Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

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.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

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.

4 Highlights of PM Lee Hsien Loong’s COVID-19 Address

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong laid out Singapore’s plan to tackle COVID-19 in a live broadcast last May 31. Here is everything you need to know about Monday’s national address.

#1: RESTRICTIONS MAY RELAX AFTER JUNE 13

If the current situation continues to improve and the number of community cases drops further, restrictions will be relaxed. PM Lee noted that the number of daily cases decreased due to the support of the Singaporeans. He said that Singapore is on track to bring the current outbreak under control and is on its way to ease the restrictions after June 13.

The authorities will be certain about all these in the next week or so. In the meantime, he encouraged everyone to remain vigilant and to go out only if necessary.

#2: DIY COVID-19 TEST KITS TO BE SOLD AT PHARMACIES SOON

In line with Singapore’s strategy to increase the rate of testing and to quickly detect COVID-19 cases, self-administered test kits will soon be sold. These kits will be helpful for front-liners who want to test themselves frequently or for individuals who are concerned about being infected.

PM Lee said that these DIY test kits for coronavirus will be less uncomfortable and less complicated than the regular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab tests. It will soon be available for purchase over the counter at pharmacies nationwide.

#3: ROUTINE TESTING TO BE ADMINISTERED IN DIFFERENT SETTINGS

To efficiently control the number of cases in the country, wider testing will be done on a routinely basis. This action is in response to the mutation of the virus (i.e., as it became more transmissible). The authorities will regularly and routinely test people in work, social, community, and other normal settings.

PM Lee highlighted that extensive testing would strengthen the safety measures and give Singapore the confidence to resume larger-scale gatherings. He added that routine, large-scale, simple, and fast testing is expected to be part of the new normal.

The rostered routine testing (RRT) is currently being carried out in several higher-risk settings such as hospitals, migrant worker dormitories, construction worksites, seaports, and nursing homes. Frequent testing can be done in more places such as restaurants, offices, and shopping malls with faster and cheaper tests made available.

#4: VACCINATION FOR STUDENTS TO BEGIN ON JUNE

Singapore has received further confirmation of quicker vaccine deliveries over the next two months. The latest supply schedule will allow Singapore to further boost its vaccination program.

It is important to know that people aged 60 and above can now walk into any vaccination center to get vaccinated, even without an appointment. The next group to be vaccinated will be students, according to PM Lee. This is due to the growing numbers of children getting infected in schools and tuition centers during the latest outbreak. Vaccination bookings for students opened last June 1, with priority given to the graduating cohorts for O, N, and A levels as well as students with special needs. Students aged 12 and above will be next in line.

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Lastly, adults aged 39 and younger will be vaccinated around mid-June. PM Lee reminded everyone that…

“This group is quite large. Therefore, we will give the Singaporeans among them a two-week priority window to book your appointments first before we open up generally to the rest who want to be vaccinated.”

Sources: 1 & 2

Practical Tips To Manage Home-Based Learning

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, home-based learning was rolled out nationwide after schools have closed in April 2020. The safety guidelines encouraged schools and tuition centers to transition to HBL or online learning to educate their students. Simply put, HBL is having lessons and classroom interactions at home.

Eventually, students went allowed back to school.

Time passed and the rise in community cases led to the Ministry of Education’s decision to have a full home-based learning for students in primary schools, secondary schools, and junior colleges (i.e., until May 28, 2021). Furthermore, center-based tuition and enrichment classes will continue with its online learning until June 13.

Students in Singapore had to adapt to these changes and to manage a home-based learning lifestyle. On that note, here are some practical tips to help your child to study at home.

CREATE A CONDUCIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Whether you have a corner or a room for studying, your child will benefit from having a designated space for learning. Working or studying from home can be a challenge due to the myriad of distractions around us. Thus, it is important to create a space where your child is motivated to learn.

Much like a classroom, having a special learning space can help create the mental and physical divide between personal time and study time. The common elements of a conducive learning environment include good lighting, well-ventilation, accessible learning materials, and distraction-free space.

HAVE A STUDY SCHEDULE

Planning ahead enables you to develop a daily structure for your child to adhere to. This daily structure will allow your child to see what they need to achieve during the day.

Most primary schools in Singapore have their own home-based schedules. Incorporate the school’s schedule to your child’s study schedule. Then, find a time to get to know your child better. Take this opportunity to spend quality time with your beloved one. Ask your child about his interests, dislikes, dreams, and goals.

STAY HEALTHY

With less physical activity indoors, it is important to eat healthy food and to exercise regularly. Although it can be tempting to offer your child sweets and junk food to boost his or her attention, these types of food can give your child energy crashes. Your child is likely to feel a drop in his or her energy level after a sugar high. You do not want to see your child sleeping in front of the computer screen!

Instead, offer periodic breaks and nutritious meals. Letting off steam by exercising can help improve your child’s focus and minimize the stress levels.

ENCOURAGE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Home-based learning entails continuous adjustments from both the parents and the students. This includes the way students interact with their peers. Just because your child is isolated from his or her classmates does not mean that you need to neglect one’s social development.

Create opportunities for interaction by allowing your child to have Zoom/Skype hangouts with his friends. They can stream a movie or play games online. Having “social breaks” after your child accomplishes his school tasks can motivate him more.

OPENLY COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER

The key to HBL’s success is to follow the teachers’ instructions. Engagement with the teachers will allow you to maximize the productivity of your child. They will be able to give you helpful suggestions if you are transparent with your child’s current progress. Moreover, talking to people who can understand you can help minimize the stress, especially for teaching younger children.

