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.

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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

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6 Ways To Practice Self-Care On A Tight Budget

Looking for ways to prioritize your physical and mental health is paramount during these times. It is easy to think that self-care means giving yourself expensive experiences or tools, but self-care can be free or low-cost. So long as you are more intentional with your choices, you will be able to tap into what your body truly craves for.

#1: PLAN A NATURE WALK

Research has shown that nature helps us cope with stress and pain. We are genetically wired to find natural elements such as plants and water engrossing. Being absorbed with the beauty of natural sceneries can distract us from discomfort and pain.

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Nature can help slow down the internal rush that affects our feelings, especially when you are inside your home for too long. Planning a nature walk may help you with that. Get up close and personal with nature by embarking one of the walking or cycling trails in the parks, gardens, and park connectors.

#2: TRY AT-HOME WORKOUTS

Several gyms and fitness studios have postponed their operations last month due to the spike in community cases. When this happens, you can explore different at-home workouts. You can either take online group classes in your favorite fitness center or search thru YouTube and Instagram for free workout videos.

It might take more self-discipline to become your own motivator, but you will have the flexibility to workout whenever you want.

#3: EXAMINE YOUR HABITS

Examine your current and old habits. Evaluate whether these are healthy for you or not. Think about the long-term effects of each habit too. A simple shift in your routine can offer the same pleasure as a new purchase.

For instance, you habitually frequent the nearby Starbucks every morning. Upon evaluating this habit, you realized that you will be able to save more money if you made your own coffee at home. You switched to having your own coffee ritual and enjoyed it a lot.

Bringing awareness into your habits will enable you to see whether you are paying for something that you do not love or need anymore.

#4: MEET WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Self-care does not mean being completely self-sufficient. Instead, staying connected with the people you love will help reduce the loneliness you are feeling from being indoors for a long period of time. Stay connected with your loved ones by hosting Zoom/Skype hangouts or by creating a group chat.

Reintegrating yourself in your community after all the pandemic restrictions can help remind you that leaning on others for support is self-care. Best of all? It does not have to cost anything.

#5: PRACTICE MEDITATION

Many studies have highlighted the benefits of meditation. It helps improve focus, concentration, memory, and reduce stress. Relaxation techniques such as medication can be added to your holistic self-care.

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Try breathing deeply as you follow through a guided meditation video online. You can also download free meditation apps like Calm and Headspace.

#6: SAVE MONEY

You read that right! Apart from working out in your own home or practicing relaxation techniques, you can take care of yourself by saving money. Financial struggles affect our physical and mental health. Not having enough money can affect your ability to pay for important health procedures or nutritious food.

Cushion the stress of financial woes by sticking to your budget and saving money. Sticking to your budget feels better than impulsively purchasing beyond your means.

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Free and affordable mental healthcare in Singapore

counselling session

Did you know that for every 100,000 people, there’s only an average of four psychiatrists in Singapore? Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Anthea Ong and Non-Constituency MP Daniel Goh raised this issue in Parliament on 5 March 2020. With the lack of professionals, it could be a reason to explain the high prices.

While the government reviews its mental healthcare system, some of us are probably on the search for free and affordable mental help in Singapore. If you’re reading this, good news! We will be sharing with you some avenues to get some help without breaking the bank.

#1: FAMILY LIFE SOCIETY (FLS)

Established since 1985, FLS is a member of the National Council of Social Services (NCSS). They offer a range of services including counselling sessions and Pregnancy Crisis & Support (PCS) for the public. Their subsidized counselling rates start from 75 SGD per session.

For free sessions, you may consider speaking to a para-counsellor. Para-counsellors do not have formal counselling qualifications. However, they are trained to provide basic listening support.

As some of you might be sensitive with religions, we’ve got to put it upfront that the para-counselling locations are held at Catholic churches. They are available in different parts of Singapore. However, FLS has stated on their website that all their services are open to all races and religions. Your background is also of least importance.

Dial 6382 0688 to connect with them.

#2: WINGS COUNSELLING CENTRE

WINGS Counselling Centre started as a pilot project named Ramakrishna Mission Counselling Centre (RMCC) with financial help from NCSS. They only rebranded with its current name in 2002.

Affordably-priced at 80 SGD for the first session, subsequent sessions will cost only 60 SGD. In the event that you still find it a splurge considering your financial status, don’t worry. You can send in a request via their online appointment form to enjoy partial or full waivers.

#3: SHAN YOU COUNSELLING CENTRE
Shaking hands

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Shan You Counselling Centre is a non-profit social service organisation affiliated with NCSS. Apart from counselling and psychotherapy, they also offer befriending, motivational interviewing, and more.

Probably the lowest price we’ve seen thus far, their counselling sessions are at 40 SGD. You may also seek a fee discount or waiver if you’re going through difficult circumstances to fork out money for mental healthcare. Contact them via 6741 9293 or drop them an email through [email protected].

#4: ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN FOR ACTION AND RESEARCH (AWARE)

Founded in 1985, AWARE advocates gender equality. Their counselling sessions are specially catered for women above 21 years old. Whether you’re facing family violence or sexuality issues, AWARE can help.

The counselling cost is based on your monthly salary. For example, if your income is 2000 SGD, then the cost per session would be 20 SGD. Those who are not working will be charged 20 SGD per session. Interested? Speak to someone via the AWARE helpline at 1800 777 5555 or leave a callback request.

#5: HELPLINES

Not ready to commit to a counselling session just yet? You can converse with someone professional through these hotlines:

Mental well-being

– Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline (6389 2222)
– Samaritans of Singapore (1800 221 4444)
– Silver Ribbon Singapore (6385 3714)

Violence or abuse

– Big Love Child Protection Specialist Centre (6445 0400)
– HEART @ Fei Yue Child Protection Specialist Centre (6819 9170)
– PAVE Integrated Services for Individual and Family Protection (6555 0390)
– Project StART (6476 1482)
– TRANS SAFE Centre (6449 9088)

Counselling

– TOUCHline (Counselling) (1800 377 2252)

We would be extremely grateful if you could share this article with someone who might need to see this today. We’re never alone!

