10 Free Forms Of Entertainment You Can Do At Home

To minimize the further spread of COVID-19 in Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has implemented some social restrictions. This includes social distancing measures such as the closure of entertainment venues (e.g., bars or cinemas), suspension of religious services, and closure of enrichment centers. Organized tours in public venues such as sightseeing or guided walking tours will also be suspended. All these will take effect from March 26, 2020.

With the closure of various entertainment venues and other establishments, how can you efficiently pass time without spending too much? Well, you can look thru this list and employ what you fancy.

#1: CHANNEL MARIE KONDO

Channel your inner Marie Kondo by de-cluttering your home. Categorize your items based on its usefulness or its personal value. Find things that are important to you or your family. Keep these items as neatly as possible. For the rest of your items, you can either junk or donate them. It is cathartic to go through your belongings and to see how neat your area has become.

#2: PRACTICE YOGA AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

This is the perfect time to focus on yourself and your wellbeing. An ancient practice that has been known to relieve stress is Yoga. Search through countless free beginner Yoga classes on YouTube. I recommend starting with Blogilates or Yoga With Adriene as they have a library of videos for different levels of strength.

#3: GET FREE AUDIOBOOKS

Speaking of libraries, you can get free audiobooks from openculture.com and audible.com. Keep yourself company with books that can help improve your skills or help drift your mind. These websites include free audiobooks for kids too!

#4: GET FREE PC GAMES

Believe it or not, Epic Games offers two excellent PC games free of charge. I am referring to Watch Dogs and The Stanley Parable. Simply add these two to your Epic Games account anytime before March 26. Creating this gaming account is also free.

#5: ENJOY FREE GUITAR LESSONS

Take up a new hobby or brush off the dust from your guitar by signing up for the three-month subscription of Fender. This three-month free trial allows you to learn how to play acoustics including ukulele from the comforts of your home. You can track your progress anytime using any devices. Note that although a credit card is not required, this promotion is limited to the first 100,000 sign-ups.

#6: CREATE A BLOG

I manage my Cabin Fever using the best way I know how – through writing my thoughts. I am very thankful for the extra time I have on my hands as I am able to write more on my MISS PSYCHOBABBLE Psychology blog. Turn your quarantine experiences into colorful stories by establishing a blog on free websites such as blogger.com or wordpress.com.

#7: PRINT COLORING PAGES

If you need to keep your kiddos busy and stimulated, consider printing coloring pages for them. Crayola offers free coloring pages, which are categorized by season. Simply round up the coloring materials in your home and start getting creative.

#8: MAKE A DONATION BOX

Collect clothing and nonperishable items that you no longer want or need. Select items that are in good condition and store them in a donation box. You are not only giving your belongings to the people in need, but you are also cleaning up your home.

#9: TAKE SOME PHOTOGRAPHS

Wake up to a new perspective by taking photographs of things around your house. Do you see the pretty vase on top of your coffee table? Use your smartphone or a stand-alone camera to capture that moment. You may also peek thru the world outside of your window and take some snaps. Upload your best photographs on Instagram and cap it off with a witty caption.

#10: CONNECT WITH YOUR LOVED ONES

Despite being at home for a period of time, you can still connect with your loved ones through online platforms such as Skype, FaceTime, and Facebook Messenger. Who are the people whom you normally do not see? Consider giving them a call now.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Take care of your health and avoid shutting yourself from the world! 🙂

Sources:1 & 2

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Relaxing Exercises To Practice While In Quarantine

As the number of COVID-19 positive patients shoot up, stricter rules have been implemented. Social distancing is greatly highlighted as Ministry of Health (MOH) advised Singaporeans to avoid holding and participating in social gatherings of more than 10 people. Social gatherings pertains to birthdays, weddings, funerals, wakes, and other private events. These efforts can help prevent the spread of the virus.

Apart from this, many people have been in self-quarantine. Staying at home for long periods of time can pose a significant challenge for remaining physically active. Sedentary lifestyle and low levels of physical activity can have negative effects on your mental health and quality of life.

It is normal to feel stressed during times of threatening health situations. To combat this, you must stimulate the “relaxation response,” through a technique first developed in the 1970s at Harvard Medical School by cardiologist Dr. Herbert Benson. The relaxation response is the “state of profound rest that can be elicited in many ways”.

Create a well of calm without breaking the bank by following these relaxation techniques.

#1: FOCUS ON YOUR BREATHING

The Breath Focus technique is a simple and powerful tool comprising of long, slow, and deep breaths. It is also known as belly or abdominal breathing. As you breathe, you take your mind off the distractions and concentrate on your breathing and its sensations. Notice how long you can inhale and how deep you can exhale. This technique is helpful for people with eating disorders. However, it may not be helpful for people with respiratory ailments or heart problems.

