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With all the negativities & cheating, its good to also show the good side of humanity. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_R0rlNiNzk

Blame it on puberty, hormones and growing pains, but as a teenager, I had a negative mindset. I had no concept of being realistic either. With a steady diet of grunge music, the cloud of teenage angst that enveloped me made it easy to fall into the negativity trap. It didn’t help that I was failing math half the time in secondary school. Physics and chemistry were a downer as well. Passing was only possible with the help of plenty of tuition. Meanwhile, I also had to deal with the usual life question: What did I want to do after graduating university? Beyond that was also the question that every teen grapples with: Identity. Who are you and how will you fulfil your potential? (Image: Gadiel Lazcano, Unsplash) The negativity trap I probably had a negative mindset for at least five years. Before I sat for math exams, I had to keep my anxiety in check while revising. Awaiting results was arguably even harder. So, I began to expect less, thinking that since the highest score I could hope for was passing, there was no point in aiming higher. When your outlook is coloured by negativity, life seems dull. My mum cajoled me to become an optimist, but adult advice seldom reaches the teenage mind. Inevitably, her cajoling became statements about me being a downer with my 'surly attitude'. At least I wasn’t getting a lecture about grunge music anymore, though. You could say I wallowed in negativity during this period. (Image: Zac Durant, Unsplash) With perspective comes clarity As I grew older and more self-aware, I realised that I was annoyed with my attitude. I was letting challenges get the better of me instead of the other way around. Being weak in math isn’t the end of the world. I began to view this and other challenges as something I could beat. Of course, at the back of my mind, that irritating voice telling me to 'stop trying to hard' would sometimes attempt to sway my thinking. Self-pity is easy. Rising to challenges is harder. But I wanted to be better. Not for anyone else, but for myself. I started to view things realistically, and doing that pulled me out of teenage angst. Realistically, no matter how much I detest exams, they will still take place. In the bigger picture: No matter what, the world will still turn. The sun will still rise and set. It's what I choose to do and how I choose to tackle things that really matters. Coinciding with this is that my mind finally matured enough to take in all those math lessons. I shockingly started to enjoy it. In uni, I used a graphing calculator with ease. Suddenly, everything started to make sense. For two weeks, I even considered majoring in math. (Image: Steven Lelham, Unsplash) I didn't suddenly become academically inclined. But I had a clearer perspective and greater self-awareness. Pessimists will insist that you can't control your future because someone else is pulling the levers. Well, my view is that no matter where you live, someone else will still be pulling the levers. You could be a boss at work, but maybe not at home. And even if you had it all, well, you can't control the weather or when the sun rises or sets. You can't control time either. But you're in charge of your attitude. Teenage angst and negativity are in the past, so I seldom listen to grunge music. But when I do, it's like listening to oldies: It's the ideal soundtrack when reminiscing about how life was before we grew up. – Jeremy (Main image: Kyle Loftus, Unsplash)

A couple of weeks ago, I was puzzled when a colleague belatedly uploaded stories on his IG from a trip that happened weeks ago. Social media does that to us. When we take photos and videos to chronicle our experiences, there's a pressing need to post them right away, so that our friends know what we're up to. Many of my friends will only delay posting by a few days, not a few weeks. It was funny because while this colleague of mine was telling me about his trip in person, he was still overseas according to his IG. When asked why he did this, his reply was simple. "I want to live in the moment, experience whatever it is, and not think about updating my IG until I'm back home" That statement made me pause. Before smartphones and social media existed, we only had film cameras. Unless you bothered to get your film developed while on holiday, you had to wait till you returned home to send the rolls to be processed. You'd wait till the trip ended and you were back home before seeing the photos, and perhaps a while longer before your friends could come over and flip through the albums. Photo-taking was part of the trip, but it didn't eat into the holiday itself. (Image: Patrick Tomasso, Unsplash) Today, many of us rush to take photos and record videos in a bid to quickly capture the moments for posterity and share them with our followers. But to my colleague, doing this meant missing out on the experiences. "Bro, that's the whole point of travelling, right?" Yes, bro. Today's technologies have made us forget yesterday's learnings. We allowed the insatiable need for instant gratification to dictate the pace at which we live, or in this case, travel. Striking a balance After some self-reflection, I realised that all along, I've been trying to balance between living in the moment and taking photos. I remind myself that not everything needs to be documented. If the establishment is dimly lit, I won't take any photos or videos. Also, not every dish looks delicious on screen. Editing and posting is done at night when I'm in my hotel room, or early the next morning before going out. I'm not sure if I 'slow travel', but my holidays do not have packed itineraries. Instead, the missus and I have a list of things we'd like to do, see, and eat, and plan our activities according to their locations. There's no point in waking up early to leave the hotel at 9am when most shops open at 11am anyway. And we don't have a checklist to complete - we're on holiday, not at the office. The writer won't attempt photos or videos in these lighting conditions. (Image: Kiryl, Unsplash) A return to film? Folks who absolutely enjoy photography will carry on, for they live in their moment when they're behind a camera. As for me, I've pondered bringing one of my film cameras and just using it instead of my phone. It's an extreme solution, but it would ensure that I enjoy each experience as much as I can. However, shot discipline or refraining from documenting everything, is a far better solution in the long run. I can't escape the reality that there's an all-in-one device in my pocket, but I decide how much I use it and when I allow it to set the tone for my activities. In effect, I'll practise what I was used to growing up, which is being patient. Photos should take a while before they come to life, so shoot now, but edit later. Ditto for video clips. We try to capture fleeting moments on camera, so that we can use the images when we reminisce later. But remaining in the moment, rather than letting it pass us by as we stare at our screen, creates memories that are so much more powerful that we won't need our phones to remember them. – Jeremy Main Image: Vitaly Gariev, Unsplash

https://pages.circles.life/bonus/ Wow, With such plan, is it any wonder if you still use the talk time. 20GB of data for 28 dollars

Have you ever heard friends or colleagues mention that they get tired more easily the older they get? I've heard this from friends who are older and surprisingly, younger. But why is it easier to believe that the older someone is, the less energy they have? And conversely, the younger the person, the more active they are? But I don't think that we become less energetic as we age. I've met folks who are stronger, fitter and more active, despite being 20 years older than me. Do they work out daily? Perhaps that's part of it. Maybe they drink more coffee than I do as well. Exercise has wonderful benefits - even just walking for 45 minutes a day three times a week will make you sprightlier and more limber. Frequent exercise will make you feel more energetic. (Image: Chander R, Unsplash) The sedentary trap Many of us, however, spend six to seven hours a day sitting at our desks. The problem arises when we don't counter this with exercise (I need a lot more myself). Eventually, prolonged sedentary habits lead to lower energy levels... and this feeling of 'being old'. A lack of exercise also leads to aches and pains. When my neck became sore neck due to poor posture, walking and cycling (along with improved posture) eventually made it go away. But there's no doubt that working out played the biggest role in my healing. If all this is true, why then, is aging still equated with having lower energy levels? The work and social skills you use have a "mana" cost. (Image: Federico Beccari, Unsplash) "Managing your mana" My theory about age and energy is this: As you get older, you become more selective about who and/or what you spent your time on. For instance, if you were 25 and got invited to an after-work party at your first job, you'd probably attend. But if you're 35, there's a good chance there are a variety of reasons why you'd say no. With age comes more responsibilities. You might have children to pick up from school and look after at home. You may need to shop for groceries or even prepare dinner at home. As we get older, many of us make more judicious use of our time, especially when there are more pressing matters needing our attention. (Image: Alexandar Todov, Unsplash) This is "managing your mana". In video games, mana is a fictional energy that characters use to cast spells or special skills. Depending on the game, it either replenishes (slowly) over time, or the player can consume potions (or pots) to instantly refill it. The same scenario applies in real life. And let's not forget that while energy can be refilled, there's no way to gain back time already spent. – Jeremy Main image: I ch, Unsplash

