7 Plushies to Heal Your Inner Child (Beyond Labubu!)
Does Work-Life Balance Exist in Singapore?
Did you know that Singapore ranked 26th in Remote’s Global Life-Work Balance Index 2024? While this reflects progress, many Singaporeans continue to struggle with maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life.
According to a 2022 study by recruitment agency Randstad, seven out of 10 Singaporeans reported poor work-life balance, primarily due to overwhelming workloads. By 2023, 41% of employees expressed intentions to leave their jobs in search of better work-life harmony.
Among these employees, burnout remains a pervasive issue. A 2022 study by NTUC’s U Women and Family Unit revealed that 78% of respondents felt burnt out at work, largely due to the normalization of hybrid and remote work setups during the pandemic. This could stem from blurred boundaries between work and home or the lack of a conducive workspace.
Interestingly, some experts argue that the concept of work-life balance is evolving. Instead of compartmentalizing work and personal life, a growing perspective views them as fluidly interconnected, blending into a single holistic experience.
SNAPSHOT OF SINGAPORE’S WORK-LIFE BALANCE
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Based on the Manpower Research and Statistics Department’s survey, the Prevalence of Work-Life Harmony Initiatives in Singapore 2022 report highlights these key findings:
1. Rising Demand for Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs)
Flexible work is no longer a perk but a priority. The proportion of employees requiring FWAs rose from 39.5% in 2012 to 53.6% in 2022. Employers have made significant strides, with 84.1% of employees requiring FWAs receiving them in 2022, compared to 58.6% in 2012. Furthermore, employees are increasingly willing to decline or leave roles if FWAs are unavailable.
2. Accessibility of Non-Statutory Leave (NSL) Benefits
NSLs remain widely accessible. In 2022, 93.6% of employees requiring at least one type of NSL received it, maintaining consistency with previous years.
3. Enhanced Annual Leave Entitlements
Generous leave entitlements have become a norm, especially in competitive industries. 64.7% of full-time resident employees enjoyed 15 or more days of annual leave in 2022, exceeding statutory requirements.
ACHIEVING BETTER WORK-LIFE BALANCE
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Reclaiming the balance in your life is possible by following these actionable strategies:
a. Set Boundaries: Establish clear work hours and communicate them to coworkers, family, and supervisors. Personally, I do not encourage answering work calls beyond work hours.
b. Take Breaks: Incorporate regular pauses to sustain focus and avoid burnout.
c. Prioritize Well-Being: Dedicate time to self-care practices like yoga, exercise, or meditation.
d. Delegate Tasks: Lighten your workload by assigning responsibilities where possible.
e. Say No: Be firm when declining tasks that compromise your balance.
f. Take Vacations: Use your leave to unplug and to try new things. This is my favorite way to recharge.
g. Open Communication: Discuss workload concerns openly with your employer or manager.
h. Encourage a Help-Seeking Culture: Foster an environment where seeking assistance is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
Work-life balance is more than a buzzword…it’s essential for sustaining mental and emotional health in today’s demanding professional landscape. So, don’t feel guilty about taking a well-deserved break before the year ends.
5 indoor golf courses with great Google reviews to practice swinging in no matter rain or shine
When Mother Nature throws a tantrum, golfers need not put their passion on pause.
Indoor golf courses offer a solution, regardless of outside weather.
So why not explore with us a quick list of indoor golf courses that have earned glowing Google reviews for their facilities and experiences?
These venues provide the environment to practice your swing and keep your game sharp, come rain or shine.
Golf ONE
Website: golfone.sg
Google Rating: 5 (190+ reviews)
Address: 90 Eu Tong Sen St, Singapore 059811 (Located in Creative Innovative Development Centre)
Forget those cramped indoor ranges.
Golf ONE lets you swing freely across 6,000 square feet of pure golf bliss.
Step up to one of 5 standard bays or luxe VIP rooms and prepare to be blown away by ultra-HD 4K simulators’ realistic golf courses.
