Strenghten the team spirit at home

In the past weeks, we have discovered that solidarity is more important than ever. Solidarity means to take care of others and avoid things that can cause harm – especially to those who are most vulnerable. We need to find solutions to maintain existing connections whilst our everyday lives are turned upside down and we can’t see our relatives or friends.

Many events, trips and activties that we have planned and looked forward to have been canceled. Not being able to pursue our favorite outdoor activities this year we might feel left on our own. But especially now, we need to appeal to our sense of community. Figuratively speaking, this means: stick together! Because there are still ways to support each other and, at the same time, realize exciting projects that you may have had in mind for a long time. Make the best out of this situation and be inspired by our suggestions.

At the moment, we think of our loved ones more often than usual, especially when we cannot have them around. Do you remember when you last surprised them with something special and showed that you are thinking of them? Traditions that have been forgotten: Writing a letter or designing a postcard with family portraits or special moments you shared together. Thinking of digital variations, each family member can record video clips with a personal message for theirgrandparents or relatives. At the end, the videos cut together and sent by post or e-mail. At thesame time, this is the perfect opportunity to show the older generation the advantages of messenger services and teach them how to use them. They would certainly be very happy to see their loved ones more often via video calls and to be able to talk to each other again in a save setting.

Feeling comfortable at home and strengthening family ties often starts with a shared meal – since everyone can impress with their own great recipe collection. A simple note in the hallway invites the neighbors to work together on a special cookbook with beloved, quick and tasty dishes. What is the healthiest smoothie that kids love for breakfast, and how can you prepare it with the help of your blender? What cake does grandma bake for birthdays? And which dough can be prepared in a very short time? Perhaps your neighbors know a trick or two using thekitchen appliance, so that the dough is guaranteed to have the perfect consistency for deliciouscookies. Once the new favorite recipe has been found, the neighbors will surely look forward to a small sample waiting on their doorstep. Of course, the cookbook needs to be shared with everyone afterwards!

If you live in an apartment building, you know how important it is when everyone contributes and neighbors get along well. Support within the building’s community can be a valuable addition to everyday life, especially now. So what about a shared project? When the sun comesout, we like to relax in the garden and watch the flowers grow. Now it’s time to get the garden in shape! To make sure that the households can work together, it is important to develop a plan.While one family is weeding on Monday, the second is digging up the garden the next day.After that, it’s time for sowing and, finally, you can take turns watering. We’re sure you can't wait to enjoy the results together and celebrate at a barbecue as soon as things go back to normal.

Speaking of shared meals and the house community: please also think of the neighbors whocould use some help in their daily lives. Preserved jam or soup can be a valuable and welcomed gift to leave on the doorstep. Make sure the food you are giving away was or can be heated and has been prepared under proper hygienic conditions. Within the household, you can also help each other with groceries. Offer the neighbors to buy them some fresh vegetables or other items when going to the supermarket. Remember: we are in this together and the best thing we can do is help each other.Let’s enjoy this spring and keep in mind: no matter what you do, it's a chance to share it with the community. When we put our heads together, the whole family or neighborhood can work on a collaborative project and everyone can make an individual contribution - that is whatmatters most in these times.