Doing your laundry isn’t a sexy activity (hmmm...), but there’s something about laundromats that feels inexplicably captivating. A shift in general living circumstances, coupled with incessant wet weather, has gotten them and I reacquainted over the last couple of months. The last I had really frequented them was during my uni years. But even my memory of those times spent tapping my Barclays/N26 debit cards to activate the washing and drying cycles is quite different: Just taking a short stroll over to the machines, dumping everything in and setting a timer, heading back to the room for a short nap, then returning to settle what was necessary thereafter. That proximity has not been afforded to me where I stay now. Instead, heading out to the laundromat is an (admittedly comfortable) 8-10 minute drive. In such a situation, you’re effectively just stuck there. It must be the sweet lens of nostalgia over my uni days (when I felt less jaded; like there was more of me that could be moved and broken). Mixed with mainstream romanticisation of laundromats. Mixed with flashes of one of my favourite films. But I’ve quite enjoyed these visits I’ve had to make. The first one, with my mum tagging along, was already a pleasant experience. Then, I suggested that we both put our phones away and each take some time to open a book/magazine and learn to be bored. She was up for the challenge. It was difficult at first, then it was relaxing and soothing. We both climbed back into the car feeling more energised than when we had arrived. The most recent visit was a solo trip. It was nearly 11:30pm, having just returned home from a long day of activities, when I realised that I had to head out. The frustration quickly eased. In the stillness of that wet Sunday night, armed with my iPad (and a couple of videos and articles I had been interested in catching up on), I finally found peace for the week - in the low whir of the washing machine drum spinning, the hum of the orbital fan oscillating above, and in the smell of detergent powder and warm, freshly-dried clothing. Interestingly, laundromats appear to have settled into a steady-state presence in Singapore. This CNA article goes into how some brilliant minds amongst us have thought about reworking the conventional model of the laundromat to draw crowds in. I’m thinking of heading to one of them soon. It will be a solo outing for sure - an afternoon protected fiercely, reserved selfishly, for myself alone. I know a lot of this is, as mentioned above, is romanticisation. I can imagine that hauling bags of laundry out of the house on the regular could be extremely tiresome for some households. Especially if - unlike me - they don’t have a car at home to tap on. Laundromats are not dirt-cheap either - the most basic wash option for a full 14kg load is $7-8, following which you’ll have to pay another $6-7 for the dryer (depending on how kiasu you are about your Uniqlo tees being dry). But I guess different spaces have always held different meanings for different people. I hope it's okay that I'm ascribing this sort of value to this one. So much of life recently has passed by so quickly; been exasperating to parse. In my perpetual state of frenzy lately, this image of a laundromat has slowly become a compassionate invitation to exhale and to find pause. - Matt

Two months ago, I listed 10 songs that had no business being played at a wedding. Many were about the inability to move on after a breakup or worse: Songs sung from the perspective of a third party! So, this time around, it's time to highlight 10 songs that can be played on the first day of a couple's married life. 10) All Of You - Julio Iglesias & Diana Ross This song is clearly about someone who wants everything that the love of their life has to offer. It is well suited to the couple's first dance. One of the stanzas goes, "All of you, your body and soul / Everything you want this love to be / I want all of you / And in return for all your giving / Let me give you all of me." 9) Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You - George Benson This tune is a simple yet powerful declaration of commitment. "Nothing's gonna change my love for you / You ought to know by now how much I love you / One thing you can be sure of / I'll never ask for more than your love." 😎 Got To Believe in Magic - David Pomeranz A sweet song that can also be a reflection on how the couple came to be. "Tell me how two people find each other / In a world that's full of strangers / Got to believe in magic / Something stronger than the moon above / 'Cause it's magic when two people fall in love." 7) Everything - Michael Bublé There's no mystery to this song, which is dedicated to one's significant other. This line, in particular, is suited to the occasion: "Whatever comes our way, oh we'll see it through / And you know that's what our love can do." 6) I Only Have Eyes for You - The Flamingos An oldie and a goodie. This doo-wop tune would be ideal for the happy couple to slow dance to, especially with lines like, "The moon may be high / But I can't see a thing in the sky / I only have eyes for you." 5) I Won't Last a Day Without You - The Carpenters The Carpenters defined easy listening with their soft tunes and Karen Carpenter's contralto vocals. Like many old songs, this one is meaningful and goes straight to the point about how much their partner means. "When there's no getting over that rainbow / When my smallest of dreams won't come true / I can take all the madness the world has to give / But, I won't last a day without you." 4) We've Only Just Begun - The Carpenters This one reflects the start of a couple's journey together. One of the stanzas goes, "Sharing horizons that are new to us / Watching the signs along the way / Talkin' it over, just the two of us / Workin' together day to day, together." 3) My Girl - The Temptations One of the simplest, shortest and sweetest ways of expressing to your better half how much she means to you, with lyrics such as, "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day / When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May." 2) At Last - Etta James While the first lines ("At last / My love has come along") are what many remember, the last verse is even more meaningful. "You smiled, you smiled / Oh, and then the spell was cast / And here we are in heaven / For you are mine at last." 1) Unforgettable - Nat King Cole This oldie is a bona fide classic that has outlived - and will continue to outlive - newer songs. The combination of Nat King Cole's voice and the simple yet heartfelt lyrics means you can't go wrong with including this in your set list. The second verse even makes this ideal as the final song for the night. "That's why, darling, it's incredible / That someone so unforgettable / Thinks that I am unforgettable, too." – Jeremy (Main image: Hisu lee, Unsplash)

Monkeys. Getting tempted by bananas. But not giving into the temptation of bananas. That could effectively summarise the content posted by my favourite YouTube channel currently. Dubbed ‘Monkey Mind 101’, the general premise here is not too dissimilar to what you get on many channels promoting mindful living. Topics include the likes of cultivating good sleeping routines, understanding that procrastination doesn’t really stem from laziness, and also how the overstimulation that comes from prolonged social media use can cause intense fatigue. But here’s where Monkey Mind 101 flips the script slightly: It rarely ever turns the spotlight on you, the viewer. Instead, we watch ‘Monkey’ live life via a narrator with a good sense of humour. Most importantly, the script here is intentionally dumbed down (English articles like “a” and “the” are occasionally optional). It’s brilliant: The conveyance of more profound topics with simpler language and easy-to-understand metaphors. I think what ultimately helps is that these concepts are illustrated with reliance on a non-human protagonist. Self-help videos with a human speaker staring straight into your eyes and addressing you as - well - “you” can sometimes create a certain weight that may pressure you into immediate action… but then also not result in lasting impact, nor repeated views. I know I would happily rewatch any of the Monkey Mind 101 videos for their entertainment value. And also because they fall under the “turn off your brain and simply watch” category. Happy watching everyone - and don't let your monkey mind rule your life. - Matt

Lately had seen too many complaint in this forum, seem like many of us are unhappy about CPF, Life, property, Car and Money. Come across this article ( see link below) which is very enlightening. Hope you fine some happiness in you life no matter who you are😄 http://drwealth.com/2014/12/10/singaporeans-are-unhappy-and-poor/?utm_medium=DISPLAY&utm_source=OUTBRAIN&utm_campaign=NOV2014&utm_content=ARTICLE24_LIFESTYLE

