No Cost Ways to Relax After a Long Day at Work

Lately, I have been swamped with work. I switched from having an 8-hour shift to a 12-hour shift. As my body adjusts to the longer hours and the added demands of the workload, I realized how stress can affect my body and mind.

We cannot deny how important work is. With Singapore’s modern go-go-go society, people can be constantly put in the “fight or flight” mode. Relaxation is essential to slow things down and to take care of your overall health and wellbeing.

From gently rolling a ball under your feet to drinking green tea while soaking your toes in a relaxing foot bath, these are some of the no cost ways to relax after a tiring day at work.

#1: STROLL DOWN THE BOARDWALK

A quick stroll around the block combines physical activity with a change of scenery, which can act as your weapon against worries. You can end your day by walking to your favorite park. If Changi Boardwalk or Changi Point Coastal Walk is nearby, you can even enjoy the sunset. The stunning sunset over the coastline is a bonus. Best of all? Admission is free.

#2: TAKE A NAP ON A FORT

Forts are childhood staple for a reason! They are fun to build and are cozy to sleep on. Make an adult version of a fort by arranging your soft blankets, favorite book, and delicious snacks.

#3: SOAK YOUR TIRED TOES

With all the heavy lifting that your feet do all day, it is about time to give it the extra love it deserves. Use your available bath salts, bubbly foot bath, or simply sit on the edge of the bathtub filled with a few inches of relaxing hot water. Finish it off by massaging your feet with lotion.

#4: BE SURE TO DRINK YOUR GREENS

Help reduce your body’s stress responses by drinking green tea to reap the benefits of L-Theanine. Enjoy the earthy colors of your drink as you relax in your couch with your favorite TV show.

#5: MEDITATE IN SILENCE

Forget about spending hundreds of dollars on a week-long silent retreat overseas! You can meditate in five minutes or less with visualization techniques. Give it a go before a nerve-racking meeting or after you end your shift.

#6: STRETCH OUT

Put your head between your knees or stand and hang your head and arms toward your toes. Doing these stretches can lessen your reactivity to the fight-or-flight response and provide restorative effects to your autonomic nervous system (ANS).

#7: TAKE YOUR FRUSTRATION OUT ON A STRESS BALL

It is okay to be angry at times. Stress can bring rage, and what is important is how you manage your fiery emotions. It might be tempting to throw your laptop away but squeezing a stress ball is a less costly and safer option. You can also gently roll the ball under your feet to calm you down.

#8: WRITE IT DOWN

Putting your feelings down serves as an outlet to release what is on your mind. Try journaling about your work problems, pet peeves, relationship conflicts, debt, and so on. You might just get a new perspective upon seeing what you have written down.

#9: LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE SONGS

Soothe your soul by creating a playlist of songs that will best calm you down. Listening to music has relaxation benefits. So, try listening to music during your commute back home. If you are not going to bother anyone else, go ahead and sing along. You know you want to!

#10: DANCE AROUND

If dancing is your passion, try dancing to your favorite tunes once you are at home. Losing yourself to the beat can help you take the edge off. Dancing gets the blood flowing for a re-energizing rush of oxygen.

#11: TELL YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD STORY

Relive your happy moments and create new ones by sharing your memorable childhood story with your loved ones. Not only will this bring a smile to your face, but it is a wonderful way to bond with your child before bedtime.

#12: ENJOY SOME MILK AND COOKIES

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Eating milk and cookies is not only reserved for the Yuletide season. It turns out, consuming milk and cookies can help you relax because the carbohydrates in the cookies combine with tryptophan. According to a study published in Nutritional Health, tryptophan is an amino acid found in dairy foods, which can induce a feeling of relaxation.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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The surprising health benefits of drinking red wine

toasting to red wine

We all know that red wine has health benefits, but what many of us don’t know is just how good it is for us.

These benefits include reducing the risk of heart disease, helping to maintain a healthy weight, and even protecting our skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays.

So, if you’re looking for an excuse to drink more red wine, look no further! In this post, we will go over some health benefits of red wine and how much you need to drink to reap the rewards.

Rich in resveratrol

One of the key ingredients in red wine is resveratrol. It’s found in the skin of red grapes and is responsible for many of the health benefits of red wine. Resveratrol has been linked to lower rates of cancer, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease. It can also help to prevent damage to blood vessels and boost your immune system.

