Listen To These Motivating Podcasts To Brighten Your Day

We all deserve a little boost to help us get through the day. With a myriad of ways to feel motivated, you can try listening to podcasts. Whether you are enjoying a nice bath or cooking a hearty breakfast, tune in to these inspiring and informative podcasts to keep you energized.

#1: THE HARDCORE SELF HELP PODCAST

Amidst the chaos brought by the pandemic, people became more aware of their mental wellness. Know more about mental health by listening to The Hardcore Self Help podcast! It is a weekly podcast that answers your queries about mental health such as getting more information about dealing with anxiety, depression, relationships, addiction, and more.

Hosted by Psychologist and author Robert Duff, each episode invites other professionals to voice out their expert opinions on various mental health issues and related topics.

#2: TED HEALTH

The TED Health podcast, much like the TED Talks, provide the best educational talks from their conferences and events. Get your daily dose of innovative and significant health-related contents to uplift your spirits. For instance, one episode showcases a program that trains grandmothers in Zimbabwe to treat depression.

Hosted by Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, the TED Health podcast covers everything from smart daily habits to new medical breakthroughs. It can answer some pressing questions you never knew you had and share ideas that you won’t hear anywhere else.

#3: GOOD LIFE PROJECT

What does it mean to have a good life? What is the role of happiness, love, kindness, and friendship to our lives? How does race, identity, gender, and economical status influence our lives? All these questions and other topics are explored every week in the stimulating conversations of the Good Life Project.

Thought-provoking, educational, and relatable, the “Good Life Project” exists to empower people to take action in important areas of their lives. Each episode features inspiring people including research professor Dr. Brené Brown, Bishop Michael Curry, activist Glennon Doyle, actor Matthew McConaughey, and many more.

#4: OPTIMAL HEALTH DAILY

As the name suggests, Optimal Health Daily is a podcast crafted for people who are looking for ways to improve their lives one step at a time. Let this podcast accompany you to your commute, workout, or regular routines. Each episode brings realistic and practical information about various topics such as activated charcoal, exercise, and dieting.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

What’s more? Each episode is under 15 minutes, with an average running time of 10 minutes. You do not have to read lengthy academic journals or blog entries; all you need to do is to listen and learn.

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

BTS Meal To Launch In Singapore On June 21

In 2013, a South Korean boy group called BTS or 방탄소년단 debuted under Big Hit Entertainment (HYBE Corporation). The group smoothly made its way to the hearts of many and had since become a global icon.

With smash hits like Dynamite and Butter, BTS made its way to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Global 200. In fact, its newly released song Butter blasted with a record-breaking 289.2 million streams and 249,000 sold worldwide in the May 21-27 tracking week.

Another surprise came earlier this year as McDonald’s promoted the “BTS Meal”. BTS Meal went on sale in South Korea, United States, and 10 other countries last May 2021. This meal consists of a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, Medium Fries, Coke, and two new dipping sauces. These new flavors are Sweet Chili and Cajun. The packaging for the BTS Meal comes in purple and was printed with the group’s logo.

BTS MEAL CRAZE

As BTS’ popularity skyrocketed, there have been concerns that the launch of the meal could draw crowds in some Asian countries where COVID-19 cases have risen and where vaccination levels remain relatively low.

McDonald’s was instructed to temporarily shut some outlets in Indonesia last week when the introduction of the BTS Meal sparked frenzy. Several delivery riders were seen massing inside and outside of the food chain during the meal’s launching. Their local police said that the temporary closure of several outlets was “because they were found to have violated health protocols”, including limiting capacity to 50%.

Thus, Indonesian fans created a crowdfunding page to raise money for drivers and their families. They have acknowledged that the delivery drivers faced long lines and possible exposure to the COVID-19 to bring them their meals.

LAUNCH IN SINGAPORE

Due to the tightening of social distancing rules and the ban on dine-in options, the meal’s rollout in Singapore was delayed last month. The launch was re-scheduled to June 21 instead. Please adhere to the safety procedures when scoring your coveted meal.

Image Credits: facebook.com/mcdsg

Fans must know that the BTS Meal does not come with photo cards or other related merchandise. Instead, you can order the collaboration’s official BTS x McDonald’s merch at HYBE Merch.

Sources: 1, 2, 3 & 4

Read More...