I wanted to blog about this right when it happened last year, but I guess the willingness with which one tends to share positive news is always greater than that for something negative. Anyhow, wind the clock back to August 2024: Upon completing my 2.4km run on a Sunday morning at Bedok Camp and realising that I had barely ducked under 13 minutes, I distinctly remember feeling plain shock. Surely a Pass with Incentive would have been possible at the very least? Cries in one-point away (but that's also not the, ahem, point) But buried more thoroughly within was overwhelming guilt that I had allowed my 9-6 (or 10-7) fatigue spill over into the evenings, and more often than not, into the weekends too - so much so that regular cardio had quickly slipped out my routine. For a good 10-15 minutes after, I wallowed intensely in self-pity, questioning how exactly this had happened… …then I immediately drove from Bedok Camp to Mahamoodiya for prata. (I think my mind went somewhere into the realm of, “Whatever, my body is clearly not in its most optimal state anyway.”) The good thing about having your birthday fall closer to the end of the year, however, is that it falls perfectly in line with the season of looking back on the year… which then quickly leads into resolution-building. Lingering evidence of my undeserved, post-IPPT indulgence (Dated: 25/08/2024) I hate to admit it still, but some time over the past two years, I started taking to alcohol a lot more liberally than I had ever done before in my life. Workouts were also dedicated entirely to lifting weights, and not running. That, plus a general lack of boundaries with how my time was siphoned away, caused all that neglect to my body. There wasn’t any big goal or life-changing update actually - just a more intentional and quietly consistent effort to fully utilise my ClassPass credits on HIIT-centred workouts. The idea was to integrate strength and cardio training more tightly together, but a crucial piece of the puzzle was to also set a hard cutoff for myself on at least one weekday every week. (The penalties are quite harsh on the wallet if you miss a class you’ve booked.) An 8pm class means that you’re forced to shut your laptop by 7pm, and even if there are more time-sensitive duties to see to after, you’ve still gotten a workout in at least. Anyhow, when the time came this year: Silver! (I must quickly caveat here that everyone has different standards for their own health. Scoring well enough to receive some money from MINDEF is, for some reason, part of my metrics for self-worth; it certainly doesn’t have to be for everyone. In essence - as long as you’re healthy and happy, how high your IPPT score rockets shouldn’t matter that much. I hope this makes it clear that this entire rant is thus no judgement against anyone who’s very happy with a ‘Pass’.) Something something 'life is a marathon and not a sprint'... Having $300 PayNow-ed to you almost instantly is quite satisfying, but more than that, I think the joy of this year’s result lies in how it reflects progress and growth. In the meantime, I’ve allowed myself a bit more self-directed kindness. A good weekly routine – for easily fatigued folks like yours truly - can get broken all too quickly when you have to leave the country nearly every month, or when the folks at MINDEF think it’s fine to throw you into two separate high key ICTs within a span of 7 months. Things are not always perfect, of course – I still think I could be doing a lot more for my fitness – but the voice in my head, reminding myself that I have to treat my body right, has certainly gotten louder. Even when my fitness levels inevitably dip at some point in the future (in fact, as I type this out, I feel like I’m staring at the cusp of a new downward spiral), I have more faith now that I have it in myself to pick it back up. - Matt

A song can have a catchy title and/or chorus, but its true meaning is only found within its lyrics. If you're planning your wedding, any song about breakups, cheating/infidelity, and being the other woman has no business being part of the reception playlist. Most people, however, take the song title to be its meaning and don't consider its actual content. Here are 10 songs that sound romantic but should be avoided. 10) Irreplaceable – Beyoncé Don't mistake this for being about someone who is irreplaceable. On the contrary, this song is about a woman telling her ex-boyfriend to leave after she discovers that he's been cheating on her. The last three lines in the chorus sum it up: "I can have another you by tomorrow / So don't you ever for a second get to thinking / You're irreplaceable". Yikes. 9) Against All Odds – Phil Collins If you think this is about overcoming the odds to finally get hitched, think again. This tune is about pining for a lover that left and the inability to get over the breakup. The chorus, "So, take a look at me now / Well, there's just an empty space / And there's nothing left here to remind me / Just the memory of your face" means this should be excluded from the set list. 😎 We Belong Together – Mariah Carey Wait, how can singing about belonging together be wrong? Well, that's because the song is about wishing you were still together. The chorus goes, "When you left I lost a part of me / It's still so hard to believe / Come back baby please / 'Cause we belong together". It seems more suited to a funeral than a wedding. 7) Someone Like You – Adele Rather than being about finding someone awesome like your husband/wife, this song is sung from the perspective of a woman who can't move on following a breakup. The song begins with, "I heard that you're settled down / That you found a girl and you're married now", and it really doesn't fit the occasion. 6) Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinéad O'Connor The title sounds like what you would declare to your spouse. However, from the first two lines, you'll realise that the song is actually about a breakup: "It's been seven hours and 15 days / Since you took your love away." And if that's not enough proof, then the first two lines from the second verse should do it. "Since you been gone, I can do whatever I want / I can see whomever I choose." Oof. 5) Every Breath You Take – The Police If you think this sounds romantic, Google the lyrics and the song's inspiration first. Even Sting himself said in this FT article that the song is "nasty" and "evil" and about "jealousy, surveillance, and ownership." "… Every breath you take / And every move you make / Every bond you break / Every step you take / I'll be watching you" Forget this track - unless you both revel in being insecure and spying on each other. 4) I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston "What? What's wrong with declaring that you'll always love each other?" If this was your first thought, then you haven't heard the rest of the lyrics. The song is about letting someone go because it's what's best for them. The first verse says as much: "If I should stay / I would only be in your way / So I'll go, but I know / I'll think of you every step of the way". It doesn't get better with the second verse. "Bittersweet memories / That is all I'm taking with me / So goodbye, please don't cry / We both know I'm not what you, you need /" 3) Me and Mrs Jones – Michael Bublé (first sung by Billie Paul) It's got a romantic, smooth and jazzy vibe, but this song is about a guy who's probably married and cheating on his spouse with someone named Mrs Jones. He is not Mr Jones. "Me and Mrs Jones / We got a thing going on / We both know that it's wrong / But it's much too strong to let it go now" And if that's still not obvious enough, "We gotta be extra careful / That we don't build our hopes up too high / 'Cause she's got her own obligations / And so, so do I". 2) Escape (The Piña Colada Song) – Rupert Holmes This sounds like a fun party song to sing along to because the title is the name of a cocktail, but the first verse is enough to make anyone think twice about including it. "I was tired of my lady / We'd been together too long / Like a worn out recording / Of a favourite song" The song is about a guy who, tired of his spouse, responds to a personal ad that's seeking a partner... only to discover that it was his spouse who placed the ad! 1) Saving All My Love For You – Whitney Houston Now, what could be so bad about saving all your love for someone? Won't it be great to slow-dance to this tune? Well, the opening lines, "A few stolen moments is all that we share / You've got your family and they need you there" should change your mind. As a song sung from the perspective of a man's mistress, it is the most cringe-inducing song to be played at a wedding. Yet it still happens because folks don't pay attention to the lyrics! Main image: Ospan Ali, Unsplash