Every blade of grass pops with GREENJOY’s S95 graphics.
The whole family can play—with tailored games even for teens and accommodations for lefties and righties alike.
When your round is over, freshen up with complimentary showers.
At rates starting at $60/hour for standard bays, Golf ONE makes the golf experience outrageously affordable for enthusiasts.
AnyBirdie Golf
Website: anybirdie.com
Google Rating: 5 (40+ reviews)
Address: 147A Kitchener Rd, Singapore 208524
Or consider AnyBirdie Golf, all you need to practice your game on your schedule.
This golf simulator takes the hassle out of prepping for your sessions with premium gear for ladies, men, and kids as young as two.
Affordable hourly rates make AnyBirdie an ace option for members ($45 for the first hour) and the public ($65 for the first hour).
And with suites and packages available too, you can customize your golf experience to your lifestyle and budget.
Five Iron Golf Singapore
Website: fiveirongolf.sg
Google Rating: 4.9 (460+ reviews)
Address: 139 Cecil St, #13-01, Singapore 069539
Five Iron Golf brings the greens indoors with their golf simulator bays.
Let their Tour-level TrackMan technology provide precision analytics on every swing, from launch angle to spin rate.
The high-definition graphics mimic world-class courses, while interactive games like virtual mini-golf keep things fresh and fun.
With space for up to six people per bay, it’s THE golf hangout for you and your golf mates.
So grab your buddies and get ready to sink putts, smash drives and analyze every metric from $90 to 110/hour.
CityGolfer
Website: citygolfer.com.sg
Google Rating: 4.9 (40+ reviews)
Address: 7500A Beach Rd, #02-305 The Plaza, Singapore 199591
Rent clubs and equipment, reserve a cozy private room (or bay), and swing into a high-definition virtual golf paradise at CityGolfer.
Their advanced Korean simulator uses multi-camera tracking for precise ball flight data and swing analysis.
You will also have access to 120 photo-realistic golf courses without ever leaving the city limits.
CityGolfer lets you play a quick round and scratch that golf itch—no overseas trip required.
Hidden Castle Golf Club @ River Valley
Website: hiddencastlegolf.com
Google Rating: 4.9 (30+ reviews)
Address: 405 Havelock Rd, #02-01, Singapore 169633 (Located in Furama RiverFront)
Last but not least, why travel the world when you can tee off at Hidden Castle’s indoor range?
Be transported to the fairways of Sentosa or the rolling greens of Tanah Merah Country Club, flawlessly re-created with leading KGOLF BGS2.0 simulator technology and high-definition graphics.
Let the smart mirror touch kiosk analyze your stance as you take your swing, tracking the ball’s spin with precision to help sharpen your game.
These all-in-one simulators let you do it all without leaving the bay.
Open bay rates start at just $55/hour.
7 Best Yet Affordable Ice Cream Shops in Singapore
From its creamy texture to its unique flavor profiles, there’s just something irresistible about a good scoop of ice cream. And let’s face it, Singapore’s tropical heat becomes so much more bearable with these sweet creations.
My sisters, husband, and I are obsessed with gelatos, ice cream, frozen yogurt or basically, anything cold and sweet. Through our ice cream escapades, we’ve uncovered some of Singapore’s best spots to satisfy your cravings. Bring a friend or loved one along because, as they say, ice cream tastes better when shared.
#1: KOOKS CREAMERY
Kooks Creamery takes ice cream to another level with their molten lava cookies. Imagine a warm, gooey lava cookie paired with a creamy scoop of ice cream. Choose from flavors like Blue Chai Hokkaido Milk or Brown Butter, and pair them with a lava cookie for an indulgent dessert that hits all the right spots.
Kooks Creamery via facebook.com
Address: 211 Serangoon Ave 4, #01-02, Singapore 550211
#2: HUNDRED ACRE CREAMERY
If you adore Winnie the Pooh, this whimsical cafe is a must-visit. Inspired by the joy and companionship of the beloved story, Hundred Acre Creamery crafts ice cream using only fresh and natural ingredients. Don’t miss their signature Coconut Pandan Waffle, a perfect balance of crispy and chewy.
