How to Thrive During Lunar New Year 2024

Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year (CNY), marks the transition from the old to the entrance of good fortune in the new year.

In 2024, embrace the Year of the Dragon by celebrating strength, power, and success. Start by understanding its significance.

Significance of the Year of the Dragon

To truly appreciate each Lunar New Year, it’s essential to grasp the attributes of both the element and the animal.

With wood as the element for CNY 2024, we welcome growth, success, and the initial stage of development. Wood signifies humanity’s aspiration to achieve, progress, grow, and expand.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The Year of the Dragon symbolizes health, strength, and good fortune, embodying natural leadership, charisma, and boundless enthusiasm for those born in this year.

Your Guide to Surviving this CNY 2024

PREPARE YOUR SPACE

As the festive season approaches, consider cleaning and decorating your home to optimize feng shui. This will help invite good luck, health, and prosperity throughout the year.

Feng Shui Teacher Anjie Cho emphasizes the importance of cleaning your front door, the “mouth of chi,” to welcome in new energy and enhance your connection with the world.

EMBRACE THE CHANGING SEASONS

On the first day of spring on the lunar calendar, open all your windows and doors for nine minutes, an auspicious number in Chinese culture.

Allow fresh air to flow through, dispelling stagnant energy and inviting new, revitalizing energies.

MASTER THE ART OF TOSSING

Enhance your participation in the CNY tradition of tossing yusheng by learning the art of lo hei.

Watch a video tutorial on the lo hei prosperity toss to confidently partake in this joyful activity.

DISCOVER LOCAL CELEBRATION SPOTS

Immerse yourself in the Lunar New Year festivities by exploring various events in Singapore.

Highlights include the Chinatown street light-up, River Hongbao, Chingay Parade, Dahlia Dreams at Gardens by the Bay, and more.

LOOK YOUR BEST

Symbolize a new start by dressing in new threads during the festive season.

Opt for bright colors or explore modern cheongsam and fashionable CNY clothes from brands like Mama & Misse, Shanghai Tang, Lark & Peony, and YeoMama.

IMPRESS WITH LUXE HAMPERS

Gift luxurious hampers filled with goodies from brands such as FNP SG, The Hamper Story, or Lady M, perfect for picky family members or those you want to impress.

RELAX WITH CNY ACTIVITIES

Take a breather after festive gatherings by indulging in a movie marathon with your favorite Chinese movies. Alternatively you can enjoy games like mahjong, baccarat, blackjack, or CNY trivia for a delightful time with loved ones.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Efficient Strategies for Tackling Workplace Passive-Aggression

Is your workplace riddled with people who enjoy a good dose of sarcasm or teasing, sometimes even at the expense of others? Do they throw in a “just kidding” to lighten the mood after delivering a particularly cutting remark? Well, you might be dealing with passive-aggressive behavior.

In this post, we’ll break down what passive aggression is and share some strategies to handle it more effectively.

Understanding Passive-Aggressive Behavior

Mayo Clinic, a medical practice and research group, defines passive-aggressive behavior as a way for individuals to express their negative feelings harmfully but indirectly. Instead of addressing issues directly, they cloak their hostility and discontent through subtle actions.

Notice the behavior of your behavior and that of your workmates. If you grew up in an environment where expressing feelings openly wasn’t encouraged, you might resort to passive-aggressive behavior as a way to avoid direct confrontation. This can manifest as sulking, emotional withdrawal, or finding indirect ways to communicate feelings.

Life coach Leah Veazey emphasizes that while passive-aggressiveness allows someone to express disagreement without being confrontational, it’s not the most effective communication technique and can be detrimental to relationships.

Strategies to Manage Passive-Aggressive Behavior

ADDRESS THE SITUATION DIRECTLY

If you notice a coworker engaging in passive-aggressive behavior, avoiding them might be your first instinct. However, addressing the issue directly is crucial.

Plan a conversation with your coworker to ensure they don’t feel targeted, and consider involving the HR department for a private, constructive meeting.

IDENTIFY THEIR REASONS

Understand that passive-aggressive behavior can stem from various reasons, including internal emotions or external factors like workplace competition.

Identifying the root cause helps in deciding the best approach. In some cases, addressing team stress openly might be necessary.