Contains antioxidants

Red wine is also full of other antioxidants which neutralize harmful toxins and byproducts that can damage cells. These antioxidants are essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing disease. Specifically, some of the antioxidants found in red wine include tannins and flavonoids which work together to protect the body against a wide variety of health problems, including diabetes.

Lower risk of cognitive decline

an Asian elderly woman

A published study found that those who drink moderate amounts of red wine (defined as one 150 ml glass per day for women and two glasses per day for men) are at a lower risk for developing cognitive decline as they age. While further research is always needed as science advances and the human body changes by the day, this is just another reason to add red wine to your daily routine!

May help prevent certain cancers

Red wine is well-known for its brain-healthy benefits, but it may also help prevent certain types of cancer. Studies have shown that red wine can help suppress the growth of cancer cells and may even kill them. While studies are still ongoing, this is great news for those who enjoy a glass of red wine every now and then.

To get the most cancer-fighting benefits, try to stick to the recommended amount of red wine (about one to two glasses per day as mentioned earlier). Not a fan of red wine? Don’t worry – there are plenty of other ways to get your daily dose of antioxidants. Eating fruits and vegetables is a great way to start, and you can also take antioxidant supplements to make sure you’re getting enough.

Although red wine has gotten a bit of a bad rap in recent years, there are some impressive health benefits from drinking it. From reducing the risk of heart disease to helping prevent certain cancers, red wine does have something good to offer everyone. So if you’re looking for a drink that can do your body good, go ahead and pour yourself a glass of red wine tonight!

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Have a Magical Shopping Experience at Singapore’s Disney Store

Lion City dwellers can experience the magic of Disney as they shop its online store. Sadly, Disneyland Singapore is not opening anytime soon. However, Disney fans can rejoice for the opening of the new shopDisney store. It is an online store filled with character-themed merchandise such as Frozen pillowcases and Star Wars apparel. This shop spans from the classic Mickey & Friends and Winnie-the-Pooh to Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters.

Image Credits: Walt Disney

OPENING ON 14 JUNE, 2022

According to the media release of the Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, the first collection will be released on 14 June, 2022. This collection will feature more than a thousand items across different Disney franchises featuring collectibles, home and living products, stationery, gifts, baby items, toys, adult fashion and accessories, and more.

You will be able to shop merchandise and other products from the actual Disney Park Shops overseas. New arrivals will come each week.

Image Credits: Walt Disney

This first collection includes limited edition collaborations and global collections. Limited edition collaborations will see the likes of Disney x COACH leather goods and handbags, Asia Pacific-exclusive ranges, and other fan-favorites such as Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh. Global collections include the Sakura series. This is an exclusive series designed by The Disney Store in Japan.

LAUNCHING HIGHLIGHTS

1. AUTHENTIC DISNEY PARKS PRODUCTS

A variety of Disney Park products can be bought at shopDisney such as Ear Headbands, Spirit Jerseys, and Loungefly Backpacks. Keep on the lookout for the famous “Mickey Mouse: The Main Attraction” series, which is inspired by the Disney Park attractions like Mad Tea Party and Space Mountain.

2. GLOBAL COLLECTIBLES

Limited edition dolls from Mickey & Minnie Doll Set, Ultimate Princess Celebration, and Disney Designer Collection can delight you. The trending pocket-sized Disney nuiMOs plush toys are also available.

3. FASHION AND ACCESSORIES

Themed shirts found in the store are based on the latest movies and Disney+ series. It features the Avengers, Buzz Lightyear, Star Wars, and more. Designer favorites include Disney x COACH collection and other major collaborations.

Image Credits: Walt Disney

4. HOME AND LIVING ITEMShttps://www.instagram.com/shopdisneysg/

Home and living items include dinnerware, mugs, planters, bed accessories, bath essentials, desk and office supplies, and other lifestyle products. Imagine decorating a child’s room with all things Frozen! Stay updated by following their Instagram account here.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Health Benefits of Chocolates

Here at Money Digest, we shared a variety of deals on chocolate. Its goodness does not stop there!

Did you know that the history of chocolate dates back to 2000BC? At the time, Mayans were the first to discover cacao fruit. They made chocolate out of it and drank it as a bitter fermented beverage mixed with spices of wine. It was readily available to all Mayan households.

To this day, chocolate is enjoyed as a dessert and a beverage all over the world.