#2: PRACTICE GUIDED IMAGERY

Ever wondered what it is like to travel freely on whim again? Well, you can make that possible through guided imagery. Guided imagery is a technique where you envision being in a soothing place or experiencing a happy memory. It reinforces the positive thoughts and emotions associated to being in a particular instance or place. Simply search Guided Imagery on free calming apps or YouTube videos. Ensure that you choose a recording topic that has personal significance to you. Personally, I want to see myself playing in the beach and listening to its calm breeze.

#3: DO YOGA, QIGONG, OR TAI CHI

These three ancient disciplines combine rhythmic breathing with a series of flowing movements. Empty your mind as you focus on the physical aspects of these disciplines. Moreover, you will be able to enhance your flexibility and balance. Since I cannot practice Hot Yoga anymore, I delight myself with a couple of Yoga exercises found in YouTube. You will be surprised with the wealth and the variety of free Yoga, Qigong, and Tai Chi exercises available there. Choose a video length and a difficulty level that you are most comfortable in.

#4: MEDITATE WITH MINDFULNESS

One of the practices that has greatly helped me stay calm is Mindfulness Meditation. Mindfulness is the Psychological process of purposely bringing one’s attention to experiences occurring in the present moment without judgment, which one develops through the practice of meditation. As our thoughts continue to juggle, mindfulness meditation is easier said than done. Take it easy on yourself during your first trials. Research suggests that continued meditation is helpful for people with anxiety, depression, and pain.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

BONUS: Apart from these relaxing exercises that will not cost you a dime, you may take short active breaks throughout the day. Short bouts of physical activity add up! You can dance and play with your children or perform chores such as cleaning and gardening. There is no excuse to stay active at home!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Fancy Canned Goods And Instant Coffee Recipes To Keep You Company

As many of us are encapsulated in our own homes for quite some time, many shoppers have filled up their own pantries. Most flats have a wide array of tissue papers, disinfectant sprays, instant noodles, canned goods, and instant coffee sachets. It is best to put your own spin to your daily meals to stimulate your appetite.

Here are inexpensive ways to get creative with your canned goods and instant coffee options.

#1: SPAM MUSUBI

Last month, I dragged my significant other to a restaurant that serves Hawaiian cuisine. One of the dishes that we tried was the Spam Musubi. It is a popular snack that you can easily make in your own home. Simply gather these ingredients: white rice, nori, SPAM or luncheon meat, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.

Follow the steps found in the video below. What I like about this dish is its fast preparation time and its rich flavors.

#2: CRISPY SPAM FINGERS

Believe me when I say that it tastes better than it sounds! This recipe goes a little outside of the box as it incorporates flour, eggs, and bread crumbs into the meat.
Firstly, you must drench your sliced SPAM or luncheon meat into a mixture of eggs, flour, and bread crumbs. Secondly, you must fry all these “fingers” until each one reaches a golden-brown color. Its exterior ensures that each bite packs a crunch! You can serve it with rice.

#3: TUNA MACARONI SALAD

Canned tuna is a pantry staple that can transform into easy dishes that can be served for family dinners and office lunches. Spice up your usual macaroni salad by adding canned tuna. For a protein-rich lunch that kids will love, you may create a tuna macaroni salad. Just add your sauteed tuna in a macaroni salad filled with creamy mayonnaise, pepper, and celery.

#4: CREAMY TUNA CARBONARA

Complete a wine night indoors by serving a plate of creamy pasta. To make your very own creamy tuna carbonara, you will need the following: spaghetti pasta, eggs, canned tuna, parsley, salt, Parmesan cheese, and ground pepper. Start by preparing the pasta.

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain it and set it aside. To do your sauce, you must whisk the egg yolks and add Parmesan cheese. Stir in the black pepper and add some salt. Then, add this sauce to the cooked spaghetti. Lastly, you must incorporate the drained tuna. Garnish with more cheese and serve it hot!

#5: INSTANT ICED COFFEE

It only takes five minutes or less to create your own instant iced coffee. Raid your pantry to gather these ingredients: 3 teaspoons of instant coffee, cold water, ice, and 4 tablespoons of your favorite creamer (e.g., soy creamer).

Get your trusty glass and add the instant coffee and the creamer. Fill it with cold water and stir constantly to allow the mixture to dissolve. Add some ice cubes and you are good to go!

#6: DALGONA COFFEE

Currently, the Twitter-verse and the TikTok nation have been buzzing about the Dalgona Coffee. You have probably seen several videos of people making whipped coffee by mixing instant coffee, sugar, and water together. You read that right! You have to mix everything together using a whisk, a hand mixer, or a milk frother. The result is a fluffy and delicious whipped coffee that you can post on Instagram.

Follow the steps found on the video below to make your very own Dalgona Coffee from South Korea.