Earlier today, it rained so heavily that when looking out the pantry windows at lunch, it almost felt as if I was witnessing snow falling. It’s both an intriguing yet also slightly scary thought – the fantasy of snowflakes descending upon Singapore. Just imagine the Singapore River frozen over, with the foreground of MBS covered over with a blanket of snow. While the image of our tropical city-state cloaked in a delicate layer of white first evoked images of enchantment, it immediately also raised questions in my mind about our preparedness for such an unprecedented event. How would our infrastructure, meticulously designed for equatorial climates, withstand the sudden chill? Would our urban systems, accustomed to the sweltering heat and humidity, adapt with resilience, or would they falter under the weight of unanticipated snowfall? No snow in Singapore - but unnervingly heavy thunderstorms are part and parcel of life here Current weather patterns in Singapore: A tropical overview It’s helpful, first of all, to remember that in reality, Singapore's weather is a quintessential reflection of a tropical climate. The nation experiences high temperatures and copious rainfall throughout the year as a result of its location near the equator. These conditions result from Singapore’s geographical positioning, which delivers consistent heat and humidity. In recent years, the effects of global warming have appeared to exacerbate Singapore's hot weather, intensifying existing patterns. Our daily mean temperature could shoot up by nearly 5°C by the end of the century Current projections suggest that our daily mean temperature could reach 32°C - an increase of nearly 5°C (!) - by 2100. Meanwhile, climate change contributes to increased extreme weather incidents, including intense, brief downpours that frequently lead to flash floods as noted. Snow is still some way out of the picture, but sources online seem to indicate that climate change could hypothetically lead to unexpected conditions – for instance, if sudden cold fronts collide with monsoon rains. Infrastructure challenges: Coping with snow in Singapore Still, let’s answer the questions above: How would we fare if it snowed one day? Singaporeans (myself included) fantasise a lot about what it would be like to experience winter on homeground – so much so that Science Centre has its own bone-chilling facility – but the truth is that Singapore's urban infrastructure is not designed to deal with snowy conditions. Imagine these tracks covered entirely in snow Unexpected snowfall would create significant challenges, particularly in transportation. Our roads, constructed for tropical climates, are ill-equipped for ice or snow. Without proper snow-clearing and de-icing equipment, there would likely be widespread disruptions in travel, leading to safety hazards and congestions across the island. Public transport systems, including buses and MRTs, would potentially struggle to operate efficiently, compromising daily commuter flows and potentially halting essential services. Singapore's buildings are also built to dissipate, rather than conserve heat There’s also the fact that the architectural designs in Singapore are traditionally suited for hot weather. Most structures are built with minimal insulation, relying heavily on air conditioning systems. A sudden temperature drop due to snow could lead to significant energy inefficiencies. Furthermore, water piping systems, engineered for the hot weather, might be at risk of freezing, causing water supply interruptions. Thus, an unexpected cold snap would necessitate urgent revisions to current building and utility standards to ensure continuity and resilience. Of course, economically, such an event could also disrupt local businesses, particularly those with outdoor operations. Monitoring unprecedented events In Singapore, adapting to climate change is essential. The nation may not be gearing up for snow any time soon, but inundating, heavy rainfall has increasingly felt like a very real threat. To effectively manage such events, robust weather radar systems are pivotal. For instance, advanced technologies, incorporating real-time satellite data and ground observations, allow for precise monitoring of weather patterns. By integrating AI and data analytics, Singapore can enhance anticipation and response strategies for unusual weather phenomena, including potential snowfall. Monitoring how weather patterns continue to change remains an important task as climate change continues to grip our nation As climate change poses increased risks, our nation’s preparedness for atypical weather events is more crucial than ever. A focus on sustainable, smart solutions developed by local and global innovators provides a promising path forward. Ultimately, it’s only through understanding and predicting shifts in weather patterns that we can mitigate whatever comes our way, however impossible they may seem right now… like a snowy Singapore. For now, though, let’s keep hoping that the sight that greets us outside of pantry windows continues to oscillate only between sunny skies and heavy rain that may closely resemble, but isn’t real snow. (All images from Unsplash)

Sometimes, the key to spicing up your life can take a very simple and mundane form. Or in the case of a challenge I embarked on in early-July, a bland and literally tasteless one. Feeling sometime in mid-June that I had been swept up too mindlessly by the push-and-pull of the everyday, and seeing that I *had* to reclaim some sense of agency with the way I lived, I eventually decided: I would allow myself only water as a drink. I'm pretty sure Yakun and Toast Box lost a fair bit of business during the week of my challenge... No coffee. No tea. No fruit juice, no soya milk (or milk); not even the 'nourishing' sorts of drinks you find at Hock Hua/ZTP, such as Luo Han Guo. Naturally, some part of this was health-centric. Inevitably, you wake up one day and realise that having 3-4 cups of coffee daily probably isn’t alleviating your inability to sleep deeply. Also, a sweetened drink every now and then doesn’t hurt – but something’s a bit off when you routinely hit 6:00pm, and find your 750ml water bottle is still half full. Health reasons aside, however, this was mostly a challenge rooted in a curiosity about my mental limits. Never before in my life had I consciously stuck only to drinking pure, plain water for only a week. Could I actually do it? Weird experience not getting a Sprite when having Mac's The process... Before things kicked into full swing, I thought the biggest obstacle that I would have to overcome was the craving for something flavoured - whether it was the irreplaceable taste of espresso, or fruity-sugar. Wrong. It was the headaches. Pushing away the usual cans of Qoo and cups of kopo kosong beng, surrpsingly, turned out to be much more achievable than expected. Right up till Day 5, however, I was consistently battling a dull but throbbing pain towards the rear of my head an hour or two after waking – almost as if someone had their fingers permanently pressed on the nerves underneath my scalp. The pain would last annoyingly all the way into the evening, until I had finished my dinner. I wasn't entirely caught off guard - a friend had previously shared with us how his attempt to wean himself slowly off coffee had resulted exactly in nagging headaches – but experiencing it was different altogether. Withdrawal effects from a lack of coffee (or caffeine), I guess, is how we understand it. But the result of that was... arguably positive ultimately, because it spurred me to drink more water. The lack of sugar from the sweetened drinks found its way back in the form of desserts (I didn't cheat here!) Did I cheat? I'd like to think I was fully committed to the challenge. Still, the answer to that question depends on how we look at things. I don’t consider myself a heavy dessert-consumer, but with the sugary kick of drinks like 100 Plus (especially after workouts) no longer in the picture, I did surprise myself with how much I started to gravitate towards cake and ice-cream. Both of which I’ve never considered myself to be a massive fan of, by the way. (Again – this wasn’t an inherently health-motivated challenge, and ice cream is eaten, not drunk. I will not be convinced otherwise.) A jug of sparkling water to fend off the temptation from my friend's iced matcha latte The temptation to slip up was also always there. Since the weekend is also when meet-ups kick into full swing, it was torturous to watch my friends - across three separate cafe outings - sip on their drinks of choice: An aromatic pourover coffee, an iced americano, and an iced matcha latte. Again, I held my ground resolutely, but I do wonder if - in a thirst-steeped moment of seeing another a glistening jug with cut lemons arrive at a table across us - my decision to order sparkling water ($3 before GST and service charge, by the way) muddied the water. (Pun intended.) Does sparkling water count as plain water? I was convinced both by my friend and by my own self that it does, but I’ll let whoever reads this be the judge. On the contrary… having to be on a video shoot on just the second day of the challenge meant having to take a few sips of iced latte for the camera. Fine - I do regard this to be a genuine violation of the challenge, but one done in the glorious name of *heaves chest* a dedication to my work. At that point, getting to taste the mixture of espresso and milk already felt heavenly (again, this was just my second day!), but I made sure to not take more than what was necessary for the camera to capture. I can't deny it - it's nice to have coffee back in my life (at a more moderate level now) Post-challenge reflections I used to see coffee, caffeine and sugar in any liquid form as a necessary part of getting through my day, but that dependency has been genuinely reduced now. I think of it in the same way as putting onself through a ‘social media detox’ every now and then. After a period of having Instagram/TikTok on your phone, those little squares can gradually become the de-facto buttons you press when you’re bored or can’t think of anything better to do in the moment. But life actually goes on – perfectly normally – even when you don’t reach for them. Our minds can be trained out of those subconscious routines, and it's nice to be reminded of this reality ever so often. Likewise, I’ve since returned eagerly to coffee in my life, but with some boundaries for now: I mostly don’t do more than one cup a day anymore, and I also make sure it’s not the first drink I have. Realising that I don’t need a cuppa to get through the day feels oddly empowering. Pre-challenge, I had also started to feel some level of guilt from believing that I wasn't drinking enough plain water generally, and embracing it more warmly now has made me happier. (Even if it’s just the mind at work here, that still counts.) Challenge ticked off for July - for the most part at least, I hope. Time to plot another one (I say, as I sip happily again every now and then on my iced lemon tea). - Matt

