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Eternal Benefits Of Waking Up Early

It was 5:30 in the morning and I heard my sister mumbling that she was about to for school. I had two choices: to doze off once more or to wake up and get things done. I chose the latter. And, I do not regret a single thing!

Waking up early has more free benefits that you can ever imagine! You do not have to wake up as early as 5:30 am, just by give yourself more time in the morning (e.g., an hour more) is enough. Pressing the snooze button is no longer an option once you hear the long-lasting benefits of waking up early…

1. PRODUCTIVITY

Waking up early gives you an opportunity to get more things done and to earn more in the process. Furthermore, mornings are usually the time when your brain is most focused and alert. Not to mention, there are fewer distractions in the early hours of the day anyway so you can really achieve more things, smoothly.

Aside from being productive, a biologist in Harvard named Christoph Randler found that individuals who wake up early are more proactive. Other studies echoed his findings and showed that early risers are better at goal setting, planning, and making decisions.

2. BETTER GRADES

A study conducted by Texas University found that students who consistently rise early each day scored better in their exams and overall grades. This is due to the fixed routine and regularly eating breakfast.

So if you are a student, it is best to wake up early than to sleep for long hours and rush to school. Who likes the pressure of hurrying up anyway?

3. MENTAL HEALTH

If treasure relaxation then, waking up early is perfect for you! Early risers have the luxury to give themselves more time to do the things they like such as reading the morning paper, preparing a healthy breakfast, and working out. These things may seem small but it will surely brighten up your mood!

Moreover, studies have shown that “morning people” are generally more optimistic and satisfied with their lives. In fact, Del Suggs who is the author of Truly Leading: Lessons in Leadership, suggests to begin your day with writing down three things you are grateful for. This simple and efficient exercise is rooted from the principles of Positive Psychology.

4. WORKING OUT

As I said, waking up early gives you more time to exercise. And, we all know that exercise either in the morning or at night, has bountiful advantages to your body. By making exercise a daily morning habit, you are able to stimulate energy to your body that will get you ready for the challenges ahead!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

5. DIET

How many times have you heard the statement: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day?” Well, it is true.

Skipping breakfast is not recommended because your body needs nutrients to help you concentrate and function throughout the day. Also, skipping breakfast makes you more likely to crave unhealthy food and to overeat.

Your body has been on a “fast” mode all night while you were sleeping and you need to “break that fast” with a serving of healthy food.

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Things That Are Far More Important Than Money

Hustling through the most expensive city in the world, it is impossible not to get consumed with making money. We sacrifice our time and energy just to make sure that all the bills are taken care of. A lot of focus is really on building wealth in our society. But if we are mindful about the present, we will realize that there are far more important things than money. Start with these:

1. GOOD HEALTH

As the old saying goes: “health is wealth”. As long as the fountain of youth has not been located, our brain and body deteriorates as time goes by. Although we are aware of the benefits of physical activity to our health, most of us do little of it. So, instead of getting consumed by earning, lead a healthy lifestyle packed with exercise and balanced diet.

2. TREASURED TIME

If there is something money cannot buy, it is absolutely time! Time is one of the most important commodities on Earth. It is limited. And, once it is gone, you cannot take it back. Adding health into the equation, if you have been living with an unhealthy lifestyle then your time may be shorter than the rest. This is why you must make every second count.

3. APPRECIATED RELATIONSHIPS

Since our time here is limited, we must constantly put effort into making our loved ones feel that they are appreciated. Show affection by your presence, hugs, and kisses. Help one another in the time of need as this will only keep the bond stronger. Furthermore, one’s overall health is improved by continued support from his or her family and friends.

4. WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE

William Shakespeare once said: “A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.”

Wisdom comes from the knowing how minute you actually know. Submitting yourself to updated books and new experiences can fuel the lifelong learning process. Be amazed with how much knowledge you gained, often far beyond what you had hoped. Ultimately, this will lead to personal growth – another thing that money cannot buy.

5. DAILY GRATITUDE

Thankfulness increases happiness within you and beyond you. Instead of focusing on what you do not have, be appreciative of the things that you have. Before you go to sleep or the after you wake up, think of 3 things you are thankful about. This changes your focus from your stressors to the beautiful things that you might have taken for granted.

Image Credits: Evelyn Lim via Flickr with CC License

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Be Healthy And Save More Money With These Awesome Veggies And Fruits Hacks

Aside from growing your greens at the community garden, use these hacks to get more nutrition and more value for your dollar…

1. COOK OR EAT BROCCOLI FIRST

Since broccoli is one of the most perishable veggies, you can save more money by eating it first. In fact, by the time you reach home, it has lost 80% of its nutritional value. This is why you must buy broccoli by heads, keep it in the perforated plastic bag (i.e., available in the grocery), and put it in the refrigerator. You must eat this within two days upon purchase.