ESTABLISH A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Make it clear that expressing concerns openly is encouraged and safe. Foster an environment where people feel comfortable discussing problems directly rather than resorting to covert methods.

Lead by example, praising and supporting those who bring issues to your attention.

USE LANGUAGE CAREFULLY

Provide accurate feedback using precise language. Instead of making general accusations, point out specific instances and give the person a chance to explain.

Avoid direct “you” statements (e.g., “you are late” or “you are incompetent”) to prevent the other person from feeling attacked and becoming defensive.

PROVIDE RIGHT TRAINING

Consider offering one-on-one coaching to help team members communicate assertively. Role-play scenarios to practice addressing issues confidently without resorting to passive-aggressive behavior. Additional communication skills training may be beneficial.

AVOID RECIPROCATING THEIR BEHAVIOR

Despite the temptation to respond in a similar passive-aggressive manner, focus on maintaining positive habits. Upholding a cooperative and positive atmosphere can influence your team positively. Resist the urge to engage in behaviors that only prolong unpleasant dynamics.

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By following these strategies, you can foster a more open and constructive work environment, reducing the impact of passive-aggressive behavior on your team.

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Sneaky Tactics Retailers Use to Boost Your Spending

Ever walked into a store or surfed through an online retailer with a shopping list, thinking it’s a simple pick, pay, and go scenario? The reality is, the retail world is a maze of cunning strategies designed to nudge you towards making those unplanned purchases.

Before you begin your shopping spree, whether at the mall or behind the screen, it’s crucial to be savvy to the sly tricks crafted to part you from your hard-earned cash.

COLOR PSYCHOLOGY

Shopping is more than just choosing items, it’s a journey through a kaleidoscope of colors strategically picked to sway your behavior. The color of a product or its display has the power to evoke specific emotions. Take red, for instance – often associated with sales because it triggers action and stimulates interest. Even the sales staff, dressed in attention-grabbing hues like red, can influence your choices.

Watch out for falling in love with a product just because it looks pleasing and make sure it genuinely aligns with your needs.

POWER OF TOUCH

Ever wondered why some items are placed just where you can’t resist picking them up? It’s not a coincidence, as it’s a strategy. Research shows that the act of touching an item increases the likelihood of buying it.

Stores carefully position products in areas where customers are likely to reach out. Think about your experiences – faced with neatly folded items, there’s a hesitation to disrupt the arrangement. You’ll feel a different way shifting thru the clearance rack.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Remember, the more time an item spends in your hands, the more likely you are to add it to your cart. Be choosy about what you touch, focusing only on items you genuinely plan to take home.

PLAY ON YOUR SENSES

Stores aren’t just selling products…they’re selling experiences. From enticing scents to free tastings and the overall feel of the environment, retailers play with your senses to make you stay longer and spend more.

Stay on guard and, if needed, bring a shopping buddy to help you navigate these sensory tricks consciously.

POTENCY OF FREE SHIPPING

Online retailers have a powerful weapon in their arsenal – the word “free.” The promise of free shipping can be a tempting bait, leading you to throw more items into your cart just to meet the threshold. In most cases, those extras aren’t really necessary.

So, remind yourself that the allure of free shipping shouldn’t dictate your purchases. Stick to your needs and resist the urge to overspend just for the sake of free shipping.

PRODUCT PLACEMENT

Supermarkets are like chessboards where the pieces are more expensive items strategically placed at eye level, creating an illusion of value. They might even position pricey items right at the store’s entrance, making everything else inside seem like a bargain.

Watch out for the “add-on” tactic near cash registers – seemingly cheap items that can tempt tired shoppers standing in line. Stay aware and resist the impulse to make last-minute, unnecessary purchases.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Now that you’re armed with this insider knowledge, navigate the shopping landscape with a mindful approach. Avoid falling prey to the subtle manipulations that retailers use to boost your spending. Your wallet will thank you!

Sources: 1,2, & 3

 

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LTA’s Reversal on SimplyGo Transition Eases Commuters’ Concerns

In the midst of discussing the switch from EZ-link to SimplyGo with my parents, their confusion about the complexities and reasoning behind it became apparent. However, Singapore’s plan to fully embrace SimplyGo for adult public transport fares has hit a speed bump.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has decided to postpone the original June 1 deadline, allocating S$40 million to extend the use of EZ-link cards and Nets FlashPay cards for adult commuters.