I've often wondered: How much work would get done today if offices were not air-conditioned? What if the only air-con we could enjoy was only in shopping malls and supermarkets? Images of stuffy offices fill my mind. Despite the availability of fans to circulate air, the oppressive heat and humidity will lower our productivity. Many of my colleagues and I experienced this in our previous office, where the ancient air-conditioning system would have a monthly breakdown. For two days, the entire office would feel sauna-like due to the combination of people (we give off heat) and computers. The air would turn thick and stale even before 11am. It didn't matter if you had a desk fan either, because all it did was circulate bad air. (Image: Nathan Dumlao, Unsplash) Fortunately, nobody had body odour. If anyone did, he or she would have been called out in no time. We're polite, but under these conditions, we expect everyone to maintain hygiene! During these occasions, we tried opening the windows for fresh air, but since the building was located next to the junction of an arterial road, all that did was allow noise and dust in. So, the windows stayed shut. Air-con = comfort Air-conditioning reduces ambient temperature and humidity. According to this WebMD article, humidity is the main reason for our discomfort because it interferes with the sweating process. If you recall, sweating cools us down because it removes heat as it evaporates. But in humid conditions, it takes longer for this to happen, so we continue to feel hot and sticky. But with air-con, we can be more productive because our bodies spend less energy on keeping us cool. (Image: Towfiqu barbhuiya, Unsplash) The inevitable downsides Spending so much time in an air-conditioned environment isn't healthy for us. While lower humidity is great, some people are more affected by drier air, which can lead to stuffy or runny noses, dry eyes and even a dry throat. Dry skin can also be an issue. For some, this means needing to use more moisturiser. Surprisingly, some will also complain that the dry air is causing their oily skin to become oilier. Apparently, this is the skin attempting to retain moisture by causing the oil glands to work harder. And while an air-conditioned office is preferable to an outdoor one, we all know that these spaces facilitated the spread of COVID. The combination of being in proximity to others, along with the lack of air filtration, undoubtedly contributed to people falling ill. Constantly being in an air-conditioned environment can also lessen our ability to deal with heat stress, especially if you don't exercise outdoors. And with record temperatures that only continue to rise, being able to bear with and thrive in such conditions is more important than ever. (Image: Iryna Kozhyna, Unsplash) Turn it on or switch it off? Some people take their need for air-conditioning to the extreme and constantly keep it switched on at home. Others swear that keeping it off helps them manage skin issues and prevent respiratory conditions, while also lowering their utility costs. As with most things, it's best to find a balance between both extremes. Personally, I only switch on the air-con at home before bed (unless there's a monsoon surge and cooler weather) or if it gets unbearably warm. The rest of the time, I rely on my ceiling fans. – Jeremy (Main image: Alexandre Lecocq, Unsplash)

"Scientists Just Discovered a Creature That Breaks the Rules of Life". I mean, that's quite the headline. Sukunaarchaeum mirabile is also quite the name to pronounce. But yes, that's the name of a recently discovered organism that apparently challenges the traditional scientific definition of 'life'. There's a fair bit of scientific jargon to sieve through, but the quick summary is this: Cells are considered "alive" because of their ability to self-replicate and reproduce, whereas viruses don't grow, reproduce independently or generate their own energy. Viruses reliance on hijacking host cells for key functions means that they are typically excluded from the tree of life. This sukunaarchaeum mirabile exists somewhere in between. It replies on a host for many biological tasks (like a virus), but also contains the necessary genes to create its own ribosomes and messenger RNA (like a cell). So it is at once 'life' and 'not life'. There's also a whole thing about the sukunaarchaeum's extreme genome reduction (238,000 base pairs compared to the 490,000 of the smallest known complete genome within the archea group) that I don't fully understand. Point is, there's plenty of strange life on Earth. Maybe we don't need to be firing so many rockets into the sky searching for life on other planets, when we haven't even properly figured out life here on our own.

Before anything else, let me assure you that this is not about BDSM (bondage, discipline, sadism, masochism). Like many of my posts, this is an observation about life. More specifically, the duality of pain and pleasure that exists within it. Let's consider the analogy of light and dark: A room seems bright because the darkness subdued. Yet without the presence of darkness, how do we perceive the brightness of the light? Similarly, we cannot savour the sweetness of pleasure without the contrasting bitterness of pain. The bad days make the good ones feel even more shiok (Image: Denny Müller, Unsplash) Ouch... ouch... ooh... ooh This duality manifests in various aspects of our lives. Many of us love spicy food because of the flavour and various nuances that spices add to a dish. But spiciness is actually pain caused by capsaicin, the ingredient in chili peppers that fools our brains into thinking that our mouth is on fire. It's medieval torture to those who cannot tolerate spice. But for many of us, the sweating and the release of endorphins (to reduce the pain sensation) is downright addictive. Why else are malatang shops sprouting like mushrooms? The pursuit of pleasure often involves a willingness to endure pain, whether it's the runner's high that follows the burning exertion of exercise, the stress of work that makes a vacation all the more rewarding, or the agony of childbirth that precedes the profound joy of parenthood. After all the hard work, the champagne tastes even better as you toast to your sweet success (Image: Alexander Naglestad, Unsplash) After a gruelling bike ride that leaves your heart racing, lungs burning, and thighs on fire, the feeling of cooling down and showering is nothing short of blissful. Just as happiness and sadness, fun and boredom, beauty and ugliness coexist in our world, pleasure and pain are inextricably linked. When we lament the challenges and misfortunes that befall us, we must remember that these moments of pain serve to heighten our appreciation for the good times. If nothing bad ever happened, would we still recognise and cherish the blessings that come our way? Without the occasional bump in the road, would we still appreciate the smooth stretches? Indeed, in life, there is no pleasure without pain. (Main image: Johannes Plenio, Unsplash) – Jeremy

How many of us can claim to be good listeners? I've come to realise that listening is an art. Think of all the people you've ever spoken to who is a 'good listener'. Apart from your friends, these folks are most likely doctors, counsellors, customer service reps, and yes, even barbers and hairstylists. Listening with an open mind does not come naturally to everyone. I feel it requires a genuine desire to hear the other person's perspectives and opinions without judgment. Only then will the other person feel secure talking to you. Being physically or emotionally vulnerable is scary. We don't let our guard down unless we can be sure that the conversation is confidential. We also won't do it if we know the other person doesn't listen. Needless to say, dozing off while your friend is confiding in you is unforgivable. Tell them if you're too tired and offer to speak to them at another time. 'Interviewing' skills Listening takes a lot out of the listener, for you must concentrate on what is being said. Get distracted for a moment and it makes the other person feel unimportant. Conducting interviews has helped me become a better listener. During these sessions, my task is to let the interviewee say as much as they can, while asking the right questions to glean more details or information. Interviewees must be put at ease. The more comfortable they are, the more they are likely to share. Conversely, a nervous interviewee will say little, and the story will be mildly interesting, if you're lucky. Offer solutions when asked, not before. (Image: Headway, Unsplash) It's not easy When friends confide, it's not always to brainstorm to seek a solution to an issue. Often, it's simply to talk about their problem/s. Over the years, I've realised the best move during such conversations is to listen quietly without making any suggestions. That's easier said than done, though. When someone tells us they're going through a rough patch, our first instinct is to suggest practical solutions. We want to help our friends resolve whatever they're facing as soon as possible. But our advice, no matter how sound, may not be what your friend needs at that moment. Dishing out advice before your counsel is sought isn't wrong, but you might make the other person feel stupid. It's more prudent to be a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. Remaining quiet, sitting and listening patiently are not easy skills to learn. But they are worth the effort it takes to master them, for in the end, we become better friends. – Jeremy (Main image: Aarón Blanco Tejedor, Unsplash)

Riding a motorcycle is like taking your nose on a wild adventure. You're cruising down the road, expecting to smell nothing except exhaust fumes and perhaps rubbish, when suddenly - bam! - you're hit with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling char kway teow from a nearby coffeeshop. Heck, you might even catch a whiff of someone's fancy perfume as you zip by. It's like your bike has magical powers, transforming an ordinary ride into a sensory rollercoaster. It's these unexpected olfactory delights that make motorcycling an even more engaging experience than you thought possible. Seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and yes, even tasting things (yikes) are possible on a motorcycle. (Image: Stephen Kidd, Unsplash) The unexpected scents As you cruise along, you'll encounter an array of unexpected scents that car drivers often miss. I've caught the tantalising smell of roasting coffee, freshly cut grass, and even 'that smell' you get after it rains. These make your journey more engaging and memorable. It's not just about the thrill of the ride - it's about immersing yourself in the world around you, one unexpected whiff at a time. Don't ride while you're hungry – the scent of wok hei will make you feel weak! (Image: Advocator SY, Unsplash) Once, I was riding along an arterial road, on my way home for dinner, when the smell of fast food (McDonald's fries, in particular) hit me. Was there a delivery rider somewhere in front? Did someone have fries in their car and have their windows open? It was a mystery. Surprisingly, you'll also often catch unexpected whiffs of perfume in the wind. These random scents add another layer to the sensory experience of riding. This writer still wonders where the scent of Macs wafted from. (Image: Brett Jordan, Unsplash) Earthy encounters: Navigating the 'fragrance' of manure Of course, not everything smells good. The open-air nature of riding allows you to experience a symphony of scents, including the earthy aroma of manure. While you might wrinkle your nose at first, this pungent smell serves as a reminder that the greenery/landscaping we enjoy requires upkeep in the form of err, plant food. Indeed, it's a stark contrast to the sterile environment of a car, where you'd likely miss these authentic, albeit sometimes unpleasant, fragrances. – Jeremy Main image: Gijs Coolen, Unsplash