#1: PROTECTS YOU FROM SUN DAMAGE

Dark chocolate has many health benefits. The bioactive compounds found in dark chocolate may be great for your skin. You see, flavonols can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow, and increase skin density and hydration.

#2: GOOD SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS

Dark chocolate has a high ORAC (Oxygen radical absorbance capacity) score. It reflects the measurement of the antioxidant activity in food. Dark chocolate is loaded with compounds such as polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins. All these are great antioxidants, which are crucial in assisting proper brain functioning.

#3: MINIMIZES HEART DISEASE RISK

According to research, compounds in dark chocolate appear to be highly protective against the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In the long run, it can help reduce cholesterol clogging arteries in the body.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Cocoa was found to minimize the risk of death from heart disease by 50% over 15 years, according to a study of 470 elderly men. Another study showed that eating chocolate two or more times per week lowered the risk of having calcified plaque in the arteries by 32%.

#4: BOOSTS MOOD

If you are looking for a mood booster, search no further than chocolates. Thanks to their flavanol, chocolates are known to help improve mood. Cocoa has been linked to feelings of calmness and contentment. Moreover, dark chocolate contains compounds that stimulate the feel-good chemical endorphins.

#5: ELEVATES YOUR ENERGY

Apart from being mood boosters, chocolates can elevate your energy to help you fulfill your daily tasks. As an energy-rich food, it contains about 550 calories per 100 grams. Be sure to carry a bar of chocolates when you do physical activity!

Sources:1 & 2

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Take Your Family to the Best Public Pools in Singapore

In Singapore, it is summer all year round! There is always a reason to visit a swimming pool for to stay cool. Public pools are available to almost every neighbourhood. Apart from its family-friendly facilities, most of these pools boast its affordable entry rates that cost less than a hawker meal.

Who says you can only stay at a five-star hotel to splash your way to a better day? Cool off in style with these public pools!

#1: JURONG EAST SWIMMING COMPLEX

The Jurong East Swimming Complex* is the largest in the country. With three towering and intertwining spiral water slides, it does not disappoint. Its huge wave pool even has sprays of water coming out of its rock caverns. It also comes with a bubble jet station and a lazy river**. Individual rates range from $0.50- $2.60. A friendly reminder: bring your sunscreen as there is not much shade there.

Location: 21 Jurong East Street 31, Singapore 609517

#2: SWIMMING POOL AT SAFRA YISHUN

Surrounded by lush greenery and furnished with umbrellas and chairs, the Swimming Pool at SAFRA Yishun exudes an enticing vacation. Have a great time at the massive rock structure by the rock-climbing wall, which features built-in slides and a waterfall in the middle. Your beloved ones can make a splash at the pirate-themed area with a treasure chest and a ship!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

SAFRA Members can access these amenities and more. The venue is currently operating at a limited capacity with safety measures. Please check if non-members are permitted to enter.

Location: SAFRA Yishun, 60 Yishun Avenue 4, Singapore 769027

#3: SENGKANG SWIMMING COMPLEX

Take your active littles ones to a memorable sliding experience at Sengkang Swimming Complex*. The most attracting feature in this complex is the eight vibrant, big slides. These slides are both open-top and tube slides, which sends you straight into the pool. There is also a relaxing jacuzzi and a kid-friendly pool. For older kids, you can check out their group swimming lessons.

Location: Sengkang Swimming Complex, 57 Anchorvale Road, Singapore 544964

#4: SPLASH @ KIDZ AMAZE

In 2016, Singapore’s first indoor water playground opened its doors at SAFRA Punggol. Splash @ Kidz Amaze is at the pricier end of the public pools market and rates vary depending if you are a member or not. Because it is indoor, you can play for hours despite the weather outside!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Water enthusiasts will enjoy their time here with its themed splash pad, multiple play decks, and five water slides. Children’s parties are welcome to be hosted here too. This place is currently operating at a limited capacity with safety measures. Booking is required via phone. Call 6585 8710. Prices start at $8.

Location: Splash @ Kidz Amaze, SAFRA Punggol, 9 Sentul Crescent Level 3, Singapore 828654

Sources: 1 & 2

Notes: *These venues are currently operating at a limited capacity with safety measures. Booking is required via myactivesg.com or the ActiveSG app.
**The lazy river, water slides, and wave pool are currently closed until further notice.

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