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You are not alone! These changes are not easy for anyone. Parents can take time off work to supervise their children’s learning habits. Children may find it harder to study at home due to multiple distractions. Teachers must prepare more materials given that they have less control over their classes. Hence, it is important for everyone to work together.

At the end of the day, your common goal is to make learning more effective.

Korean Food Pairings To Try In Singapore

As Korean cuisine evolves over time due to cultural trends and environmental changes, one thing remains the same. Food has always played a significant part in their national identity. In fact, there are over 200 varieties of their globally known Kimchi (김치).

Let us take a look at the unique Korean food pairings that you can try in Singapore.

#1: CHIMAEK

Kicking off this list is a classic food combo that dates back in the ’70s. Chimaek (치맥) is one of the most popular option when dining out or when ordering in. It is a slang that combines 치 [chi] from 치킨 [chikin] or fried chicken as well as 맥 [maek] from 맥주 [maekju] or beer. Sounds like the perfect comfort food, right?

Chimaek’s popularity peaked during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup when many Koreans went to bars to watch the games and eat fried chicken with beer. Singaporeans may enjoy this combo by ordering at Korean eateries such as 아띠식당Ahtti.

#2: ROASTED SWEET POTATOES WITH KIMCHI

Roasted sweet potatoes (고구마) are commonly eaten as a winter snack by children and adults alike. Start by roasting your sweet potatoes in an oven or an air fryer. Once you are done, you can pair it with Kimchi. Put a generous of Kimchi on a slice of your sweet potato before taking a bite.

Indulge in the fusion of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors! Find authentic Kimchi and Korean sweet potatoes in local Korean marts such as Chorok Market.

#3: KOREAN BBQ AND SOJU

The rich aroma of freshly grilled Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) wrapped in lettuce and Kimchi is gloriously delicious. Add a shot of Soju to improve your experience. Soju goes well with Korean BBQ because it washes away the greasiness of the meats. This allows you to reach out for your next piece.

What are you waiting for? You can either eat at a Korean BBQ place such as the Korean Fusion BBQ restaurants or order at foodpanda.

#4: SUBAK-SOJU OR WATERMELON SOJU

As the name suggests, Subak-soju (수박소주) combines the freshness of a watermelon and the distinct taste of soju. Fresh watermelon soju was trending before flavored sojus graced the stores. This combination is perfect for people who are newly introduced to soju and are eager to try sweet alcoholic drinks.

A bottle of soju is available at FairPrice for as low as S$9.90.

Begin by removing the contents of the watermelon. Measure 4 cups of blended watermelon juice. Put this in a pitcher. Then, add equal parts of soju and mix it well. Pour this mixture into a “watermelon bowl” and add ice cubes. Serve it cold and enjoy!

7 Simple Yet Memorable Mother’s Day Activities

With the stricter COVID-19 measures in place, our typical Mother’s Day celebration may not be a viable option this year. Despite this, there are still plenty of ways to make your Mother’s Day special. After all, the best gift that you can give your mother is quality time.

What are you waiting for? Gather your loved ones to honor your Mother with these simple ideas!

#1: HOST A VIRTUAL GAME NIGHT

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), people in Singapore are allowed to gather in groups of five and are allowed to receive five distinct visitors per day. Instead of inviting your beloved aunts and grandmothers tomorrow (May 9), consider hosting a virtual game night. Use websites such as My Free Bingo Cards and Lagged to play with your mother and your whole family.

#2: CREATE A PAMPER SESSION

Shower your mother with affection by scheduling a pamper session. Start by letting her sleep in. It may sound simple, but you are starting someone’s day on the right note. Ensure that you are keeping the room quiet and dark as she sleeps.

When she wakes up, surprise her with homecooked breakfast. Offer to refill her mug when she finishes her coffee. Preparing her breakfast will let her fully enjoy her downtime.

#3: PLAY A SCAVENGER HUNT

Take the entire family on an adventure by playing a scavenger hunt at home. Hide her favorite things such as a family portrait or her favorite sweater. Children may participate in this activity by hiding sweet notes within the space. This will help your mother collect wonderful moments throughout the day.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: SING YOUR HEARTS OUT

If your mother loves to sing, you can plan a Karaoke Night at home. It is alright if you do not have your own Karaoke system. You can just download free apps or search for sing-along videos on YouTube. Do not forget to prepare your mother’s favorite cocktails and snacks too!

#5: SPRUCE UP YOUR GARDEN

Much like many of you, my mother is fond of growing her own indoor garden. She is always enthusiastic whenever someone purchases a new plant for her. Get the whole family involved by planting seeds or by redecorating your mother’s garden.

Some flowers, such as marigolds, are fairly easy to maintain. In fact, marigolds are tolerant of heat and pests. Planting this will serve as a gift that keeps on giving!

#6: MAKE A SCRAPBOOK

Encapsulate your happy memories by making a scrapbook with your mother. Print photos from your phone or collect your favorite photographs from your old photo albums. You and your mother can work on your own scrapbook pages and bind these pages together when you are done.

#7: ENJOY A DO-IT-YOURSELF PIZZA PARTY

What better way to end the day than by making your own pizza? It is both an art and a science. You can either make your own pizza dough or purchase a pizza kit for as low as S$20.

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Ultimately, it is a nice experience to add your favorite toppings on a pizza that you made yourself. Mommy gets first pick, of course.

From all of us at Money Digest, may you have a delightful Mother’s Day (May 9) celebration!

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