Picture this: a subterranean hideaway so exclusive, it's been sealed off from the outside world for a cool 5.5 million years. Yep, the Movile Cave is a strange alien universe right here on Earth, tucked underneath the Romanian coast. It may be just 20 metres below ground, but the Movile Cave is about as alien an environment as you will find anywhere on Earth. With no interference from the plebeian air that we breathe and light that we see, the cave instead is a concoction of sulphuric doom - the air low in oxygen, thick in carbon dioxide and sulphur to create a truly hostile environment. Except, bizarrely, life thrives there - an entire ecosystem having evolved in this toxic soup. Over 50 species have been discovered inside the cave, with 37 of them found nowhere else on Earth. And they are truly bizarre. Starved entirely of sunlight, Movile Cave operates on a dark magic known as chemosynthesis. In this underworld, foam mats of autotrophic bacteria serve as the base of a food pyramid that includes creatures like leeches, spiders, pseudoscorpions, woodlice, centipedes, water scorpions and also snails. Evolution in this harsh environment also means that the critters there can have no eyes and translucent skin (a sci-fi nightmare indeed). This Romanian oddity is off-limits to the public due to its extreme sensitivity. Only a select few researchers have been granted access to the enigmatic depths of Movile Cave, and scientists are determined to protect its unique ecosystem from any unwanted disruption. Fewer people have been to this cave than have been to outer space. Think about that. Movile Cave's ecosystem offers a sneak peek into life's resilience and inventive adaptability, and provides an excellent terrestrial analogue for deep-sea hydrothermal vents and extraterrestrial ecosystems, favouring the scenario of life existing subsurface beneath moons like Europa or Enceladus. So perhaps there are actually aliens out there - they are just right beneath our feet.

Every young adult probably arrives at the same point when they’ve started working for a few years: Household chores start to become more enjoyable. Don’t get me wrong – they don’t have to be one’s favourite activity on earth. But chores start to make sense: An environment that’s put-together is always a welcome haven, whether it’s returning home after a long day out, or simply staying in over the weekend (or when you’re working from home.) As a young adult myself, I've come to appreciate an unexpected ally in my quest for domestic bliss: The cordless vacuum cleaner. This marvel of modern engineering has likely revolutionised our approach to cleanliness, reducing the arduousness of vacuuming into a surprisingly enjoyable experience. Gone are the days of wrestling with cumbersome cords and lugging heavy machines from room to room. With this trusty cordless companion, you could, well, glide effortlessly through your apartment, vanquishing dust bunnies and crumbs with ease. The Joys of Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Effortless Maneuverability: Why are cordless vacuum cleaners (arguably popularised by Dyson) so wonderful to use? One of their greatest qualities is their incredible maneuverability. Some of the most lightweight models can weigh under 3kg - an absolute breeze to carry around, making it easy to clean every nook and cranny of one's apartment. The absence of a cord means also allows for seamless movement from room to room without the hassle of unplugging and replugging. Perfect for Quick Cleanups: In the whirlwind of young adulthood, time is precious. Cordless vacuum cleaners are ideal for those spontaneous cleaning sessions when unexpected guests are on their way, when you’re just tired from a long work day, or when you just want to clock some steps in at home. Their portability and convenience make them perfect for quick spot cleaning, ensuring our living spaces always look presentable without eating into our busy schedules. Tech-Savvy Cleaning: As a tech-enthusiastic millennial, it’s easy to appreciate too how cordless vacuum cleaners incorporate the latest technology! Many models now feature laser dust detection and battery life indicators, adding a fun, high-tech element to the mundane task of cleaning. It's like having a cleaning gadget straight out of a sci-fi movie! Tackling Every Surface: There’s also the fact that our living spaces often feature a mix of flooring types. A versatile vacuum that can transition between hardwood, tiles, and carpets is invaluable, and the fact that most models come with different attachments - and adjustable brush rolls - also means the ability effectively clean various surfaces. Why household chores are more enjoyable as a young adult There's something liberating about tackling chores on your own terms. No longer pressured by parental schedules or naggy pre-set reminders, I’ve found myself vacuuming when I please, and involuntarily too. This newfound autonomy and motivation make the task feel less like a chore - and more like a choice. It seems I’m not alone either: According to a Reddit discussion, many young adults find that cordless vacuums encourage more frequent cleaning due to their convenience. Furthermore, in the realm of young adulthood where many goals seem distant, the immediate satisfaction of a clean space is refreshing. Running a vacuum cleaner over a dusty floor and instantly seeing results provides a sense of accomplishment. It's a small win in the grand scheme of adult life, certainly, but it's also tangible and immediate. And of course, there’s always the aspect of clearing one’s mind. Surprisingly, routine tasks can offer moments of mindfulness in our hectic lives. As you guide your vacuum across the floor, fully present and focused on the task at hand with only the whir of the motor audible, the mind suddenly becomes less cloudy. It's a brief respite from the constant barrage of notifications and responsibilities that often characterise adult life. Small but significant revolution in urban living As I reflect on my journey with cordless vacuum cleaners, I'm struck by how these devices have become indispensable companions for young adults like myself navigating life. Their portability and convenience align perfectly with our fast-paced, space-conscious lifestyles. Bear with me as this may be a stretch for some – but beyond mere cleaning tools, they represent freedom, efficiency, and a touch of high-tech cool in our everyday routines. Scoff at this enthusiasm if you want, but I stand firm in my belief that cordless vacuums are more than appliances. They're lifestyle enhancers; a small but significant revolution in urban living. Additional images from Unsplash

