There’s no shortage of Australian grown Nerada tea, so put the kettle on and check out these ways to stay connected to your communi-tea.

Top five tips to remain connected:

1. Safely check in on your neighbours and local community

It’s going to take a village to get us through these trying times, and some people are more in need than others. Check on your neighbours and perhaps offer to help some of the less mobile members of the community who need your assistance. Know of someone on the front line like a doctor, nurse or a teacher? Think about how you can impart an act of kindness to help them out in some small way or another.

There’re so many messages of hope. Inspiring stories like the Sikh Volunteers delivering free meals to those who are struggling, or the Inner West Mums in Sydney doing ‘Note to Neighbour’ letterbox drops to gather details of those who are less mobile, can easy be replicated. There are so many people paying it forward!

Elderly members of the community are most at risk, so call those that you love and see where you can offer some assistance. It could be as simple as picking up some milk (leaving it on the doorstep for safe retrieval), offering to take out your neighbours’ bins for them, or passing a cup of tea over the fence with a slice of home-made cake! The government advice encourages chatting with neighbours, while keeping 1.5 metres apart. For the latest advice please visit: https://www.health.gov.au/.

2. Leverage technology to connect remotely

There’s no shortage of online tools to help you connect with those you love in an online format. Whether it’s the old classics like Skype, Google Hangouts, Facetime, Whatsapp or Zoom there’s plenty of options to have face to face contact without having to be physically present.

Missing out on your weekly gym or yoga class? There will almost certainly be a local, virtual class you can join, but if not choose from a myriad of fitness classes happening online at all times of the day, all over the world. Anyone tried PE with Joe?

We’re also seeing the growth of new apps and social networks like Houseparty where people are sharing their experiences of #lifeathome. And if you want some music to listen to whilst you’re at home, perhaps tune in to Spotify playlists like ‘I Lost my Gig’ or tune in to some of the world’s biggest entertainers like Keith Urban who have been streaming from home with their #instabands!

Don’t forget to check your privacy settings though to keep you safe!

3. Take up a new hobby

Craft activities sold online have skyrocketed in the last few weeks, a great way to improve productivity and mental health. Quarantine kits of craft activities are thriving, amateur gardeners are testing their green thumbs in their backyards (seeds are as hard to get as toilet paper in some places!) and you can almost hear the clickety clack of knitting needles as the young and old take up this age-old tradition.

Not only will learning something new keep you distracted, there’s also lots of people online who are offering their wisdom and are ready to teach their skills! World-class chefs are doing cooking shows from their home kitchens, grandparents are connecting virtually with their grandkids to pass down family recipes. Why not give some of our Nerada family favourites a try. There’s plenty of easy recipes to discover, including some in our home-grown tea time guide full of some of our favourites. Download here: https://www.neradatea.com.au/recipe-e-book.

Even musicians across the world are teaching online. Music luminaries like Brian May (of Queen) have jumped online to share their wisdom with their fans. Check out his ‘Microconcerto concerts’ on how to play songs like Bohemian Rhapsody, whilst in self isolation. Go on, find something new to explore!

4. Seek out like minded groups (safely)

Virtual bookclubs are also thriving. From regular groups who’d normally gather over a glass of wine or tea, to authors who are connecting with their audiences there’s lots of opportunities to find new groups who share similar passions. Whilst literature on its own often offers solace and a place to escape, it can also allow people to interact with those who love a similar genre.

Author Robert MacFarlane has started a global bookclub via twitter #CoReadingVirus that’s catching on quickly, and Quarantine Book Clubs are certainly trending.

If you’re missing your hit of art and culture perhaps look at some of the museums and concert halls who are live streaming performances. Whilst online gatherings and festivals have ceased, some like the Isol Aid Festival have reinvented themselves to make their artists accessible online. Institutions like The National Museum are rapidly reinventing themselves to keep a connection, with their online content being made readily available.

5. Support Home-Grown and Local

Whether it’s the home-grown farmers, or the small producers in your local neighbourhood, there’s never been a more fitting time to support local and stay connected. Check out what local businesses can home deliver to you or take a moment to think about those home-grown brands that you’re supporting. Australians are a resilient bunch and by looking out for each other together we can get through this.

Concerned about your supply of Nerada Tea? There’s no need to fear! Our Brisbane Factory has been working hard to ensure that there’s plenty of fresh tea on its way to supermarkets, and there’s 360 hectares of black-tea grown in Far North Queensland that continues to be harvested to bring you a cup of tea to enjoy.

Got an inspiring story from self-isolation to share that’s been enjoyed over a cup of Nerada Tea? We’d love to hear it. Simply post a photo or story to social media and don’t forget to tag #neradacommunitea so we can be sure to spread the word.