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat assured the public that this delay is a response to concerns raised by commuters. Just under two weeks after the announcement that non-upgraded Nets FlashPay and EZ-link adult cards would be ineligible for public transport payments from June 1, the LTA made a U-turn, considering the inconvenience faced by commuters.

COMMUTERS’ PLIGHT

The most significant concern was the disruption faced by commuters during the upgrade process. Many were displeased about losing the ability to view their stored-value card balance and fare deduction at fare gates and bus card-readers.

The LTA’s initial announcement had created uncertainty about the duration of this transition, leaving commuters in limbo. However, the recent decision to postpone the full adoption of SimplyGo doesn’t come with a specified time frame.

Image Credits: unslash.com

Acknowledging the challenges faced by commuters, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat issued an apology for the delays experienced during the conversion of existing EZ-link cards. He admitted that better preparation could have avoided these inconveniences.

MOVING FORWARD

In an effort to address these issues, LTA has taken steps to improve the SimplyGo app and expedite the card conversion process. Furthermore, for commuters who recently purchased or converted their old EZ-link cards to SimplyGo, the LTA is offering an exchange for their original card at no cost.

As the authorities work to smooth out the wrinkles in the transition process, commuters hope that a more seamless shift to SimplyGo will happen in the future.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Asia’s Largest Nike Haven Opens in Singapore

As a Christmas present, I gifted my father a sleek black shirt with the iconic Nike logo, a choice that perfectly aligned with his unwavering brand loyalty. If, like my dad, you take comfort in the quality of Nike’s fitness wear, there’s exciting news awaiting you. The latest Nike store on Orchard Road isn’t merely Singapore’s largest as it proudly claims the title of the grandest in all of Asia, besides its counterparts in China.

Welcome to Nike Orchard Road, a retail haven nestled between Apple Orchard Road and The Heeren, officially opening its doors last January 19. This three-story store spans an impressive 28,000 square feet, seamlessly integrating shopping, immersive experiences, and a celebration of athleticism. Connecting the levels is a LED screen that illuminates with popular running routes across Singapore, encapsulating the spirit of movement and vitality.

The store goes beyond the conventional retail experience as it offers fitness and creativity workshops alongside customization services.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Catering to men, women, and children, Nike Orchard Road is a playground for enthusiasts seeking the perfect blend of style and functionality. The first floor is a haven for women and kids, featuring the latest footwear, bras like the Nike Alate, leggings such as the Nike Zenvy, and collections like Nike Motiva and Nike Versair. Ascend to the second floor for a display of men’s apparel and shoe collections, while the third floor is dedicated to Jordan aficionados, showcasing an array of kicks and basketball apparel. Stay tuned for the Jordan Lunar New Year drops, which are coming soon.

A unique feature of this Nike flagship is the Swoosh Studio on the first floor—an interactive space hosting fitness classes led by Nike coaches, creativity workshops with local artists, and wellness sessions with experts.

Image Credits: www.nike.com/sg

What’s more? The first two levels house Nike Service Hubs, offering a seamless transition from online to offline services. From order pickups to expert sessions, these hubs provide a holistic Nike experience.

OPPORTUNITY TO CUSTOMIZE

For those seeking exclusivity, the third floor unveils the Nike By You customization station. Here, you can transform selected caps, apparel, and footwear into one-of-a-kind pieces, adorned with city-exclusive graphics and accessories.

To mark the store’s inauguration, Singaporean artists Ella Zheng, Zi Xi Tan, and Natasha Hassan lend their creativity to exclusive Nike designs, capturing the dynamic spirit of sporting culture and the inspiring narratives of Singaporean athletes.

From three stories of Nike apparel to fitness classes at the Swoosh Studio and customization opportunities, Asia’s largest Nike store captivates fans on Orchard Road, Singapore. What are you waiting for? Step into a world where passion meets performance at the latest Nike store.
Nike Orchard Road awaits you at 268 Orchard Road. It opens daily from 10 am to 10 pm.

Sources: 1 & 2

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