Singapore can be that predictably unpredictable equatorial city, where the skies shift from radiant sunshine to torrential downpour in mere moments. Given how things have been the past few weeks, I’ve subconsciously found myself pondering the impact of this mercurial weather on our health. What does the internet say: Is it the sun-drenched days that truly invigorate us, or do the rhythmic rains offer a more profound rejuvenation? In a city where the climate dances between these two extremes, understanding the health implications of different sorts of weather can be an enlightening endeavour. What does "rainy weather" mean for your health? Of course, how each of our bodies reacts to the weather can vary greatly. Multiple factors often come into play, with our prevailing health conditions being the most significant. Still, to start on one end with the impact of rainy weather, here’s what some sources on the internet indicate. Joint and muscle impact: Rainy weather can apparently be a double-edged sword when it comes to joint health. The drop in barometric pressure preceding a storm often leads to swelling and stiffness in the joints, which can exacerbate conditions like arthritis. This shift in pressure and accompanying dampness may cause increased muscle pain, as the body conserves heat, especially in cooler, rainy climates source. Allergies, respiratory concerns, and general dampness: The increased rainfall contributes to higher humidity, which has been associated with the spread of infectious diseases like dengue and influenza according to studies. Rainy weather could also create ideal conditions for mould growth, potentially triggering sneezing, congestion, and coughs amongst allergy sufferers. Furthermore, thunderstorms can aggravate asthma, as high winds carry pollen into the airways, causing respiratory discomfort source. Mood and Mental Health: This one’s a bit of a stretch – a symptom that’s not likely to apply to us in Singapore, but still worth considering. On the emotional front, the overcast skies associated with rainy days could lead to a dip in mood for some individuals. While some people may find comfort in the cosy ambience of a rainy day, others may experience low-arousal emotions like sadness. This phenomenon is frequently linked to lowered serotonin levels, which can manifest as symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or depression, particularly during extended gloomy periods. Of course, it’s unlikely for SAD to really have a grip on most people here, given our tropical climate - but if you find the gloominess of the weather suddenly being mirrored by your mood, you’re not acting up. The Dual Nature of Rainy Weather Yet, the story does not end there. Rainy weather also releases negative ions, which are believed to boost mood and energy levels as mentioned by the BBC. These ions, combined with the rhythmic sound of rainfall, can create a soothing atmosphere, potentially reducing stress and anxiety. The cooler temperatures during rain can also provide relief from the heat, reducing the risk of heat-related stress, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly. And besides, if you do regularly find that a grey sky dampens your mood, practical strategies can help manage the rainy weather blues. Embracing natural light when possible, engaging in indoor physical activities, and connecting with others, are effective ways to combat the gloominess as suggested by Change Mental Health. By balancing these effects, Singapore's weather, whether rainy or sunny, can be managed for healthier living. For those inclined to feel blue under overcast skies, there are strategies to alleviate the mood disruptions caused by Singapore weather. Engaging in indoor activities and exercises can release endorphins, serving as a natural counterbalance to the blues Changemh. Additionally, connecting with others and practicing mindfulness can provide a buffer against the mental toll of persistent rainy spells. Sunny Weather: Is It Better for Your Health Compared to Rainy Weather? Given what the research states about rainy weather, it would make sense that sunshine functions as a positive counter-force to some of its negative effects For instance, sunny weather is often credited for elevating mood and energy levels. Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin production, a neurotransmitter linked to feelings of happiness and well-being. This can lead to improved mood and lower suicide risk, making sunny days emotionally beneficial for many according to Healthline. Sunny weather in Singapore promotes the production of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function. Nevertheless, excessive exposure to the sun's rays can lead to heat stress and increased risk of skin cancer as noted in various climate studies. Striking a balance in sun exposure is crucial for maintaining good health. Sunlight exposure can also contribute to lower blood pressure by causing blood vessels to dilate, a process aided by decreased atmospheric pressure. This natural effect can provide cardiovascular benefits and potentially reduce the risk of heart-related issues as noted on Weather.com. Yet: The dual nature of sunny weather However, sunny weather can also exacerbate conditions like asthma and allergies due to increased pollen and air pollution levels. There's also the real reality that the UV rays from the harsh sun can be damaging to our skin if we are subject to prolonged exposure. On a general wellness level, warm weather can also pose multiple health problems: Headaches, and heat rash and eczema, and even kidney failure resulting from heat stress and chronic dehydration. Speaking of heat stress, the health risks associated with heat exhaustion can even be fatal for some. Appreciating both sides In contemplating whether rainy or sunny weather reigns supreme for our well-being, each side has revealed itself to offer both unique benefits that cater to different facets of health, but also possibly grave effects on our wellbeing if not mitigated appropriately. Yet despite the potential dangers that come with each, focusing on the positives ultimately feels more like a more uplifting proposition. The vibrant energy of sunny days can fuels our spirits and encourages active lifestyles, while the serene embrace of rain provides a pause for reflection and rejuvenation. Ultimately, the rich tapestry of Singapore's climate invites us to embrace balance, finding harmony in the interplay of the sun and rain.

Like most other folks stuck in the rut of smartphone-hyper-use, I recently caught myself doing the same each morning: Waking up to immediately reach for my phone. Reflecting on the first quarter of the year, however – and realising that I’ve been subconsciously plunged into an extended bout of languidness – brought me to the realisation: Perhaps it's time to embrace a different routine. One that started with stepping outside into the crisp morning air, and feeling the gentle warmth of the morning sun on my face and skin. Daily morning walks offer a peaceful respite from the constant barrage of screens and notifications that dominate modern life. It’s no stretch to say that this simple practice allows us to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the natural world around. (Even if in Singapore’s context, it usually means curated and hyper-polished neighbourhood gardens and parks, rather than genuinely untouched nature reserves.) In turn, a sense of calm and clarity can be cultivated, and be carried throughout one’s waking hours. The Benefits of Morning Walks Morning walks are said to offer a multitude of advantages for our physical and mental well-being. Starting our days with a brisk walk can boost energy levels and improve mood, setting a positive tone for the hours ahead. These daily walks also provide an excellent opportunity to disconnect from social media and the constant barrage of digital notifications, allowing us to focus on the present moment and connect with nature. Physical Health Benefits: Regular morning walks contribute significantly to overall health. They can help prevent or manage various conditions like heart disease and diabetes, while also aiding in weight management. Staying active should never take a backseat in one’s daily routine, so walking in the morning can help you complete the recommended daily physical activity before other obligations take over the day. Mental Health Boost: Morning walks are a powerful tool for improving mental health. The act of walking can reduce symptoms of depression, decrease anxiety, and lower stress levels. By providing a peaceful start to the day, these walks allow us to clear our minds, improve focus, and enhance overall mental clarity. Mindfulness: On the note of mental health, morning walks are also a great opportunity to embrace the art of mindfulness. After all, tossing the virtual world aside momentarily – and trading it for the real and tangible one - naturally eases one into focusing on the present moment and their surroundings. This, in turn, can transform a simple stroll into a powerful tool for relaxation and self-discovery. The Ideal Duration for Morning Walks? Is there a sweet spot when it comes to how much time we should dedicate to our morning walks, though? Studies state that the ideal duration can vary based on your goals and schedule. According to Andrew Huberman, even a brief 2-minute stroll can be beneficial, while 30 minutes would be fantastic for your mental health. For maximum benefits, some experts have recommended that we should aim for at least 150 minutes per week, or about 30 minutes daily. Above all, however, consistency is key. Arguably, it’s not so much about the duration, but the regularity of morning walks can turn them into a powerful tool for managing stress and improving overall well-being. Tips for Establishing a Morning Walk Routine Start Small and Stay Consistent: Embarking on daily walks can significantly improve your mental health and help you disconnect from social media. To build a successful routine, we are recommended to start small, to commit to this practice for a month without fail to form a habit. Make It Enjoyable and Accountable: Accountability often works wonders when it comes to ensuring we remain consistent, so inviting your spouse or a family member to join in could make these morning walks more engaging and motivating. I’m not too into the idea of building another results-targeted ‘report card’ of sorts for myself in life – but those who find value in it could certainly track their progress using a log or app. This could even help us observe the times when it isn't fun and learn from these challenges. Again, it’s helpful to remember the goal and figure out what works for us individually: To establish a sustainable practice that benefits our overall well-being, especially in Singapore’s pressure-cooker-like environment. Putting one foot in front of the other To some extent, the whole idea of a morning walk (or just walking in general) serves as a metaphor for going through life itself: By putting one foot in front of the other. I’ve only been going at my morning walks for a couple of weeks now (with a couple of days interrupted by rainy weather, admittedly), but I’m pretty confident that I’m on the right path - to continued relaxation and rejuvenation. Images from Unsplash