Address: 691 East Coast Rd, Singapore 459059
#3: UDDERS
A proud local brand, Udders is all about bold and intense flavors. Think Salted Speculoos and Snickers Mars Honeycomb Vanilla for a rich, chocolatey indulgence. Craving something with a local twist? Try their Asian-inspired flavors like Thai Iced Tea and Kueh Salat. Udders has even expanded its reach to Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
My first encounter was at their Upper Thomson outlet with friends, and it’s been a favorite ever since. Tip: pair your scoop with their fluffy waffles for the ultimate treat!
Address: 246D Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574370
#4: ISLAND CREAMERY
Established in 2003 by Stanley Kwok, Island Creamery is a pioneer in Singapore’s homemade ice cream scene. What sets it apart? A range of locally-inspired flavors like Pulut Hitam, Chendol, and Soursop Pomegranate. It’s a nostalgic treat for anyone who loves Singaporean desserts.
Island Creamery via facebook.com
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #B4-03 Ion Orchard, Singapore 238801
#5: DAYS OF ELIJAH
This hidden gem is run by Elijah Tan, a former landscape architect turned gelato maestro. At Days of Elijah, the treats are inspired by nostalgic flavors such as Haw Flakes, Pulut Hitam, and Pandan & Kaya. It’s a cozy spot worth seeking out for a trip down memory lane.
Address: 44 Owen Rd, #01-313, Singapore 210044
#6: HONEYCREME
Picture this: Korean organic milk and honeycomb! While other soft-serve options like Milkcow offer stronger flavors, Honeycreme strikes the perfect balance between creamy milkiness and floral sweetness. Surprisingly, this brand hails from Taiwan, but its dreamy soft-serve desserts are every bit as addictive.
Address: 313 Orchard Rd, #04-11/32, Singapore 238895
#7: BIRDS OF PARADISE
This is my sister’s ultimate favorite (especially the Pistachio flavor), and honestly, I get the hype. Known for their botanically-inspired gelatos, Birds of Paradise offers light and refreshing flavors like Chrysanthemum, Hojicha, and Basil. Made with natural ingredients, these gelatos are as unique as they are delicious.
Address: 63 East Coast Rd, #01-05, Singapore 428776 or Jewel Changi Airport
Birds of Paradise via facebook.com
Whether you’re a fan of rich, decadent flavors or light, botanical-inspired gelatos, Singapore’s ice cream scene has something for everyone. What are you waiting for? Grab a scoop or two!
4 neck massagers from $59 to invest in because you can’t afford to go for massage sessions every day
Is the stress and tension you carry in your neck and shoulders becoming too overwhelming to handle?
While a daily massage session would be ideal, it’s not practical/affordable.
And that’s why we’ve searched high and low for some neck massagers: a convenient and long-term budget-friendly solution to knead away those knots instantly.
SKG 4098E Neck Massager
Promo Price: $59
Who says you need a pricey massage day for professional-grade massage therapy?
This neck massager from Decathlon delivers targeted relief with 1000 pulse waveforms – from soothing muscles to opening blood flow.
Its pulse technology blocks pain signals for quick relief.
With 3 massage modes, adjustable heating, and 15 intensity levels, it’s easy to customize your massage.
Worried about overdoing it?
There’s no need to because it automatically shuts off after 15 minutes.
Now you can have that “just left the masseuse” feeling every single day.
OTO Q Hug (QH-98)
Promo Price: $138
After a long day of slouching over a keyboard, you deserve to treat those aching neck and shoulder muscles to some serious R&R.
And this OTO Q Hug, an ergonomic massager that molds to the contours of your upper body, delivers soothing heat and massage therapy where you need it most.
Special massage balls glide smoothly across tense areas, mimicking the relaxing sensation of a professional massage.
With two massage modes—massaging and rubbing—and kneading techniques that cover a wide area, you can customize your relief.