3 Trendiest Spots To Explore In Singapore

Travelling outside Singapore may be restricted for the time being, but it does not mean that you will stop discovering new places. Just look at the places found this list!

#1: TROPICAL MONTANE ORCHIDETUM AT SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS

Feast your eyes with nature’s beauty as you stroll in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. When you arrive, do not forget to visit the recently opened Tropical Montane Orchidetum. This Orchidetum spans around 2,480sqm and features the largest collection of high-elevation montane orchids in Asia.

Nestled within the National Orchid Garden, this attraction features whimsical trails from the Secret Ravine to the Sembcorp Cool House. The latter not only brings a delightful escape from the heat, but also emulates the climate at 1,000 m to 2,000 m elevation. This air-conditioned glass house has high ceilings paired with its beautiful array of fauna. Visitors may wander amidst a garden of more than 1,000 species of orchids and hybrids. Apart from these, the Orchidetum has a lot more to offer!

If you are planning to experience this attraction soon, do visit during weekdays or off-peak hours. Strict safety management measures are placed for the well-being of all its visitors. Thus, they employ temporary closures when the maximum capacity of the place is reached.

Good news! Entrance fee is waived for Singaporeans and PRs until April 11, 2021. Nonetheless, the regular ticket prices (*for Singapore residents) are S$5 for adults and S$1 for students or senior citizens. Tickets are free for children under 12.

Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
Visit nparks.gov.sg/sbg for more details.

#2: LEGO® CERTIFIED STORE (LCS) BRICKS WORLD AT SUNTEC CITY

Whether you are a LEGO® enthusiast or a hobbyist, you will be happy to know that the revamped Bricks World – Suntec City is bigger than ever! During its opening (April 9), this LEGO® Certified Store showcased its unique features such as the Merlion mosaic wall.

The bespoke Merlion mosaic wall was made from 92,160 pieces of LEGO® bricks and was designed by LEGO® Certified Professional Nicholas Foo. Spanning 3.9 meters high and 1.6 meters wide, the Merlion mosaic wall took over 128 hours to complete. Apart from this, visitors may happily spot the hidden Mickey and Minnie Mouse in the display scene. Moreover, younger visitors will be able to enjoy its LEGO® play wall in the future.

Best of all? Its grand opening includes exclusive deals!

Image Credits: facebook.com/BricksWorld

Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-305, West Wing, Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983
Visit bricksworld.com to build more.

#3: MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM AT DEMPSEY

Amp up your social media game by taking aesthetically pleasing snaps at the Museum of Ice Cream – Singapore. The highly anticipated opening of this colorful museum marks its first outlet outside United States. Singapore Tourism Board (STB) announced that it will be opening by the second half of the year.

As the Museum of Ice Cream graces our shores, you can expect to enter 14 never-before-seen installations. These multi-sensory installations are dedicated to the celebration and experience of enjoying an ice cream. In fact, its American counterpart features the Rainbow Tunnel and the Sprinkle Pool.

It is set to open its sweet doors in August 2021 at a 60,000 sq. ft. property along Dempsey. For the meantime, you can sign up for early ticket access at museumoficecream.com/early-access-sg.

Visit facebook.com/museumoficecreamsg to get the latest scoop!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Read More...

5 Inexpensive Pleasures Found In Singapore

Pleasure is a purely instinctive reaction lasting for 30 seconds to 2 hours. While happiness can be elusive, sources of pleasure are fairly easy to come by. We all need to indulge in pleasurable moments that will not break the bank! Add icing to your cake by checking out these suggestions that will help you savor the day.

INDULGE IN RICH CULTURE AND HISTORY

Explore the rich history dating as far as 1887 as you step into the halls of the National Museum of Singapore. Beneath its 19th-century colonial exterior is its cutting-edge technology, which it uses as a means to present the nation’s legacy and development. Its galleries take you on an immersive voyage with modern lenses. The new exhibition entitled “Home, Truly: Growing Up with Singapore” is up until August 2021.

The museum opened when the country moved into Phase Two. Please follow the COVID-19 guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety. It is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm.

INDULGE IN NATURAL WONDERS

Help your body benefit from having a healthy dose of sunlight and fresh air as you go outdoors. Treat yourself with nature’s beauty as you stroll the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The Gardens has been renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee on July 2015. It is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This recognition speaks volumes on the wonders that this 82-hectare Gardens holds.