You've finally escaped your daily grind, jetted off to paradise, and now you're... exhausted? Welcome to the modern vacation conundrum. In the words of a well-spoken colleague, this is "where YOLO meets FOMO in an epic battle for your precious holiday time". The overplanning trap Many of us are hardwired for productivity because we're pressed for time. Everything from errands to visits to workouts must be scheduled in a bid to save time. At times, it seems like the only goal is to save time, rather than saving time for rest and relaxation. Naturally, this habit extends to whenever we plan our holidays. Every day of annual leave is precious and must be maximised. Failure to do so leads to time wasted as you frantically Google where to go for your next meal. Too much planning ruins a holiday. You'll end up just trying to execute the plan as opposed to enjoying yourself. (Image: Unseen Studio, Unsplash) One of my good friends is a Type A personality who is so goal-oriented that his holidays have no room for spontaneity. I have no plans to ever travel with him (you cannot pay me enough to do so), as his itineraries are planned by the hour. The result of being so productivity-driven is not just fatigue, but sian-ness, and for the unhappy ones who have no say in the matter, a bitter memory. It's what causes us to declare that we need another holiday to make up for the tiring one. Do less and do the opposite Personally, I start by thinking about what I want to see, eat, and do, then use Google to find those places and compare ratings. Like most, I watch YouTube videos to get a sense of whether an attraction is worth visiting. This process alone takes significant time and energy before I've even left. I make a list of five things I want to eat and five places I want to visit at my destination. Anything else, such as shopping or sightseeing, is left to chance. Meaning I'll consider these if there's time. A cold drink, a hat, and a pair of shades are great ingredients to unwind with. (Image: S'well, Unsplash) What about FOMO? While it's true that nobody likes missing out on things, allowing FOMO to influence your plans is harmful. I get that missing out on a particular dish or attraction means having to travel to that country all over again, but racing from one activity to the next (like in The Amazing Race) is not a holiday. Unscheduled wanderings and surprise discoveries can create cherished memories. For instance, while strolling through a Seoul neighbourhood in search of lunch, a friendly woman invited us to try her restaurant's dishes. It was a small, five-table place with delicious food and wonderful service. Why not spend your vacation catching up on your reading? (Image: Link Hoang, Unsplash) What made it memorable, though, was her seeming disappearance after seating us. Today, we can't help but laugh whenever we recall this, wondering if we'd been invited in by a ghost! On another trip to Taipei, my wife and I sought out a popular beef noodle shop, only to find it closed for the day. As we roamed, we stumbled upon a humble alternative, where the beef noodles tasted homecooked rather than chef-prepared. Beyond the warm service, what made this place special was the family allowing their docile dog to mingle with diners, adding to the cosy atmosphere. Or better still, spend the day relaxing in a pool as opposed to jostling with crowds. (Image: Haley Phelps, Unsplash) Let go and go with the flow When it comes to holidays, sometimes no plans are really the best plans. Venture out without a schedule and see what you discover. You can even hop onto a bus or train and alight at a random stop to explore. After a few hours, return to your hotel for a nap. Constant activity hardly promotes de-stressing. In fact, some friends now travel just to indulge in the luxury of sleeping in, something difficult to do back home. And instead of constantly updating social media with photos and videos, focus on being present. After all, documenting every moment turns relaxation into another task. So instead of FOMO, make JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) the goal during your next trip. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you when you return fully recharged. – Jeremy Main image: freestocks, Unsplash

Coffee - without sugar! - has long been (and still is) my go-to option to accompany my lunch. Amidst a larger 2025 goal of reducing the number of cups of kopi-o kosong I gulp down a week, however, I’ve recently thought about how my lunch experience can be switched up slightly with yet another sugarless drink: A can, or indeed bottle of oolong tea. Oolong tea is said to offer a perfect balance of flavour and functionality - perfect not just for complementing one's meal but also reinvigorating your afternoon. On the one hand, its partially oxidised leaves yield a complex taste profile that promise to awaken the palate without overwhelming it. But beyond its culinary merits, word has it too that oolong provides a wealth of health benefits to support your wellbeing: From boosting metabolism to enhancing mental clarity. The origins and diverse varieties of oolong tea Oolong tea ostensibly boasts a rich history rooted in ancient China. Originating during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the tea was initially reserved for emperors and their courts. Its name, meaning "black dragon" in English, actually refers to the unique shape of its leaves after they've been left to dry out in the sun! Oolong production later spread to other regions, including Taiwan, where it gained popularity in the mid-1900s. Oolong tea falls between green and black tea in terms of oxidation, resulting in a wide spectrum of flavors and aromas: From light and floral, to rich and roasted. Renowned varieties include Tie Guan Yin, known for its floral notes, or Da Hong Pao, which is said have a profile that is 'woodier'. Diving into the Health Benefits of Oolong Tea A Powerhouse of Antioxidants: Said to be partially fermented, oolong tea boasts a unique blend of antioxidants found in both green and black teas, making it a nutritional powerhouse. Studies have shown that regular consumption of oolong tea can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 21%, thanks to its ability to improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Boosting Metabolism and Brain Function - in a balanced manner: The average Singaporean working adult lives a fast-paced 9-5 life - for which oolong tea is capable of offering a natural energy boost. Its combination of caffeine and L-theanine not only enhances mental alertness but also aids in weight management by increasing fat oxidation and metabolism. For fellow coffee-drinkers who think they might also be taking their love of the bean to too-far extremes, here’s some good news too: According to a study, oolong tea provides a sustained energy boost without the jitters often associated with coffee. Moreover, oolong tea's health benefits extend to supporting brain function and potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline. A recap: Why this switch out to oolong tea at lunch sounds good over the longer term And as mentioned earlier, there’s one very simple reason - above all - why oolong tea could stand out as the superior drink of choice at lunch for Singaporeans: It boasts a unique flavour profile that sets it apart from other tea varieties. According to the Health Promotion Board, oolong is made from mature tea leaves that are bruised and partially oxidized, resulting in a flavor profile that differs from white, green, and black teas. So, could coffee continue to get swapped out more regularly for oolong tea during lunches? I’m quite confident that this could be the case. Its unique blend of health benefits, flavour complexity, and energising properties means it's suited to complement any sort of meal: Whether it’s a standard cai png order, or a bowl of ban mian, or even something more indulgent, like a one-person lunch set at the mala store of your food court just below the office. The rewards that present themselves are multifaceted: Improved digestion; sustained focus for the afternoon ahead; or quite simply, a restful moment of refined pleasure! Images from Unsplash

We've all experienced making a bad financial decision at some point in our lives. Perhaps it was an impulse buy or a celebratory splurge on something we didn't need or have a use for. But the worst kind of bad financial decision is one that's made for the purpose of keeping up with others in your work, social, or family circle/s. Even if the item is useful, acquiring it just to 'stay current' is not a good use of your money. I think we can all agree on this. Photo: Engin Akyurt, Unsplash Being satisfied One of the key pillars of financial literacy is living within your means. It's the most sensible (and hence boring) advice to heed. However, I understand that not everyone may be in a situation to do this, as there are those who are having a tough time making ends meet. I believe that one of the basic foundations of financial literacy is learning to be content with what you have. Remember, envy is the enemy of joy. Being content does not mean doing a shoddy job or putting in zero effort in what you do. It means learning to enjoy and be happy with what you have when you've done all you can for yourself. Let's say you've saved money to buy that new smartphone you've been eyeing. It has a larger screen, bigger battery, better camera, etc. After you've acquired it, enjoy it. Pay no heed to the next person who comes along and says, "You should have gotten the model I bought instead because it's even better!" In this case, no technology is perfect and besides, the moment a new model of whatever hits the market, it starts becoming obsolete. What you should focus on is using your new device and enjoying the memories it's helping you create and save. Photo: Peter Broomfield, Unsplash The comparison trap We make comparisons every day. It's part of decision-making and it's mostly beneficial, especially when we're trying to save money by finding a better deal. However, comparing yourself to others can easily become an exercise in making yourself unhappy. Let's say you've aimed to purchase a Rolls-Royce by the time you're 35. You work hard, make savvy investments, and with some luck, manage to buy Ghost Series II. If you're constantly comparing yourself to others, then you're going to be very frustrated at the next business convention or owners' meeting. There's always going to be someone out there who bought his or her first Rolls-Royce when they were 30 or younger. There will be others who own several, including classic models, too. Photo: Shahrukh Rehman, Unsplash In such situations, comparing your situation to others' will end up gnawing away at you, with dissatisfaction eventually leading to anxiety. That's no way to live. This is an extreme example, but the point is similar. Focus on what's important. Did you achieve what you set out to achieve? And along the way, did you, your business and your employees grow as well? And if you managed to commission that Roller without even denting your bank account, that surely counts as a success. Photo: Kerry Rawlinson, Unsplash Learning to be content Many of us push ourselves hard to achieve more year after year. To strive for excellence is good. But instead of focussing on what others did better – which you may or may not be able to emulate – take a step back and observe what you did better compared to last year, while also thinking about what can be improved. There will always others who are smarter, better-looking, better-connected, wealthier, etc. Instead, aim to be the best version of yourself. Learn to take stock of what you've achieved and what you have. These things aren't taught in school, but they work in real life. It's a solid foundation for learning to be content, which then becomes the building block of financial literacy. – Jeremy (Main image: Micheile Henderson, Unsplash)