2. OPT FOR “BIG” CARROTS

Instead of buying “baby” carrots save more money by cutting your own “big” carrots in small sticks. Also, carrots can be internally hard to break down that is why it is best to cook the carrots to get most of the beta-carotene.

Image Credits: Kona Gallagher via Flickr with Creative Commons License (ShareAlike)

3. OPT FOR SMALLER AND DARKER TOMATOES

Unlike carrots, bigger tomatoes does not it is mean better. Tomatoes on the vine are more expensive too, but they do not give a huge advantage nutritionally. You can get more nutrition and save more money by choosing the smaller and darker (red) tomatoes. Cooking tomatoes minimally is healthier as it changes the Lycopene into a more Bioavailable form.

4. COOK THE KALE

Save money on medical expenses by cooking kale. Raw kale has high oxalic acid levels, which may lead to kidney stones, gout, muscle weakness, and thyroid problems. Steaming kale destroys the oxalic acid. Then, you may happily add it on your salads or smoothies.

5. PROLONG THE AVOCADO’S FRESHNESS

Did you know that avocado contains as much fiber as two bowls of oatmeal? Well, if you are left with half of this fibrous avocado, apply lemon juice or put a slice of raw onion on top to keep it from turning brown. With this hack, you can say farewell to brown and slushy leftover avocados.

Image Credits: threelayercake via Flickr with Creative Commons License (ND)

Sources: 1 & 2

Watsons: Save Up to 50% Off GSS (28 May – 3 June 2015)

Stock up on your health and beauty essentials with Watsons this Great Singapore Sale.

From now till 3 June 2015, enjoy up to 50% off storewide and save from more than 100 items that are on sale.

Some of the hot buys include the Buy 1 Get 1 Free’s:

Himalaya Shampoo/Conditioner (U.P $8.95 – $9.95)
Pearlie White Fluorinze (U.P $8.20)
Lactacyd (U.P $8.90)
Bio Essence Bird’s Nest Whitening Cream (U.P $24.80 – $29.80)
Fat Blaster Extra Strength Fat Burner (U.P $79)

For more info, visit http://www.watsons.com.sg

Store locator: http://www.watsons.com.sg/store-finder

4 Fabulous Beauty And Wellness Activities In Singapore, Under S$55

1. EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN

Experience natural exfoliation of your skin with Kenko’s Fish Spa Therapy. As the fishes remove your feet’s dead skin cells, you will feel a gentle nibbling sensation that may be ticklish for the first two minutes. Afterwards, you will feel a relaxing pulse stimulating as the therapeutic wave sets in. The benefits of this therapy includes: Smoother and healthier skin Promote blood circulation Release stress and tension The 30-minute therapy costs about S$30.

Image Credits: kenko.com.sg

Kenko Singapore has 7 outlets nationwide, visit: kenko.com.sg/outlet to know the nearest one.

2. LEARN HOW TO RIDE THROUGH THE WAVES

Take on the challenge of getting into the exciting action by learning how to Flowride. On May 23, WAVEHOUSE SENTOSA will conduct a “Girls Learn To Ride” session that is suited for female beginner and intermediate Flowriders who are interested to learn the basics and some new tricks as taught by the in-house female instructors. This Babe-only session costs S$20 for an hour and S$40 for two!

Image Credits: Lim Ashley via Flickr

Order your tickets at wavehousesentosa.com. For others who would rather stay out of the surf, worry not, because there are two beach bars and a pool to keep you refreshed and occupied.

3. TREAT YOUR HAIR ON A BLOWOUT

Book in for a hair blowout at Blow+Bar salon to get a star-worthy makeover. With the “Daily Blowout” you can get double cleanse, scalp massage, conditioning, and a Signature blowout look for S$38-52 depending on your hair length. Kids are welcome to the fun too (i.e., Daily Blowout Kids: S$27)!

Image Credits: blowplusbar.com

You can choose from different Signature blowout looks including BB Volume, BB Natural, and BB Curls while sipping a glass of wine. Ohh la la indeed!

There are two has 2 Blow+Bar outlets nationwide, visit: blowplusbar.com to book an appointment.

4. STRECH AND SWEAT

Enjoy a rejuvenating yoga class at Hom Yoga, Singapore. Hom Yoga is a contemporary boutique yoga studio that offers hot and non-hot classes. Choose from a range of their hot classes such as Hot Hom, Hot Ashtanga, and Hot Flow as taught by internationally trained yoga instructors. What separates Hom Yoga from the most is its minimalist ambience and premier services complete with the staple facilities. Not only is the reception staff courteous but the instructors are friendly too.

Image Credits: Image Credits: facebook.com/homyogastudio

I suggest you go for their 1-week trial for S$49 to get a feel of all their classes. Otherwise, you can go for a single class for S$40. Hom Yoga has 2 studios nationwide, visit: homyoga.com/sg for more details.

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