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Digital Resources That Can Help Your Sanity

The safest thing that you can do for yourself is to stay at home. However, staying at home can take a toll on your Mental Health. It is difficult to live in a world where you cannot meet your loved ones whenever you want or where you cannot accomplish your usual outdoor activities. At some point, the news can either bore or stress you out too.

Fortunately for you, there is a wealth of digital resources that can help you stay sane. Download one or all of these apps!

#1: ZOOM

It is important to stay connected despite practicing safe distancing. One mobile and computer app that can help you connect to your loved ones and to your co-workers is Zoom. Zoom meetings are all the rage these days! This is possibly due to the useful functions of Zoom such as screen sharing and virtual backgrounds. Apart from that, many people are conducting free webinars that focus on their skills or on Mental Health awareness.

Consider opening a delicious bottle of wine while you host a virtual party with your friends. It is happy hour somewhere, right? Moreover, you may connect with your significant other as you cook and eat a meal together.

#2: DUOLINGO

Duolingo is a popular app that gamifies language learning. It offers bite-sized listening and speaking lessons among over 30 languages. If you have been itching to learn Spanish to watch Money Heist more efficiently, then you may give this app a go. Interestingly, it includes more obscure languages such as Latin and High Valyrian too. GOT fans will know what I am talking about!

#3: HEADSPACE

If you are looking for a vibrant and positive app that can help you kick-start your meditation journey, search no further than “Headspace”. Headspace includes hundreds of short meditation recordings and lengthy guided sessions. Choose your own preference as these range from physical health to personal growth as well as from stress management to stress relief.

Be honest with yourself when it comes to what you really need at the moment. If you are downloading this app for free, you will be able to access limited free sessions. Otherwise, you may upgrade your subscription to get a full access to their meditation library.

#4: APPLE PODCAST

Apple Podcast and Spotify house a variety of Mental Health and self-care podcasts that can help alleviate the emotional stress that you are feeling at the present moment. A podcast available on Apple Podcast called “Mental Illness Happy Hour” tackles difficult mental illnesses such as PTSD and addiction through interviewing notable figures and celebrities.

Another podcast that you may listen to is the “Miss Psychobabble” podcast. This peeks inside the current issues and popular culture through the lens of Psychology. From finding productivity while working at home to gaining control in times of uncertainty, this podcast educates you about human behavior and solves it through practical tips.

#5: STOIC.MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING

The ancient philosophy of Stoicism dates back in circa 300 B.C.E. Stoics endure pain and suffering without complaints and rants. If meditation is your thing, you can probably enjoy the company of the “stoic.mental health training” app. This app provides personalized insights on what influences your sense of fulfillment and levels of mood. It also gives calming exercises in the morning and evening. What’s more? It has a philosophy-driven journal that will enable you to understand why you are feeling a certain way. It is okay to not be okay, all the time.

#6: ADIDAS TRAINING

Exercise and physical activity helps you to release some “happy hormones” or endorphins. Keep the consistency in your routine by downloading the free ADIDAS TRAINING app. This app lets you complete a workout for at least 7 minutes. It comes in a series of easy to difficult pre-made workouts.

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If you have a particular goal in mind such as weight loss, you may create your own training plan too. Comparing your progress with friends who use the app is also possible. This will enable you to monitor your group workout plans and goals.

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How To Efficiently Declutter Your Personal And Financial Life

The perfect time to organize your thoughts, to arrange your bills, and to declutter your home is NOW! Here are five strategies that you can start with:

CLEANSE YOUR PHONE

We are constantly glued to our devices. I do not mean to be a bearer of bad news, but your devices are not entirely sanitary. Various researchers have found Escherichia coli bacteria, Streptococcus, and other pathogens living on mobile phones. It is important to employ measures to keep yourself healthy and to minimize medical bills.

One of the first few things that I do upon coming home from work is to cleanse my phone. I grab a couple of cotton pads and spray it with Isopropyl Alcohol. This helps me disinfect my phone as I am constantly in contact with relatively sickly children. You can adopt this habit too!

FLOSS YOUR PEARLY WHITES

Many experts encourage the importance of flossing in one’s daily grooming routine. A floss is designed to reach between the gums and the teeth. It acts as an efficient tool to lower the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.

You do not want to go to a job interview with a flaming bad breath!

PURGE YOUR ITEMS

Are you getting trapped under a mountain of rubbish? Tidy your space by practicing the one-item-in and one-item-out policy. This policy works by bringing a new item in and dropping an old item out. You can either donate, sell, or throw the old item. Doing this regularly will improve both your financial and mental health.

ORGANIZE YOUR BILLS

Never forget where you put the bills or when their due dates are by designating one place for them. You read that right! You have to decide whether you are going to file all your bills in a tangible box or in a computer folder.

Some bills arrive by electronic mail while some arrive by postal mail. Printed bills must be kept in a labeled box. While for virtual storage of bills, make scanned copies of those that arrive in the mail and put them into a labeled folder in your laptop.

EASE YOUR MIND

Create a healthy division between your work and personal life to lessen your stress. For instance, my co-worker does not respond to the client’s calls after 7 PM. You may do the same thing, if necessary. Another way to keep your mind at ease is by not checking your email before you go to sleep.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

It is inevitable to spot a message that will your mind buzzing all throughout the night. Furthermore, it may make you anxious to go to work the next day. Do you want that to happen?

Sources:  1 & 2

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