It’s wireless and rechargeable via USB-C, so you can take your massage routine on the go; just slip your arms into the hand sleeves and let the Q Hug work.
SKG H5-E Neck Massager
Promo Price: $139
No more tension headaches and stiff shoulders with this JML SKG H5-E neck massager.
Delivering a human-like 6D shiatsu massage, this massager covers a massage area 200% larger than traditional models to provide soothing relief across your neck and shoulders.
The hands-free design keeps you in ergonomic comfort while the shiatsu nodes knead away knots.
Equipped with 2-level heating and 3 massage modes, you can play around with those settings.
At only 2.4 pounds with 90 minutes of battery life, this portable massager is perfect for soothing sore muscles.
Automatic shut-off after 10 minutes prevents overheating.
uCozy 3D Neck & Shoulder Massager with Strap
Member Price: $169
After a long, grinding workday, your shoulders are knotted tighter than a tangled pair of headphones.
Don’t reach for the painkillers just yet!
Try the uCozy 3D Neck & Shoulder Massager, an all-natural remedy for your aches.
This device envelops your neck with a soothing warmth that improves circulation while firm, 3D massage nodes knead away tension with a dual-directional, multidimensional massage.
Whether you’re bound to your desk or slacking on the sofa, let the ergonomic design cradle your neck as it melts away tension.
It also features a detachable strap that lets you strap this massager to your office chair for quick relief any time you please.
6 Types of Tourists Singaporeans Love
Not all tourists are created equal! While Singaporeans are generally welcoming to foreigners, there are a few traits they really appreciate in visitors.
So, strive to be the kind of tourist that locals welcome with open arms.
#1: FOODIES WHO LOVE LOCAL FLAVORS
If you adore food, you’re already off to a great start. Singaporeans are passionate about their cuisine, and nothing warms their hearts more than seeing visitors enjoy iconic dishes like: Chili Crab, Char Kway Teow, Nasi Lemak, Kaya Toast, Roti Prata, Hokkien Mee, Laksa, and Chicken Rice.
Dive into a hawker center, explore the vibrant food scene, and don’t forget to snap your meal.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
#2: QUIET CONVERSATIONALISTS
Singaporeans cherish their peace and quiet, especially in public spaces. If you’re chatting with your group, keep it at a considerate volume. Loud conversations in the MRT or while queuing for food can irk the locals. A little “hush hush” goes a long way in maintaining harmony.
#3: THE RESPECTFUL COMMUTERS
Meet Stand-Up Stacey, the unofficial hero of Singapore’s public transport system. What makes her special? She always gives up her seat to those who need it such as elderly passengers, pregnant women, or people with disabilities.
If you’re seated in a priority spot on the MRT or bus, take note of your surroundings. Ignoring this unspoken rule won’t just earn you a side-eye as it’ll also reflect poorly on your tourist etiquette.
#4: CULTURE & HERITAGE LOVERS
Singapore’s rich heritage is a beautiful mosaic of cultures, traditions, and history. Whether you’re exploring Chinatown, Little India, or Kampong Glam, show your respect for these heritage sites. Avoid littering, follow the rules, and appreciate the stories behind these spaces.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
After all, it’s not just sightseeing…it’s immersing yourself in Singapore’s soul.
#5: POLITE INQUIRERS
Lost in the city? Need help ordering at a hawker center? Singaporeans are generally friendly and happy to help, but they’ll appreciate it even more if you ask politely. A warm smile and a simple “Excuse me, could you help me?” will take you far.
#6: INSTAGRAM-WORTHY PHOTOGRAPHERS
Singapore is a visual feast, with landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Jewel Changi Airport offering endless photo ops. Locals love seeing visitors post stunning shots of the city. However, you have to make it tasteful. Avoid overcrowding spots just for a selfie, and always respect no-photo zones.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Being a thoughtful tourist isn’t just about following rules, it’s about embracing the local way of life. Do it right, and you’ll leave with not just amazing memories, but also the admiration of the locals!