With more than 150 years of history, the Gardens will continue to play an important role as a leading tropical botanical institute and an endearing place to all Singaporeans. Visitors are asked to have a maximum group size of 8 individuals. A distance of 1 meter from other groups is also required. You must also keep a distance of 3 meters from others during exercises.

INDULGE IN FASTER CONNECTIONS

Being stuck at home for the majority of 2020 taught us the importance of having fast and reliable internet connectivity. We need this to stay connected to our friends and family members, to collaborate with our co-workers, and to order necessary household items online. Do not settle for slow and choppy internet services! Upgrade your current phone or internet plan by checking with your internet service provider.

Ask if it is possible to upgrade to a fiber optic or a high-speed cable. For instance, StarHub offers 2Gbps Fibre Broadband for as low as S$62.90 per month and 1Gbps Fibre Broadband for as low as S$39.90 per month.

INDULDGE ON YOUR INTERESTS

Take this time as an opportunity to indulge on your interests. What are some things that you want to do, but have no time for? It can be great for your mental health to work towards your new goals. Improve your skills by searching through fitness centers that provide free or inexpensive remote classes. You may also look for online music and dance lessons. Lastly, you can download free apps that will help you learn a new language or two.

While you’re at home, there are many great opportunities to use online learning to improve your skills. Yoga studios and fitness gyms are offering remote classes, many for free. Music and dance teachers are teaching lessons online. Why not use this time to learn a new language, learn to code, learn new cooking skills or find a new hobby?

INDULDGE ON MUCH-DESERVED SELF-CARE

With everything that happened during the past year, you deserve to take care of yourself. Self-care is not selfish! Self-care allows you to be more productive and motivated to tackle other upcoming tasks. Moreover, you will be able to support local restaurants and artisans.

Naiise has a plethora of self-care items such as bath bombs, teas, and candles. Bath bombs sell for as low as S$10. Interestingly, one bath bomb includes a 24kt gold leaf. I would love to try that!

Image credits: unsplash.com

At a time when you have to be careful with your money, there are still affordable indulgences to enjoy. Consider an item or two on this list!

Read More...

Run With Life-Sized Dinosaurs At Jurassic Mile

As you bring more focus to your health this year, it is important to include running or jogging to your fitness regimen. The health benefits of running and jogging include improving one’s cardiovascular fitness, strengthening bones and muscles, burning plenty of kilojoules, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Goal setting for running and jogging vary for each individual. For others it may be a tool to help them compete in marathons and fun runs. While, some people use running and jogging to achieve their desired weight. If you are a beginner, you should start with brisk walking, progress to jogging, and work your way up to running This may take a couple of months to achieve.

Add life to your running or jogging trail by considering the newly opened Changi Jurassic Mile. Travel where no man has been – to the pre-historic land of Dinosaurs. You read that right!

The Changi Jurassic Mile is Singapore’s newest and biggest permanent outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs. You and your loved ones can now interact with dinosaurs while you jog, run, or cycle along the trail. This trail stretches from the Changi Airport to the East Coast Park.

About twenty-two different pre-historic creatures can be found in the trail. Amazing creatures from nine different species occupy the 1-kilometer path. These creatures come with information boards and growling noises in the background. The visual and sensorial installations will truly bring life to your usual jog!

The Jurassic Mile includes the Tyrannosaurus Rex, which towers for about 5 meters. You will also see different carnivorous species, herbivorous species, defensive dinosaurs, as well as the flying dinosaurs. Create a game with your children and let them spot and name each dinosaur. From a towering Tyrannosaurus Rex to gigantic dinosaur eggs, visitors will be amazed by the life-like installations inside the Changi Jurassic Mile.

Invite your friends or family as you travel by foot or by cycling from HUB & SPOKE or from East Coast Park via the Changi Coastal Park Connector. It is open for 24 hours. Entrance is free on Mondays to Thursdays. No need to book a slot.

However, you must book a slot if you are visiting on a Friday or a weekend. Entrance is still free. To ensure safe distancing, you must book a slot online from October 16 to January 3. Book a slot here.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Look out for bicycle rental shops and cafes spread throughout the trail to enrich your experience.

 

Read More...