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5 Juice Recipes That Can Help Boost Your Immune System

Health is wealth! During these challenging times, your immune system is currently active. This means that you have to get a daily dose of vitamins and minerals to keep its performance into a maximum.

The following juice recipes are packed with essential nutrients to help you fight off common colds and flu.

#1: THE IMMUNITY-BOOSTING JUICE

Round up two peeled grapefruits, two cups of mango, an inch of ginger, four carrots, 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric, and a pinch of ground cayenne. Put all these in a food processor or a blender to create your juice. Then, drink up!

Let me discuss the benefits of these ingredients. Firstly, grapefruits are loaded with Vitamin C that aids in proper immune system functioning. Mangoes are loaded with Vitamin C and A as well as Bromelain. Bromelain helps reduce swelling and pain in the nose.

Thirdly, ginger helps to clear your sinuses and promotes healthy sweating as it contains plenty of antioxidants. Both turmeric and cayenne has anti-inflammatory properties. Lastly carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that supports the body’s mucus membrane.

Image and Recipe Credits: thewanderlustkitchen.com/immune-boost-juice

#2: THE INFECTION-LOWERING JUICE

One of surefire ways to know what goes inside your body is to make it yourself. A frugal infection-lowering juice that you can make is a Tomato juice. The best part is that you do not have to own a juicer or a blender to make one.

Simply crush the tomato to make a puree and strain its seeds. If you want to add spice, you can add a few drops of hot sauce or a pinch of ground cayenne. Tomatoes are rich in Folate, which helps lower your risk of infection. It also has Vitamin C and A.

#3: THE CITRUS EXPLOSION

Imbibe the summer spirit by creating the citrus explosion. For this recipe, you will need two oranges, one grapefruit, and half a lemon. Peel the citrus fruits and cut these into quarters. Juice all the fruits in a blender and mix it well. It is best served chilled.

Image and Recipe Credits: theblackpeppercorn.com/citrus-explosion-juice

Oranges and other citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C has antioxidant and other properties that help protect your cells from substances that causes damage. If you have Vitamin C deficiency, you may experience delayed wound healing or inability to properly fight infections. Thus, it is important to monitor your intake of Vitamin C.

4: THE STRAWBERRY AND MANGO MOCKTAIL

Let us add a twist to juicing by creating a fruity mocktail. As mentioned above, mangoes are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. Let us add strawberries in the mix! Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Iron, and Folate. Creating this mocktail enables you to improve your immune system and to help prevent cancer.

You will need to gather these ingredients for this recipe:

1 Mango
½ cup Orange juice
2 tablespoons Honey
10 Strawberries
2 tablespoons Lime juice
Ice cubes
Sparkling water
Mint (optional)

Then, follow the procedure found in soberjulie.com.

#5: THE SORE-RELIVING JUICE

Muscle soreness is a common symptom of flu and is also among the symptoms stated by COVID-19 patients. Watermelon is a fruit that can help relieve muscle soreness and boost your immune system. The notable nutrients found in watermelon include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Magnesium, and Zinc. The heavy water content found in watermelon makes it easier to juice.

Purchase a small watermelon and a small lime. Blend the watermelon until it is totally pulverized. As an optional step, you may squeeze a small lime into the mixture. Lastly, blend it for a few seconds.

Image and Recipe Credits: cookieandkate.com/watermelon-juice

Enjoy your healthy, affordable, and delicious juices!

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How To Budget Your Money Through Tough Times

Let us admit it! One of the biggest challenges that governments are facing right now is how to allocate their budget efficiently in order to fight the COVID-19. While some countries have pledged money to developing testing kits, some have spent money for community disinfecting drones.

The measures that need to be taken in order to stop the spread of the virus such as closing offices and schools or shutting down factories and airlines can lead to some companies going out of business.

Fortunately, Singapore set aside 5.6 billion Singapore dollars in the coming year financial year (April 2020 to March 2021) to help businesses and households tide through the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. This is according to the Minister of Finance, Mr. Heng Swee Keat.

For individuals, this tough situation is what Emergency Funds are for! Budgeting your spending can help you find a balance between spending and saving money throughout this period.

CONTROL YOUR SPENDING

The rise of credit cards and online banking apps paved the way for better shopping experiences. The extent to which we fall trap to these temptations boils down to our willpower. During these times of scarcity, you need to focus on the things you want rather than what you need. It is easier said than done as self-control is like a muscle that gets strained due to overuse.

It is the willpower of those who face repeated difficult financial situations that tends to deplete the most. Hence, it is important to seek the help of someone who cares. Seek professional advise, if necessary.

PLAN YOUR MEALS

One of the easiest ways to control your spending is to plan ahead. Meal planning can help you stay within the budget and control your visits to the grocery. For those who are practicing social distancing and are opting to stay at home, a meal plan is your best-friend!

If you know what you are going to consume for a week or a month and have shopped accordingly, there will be no need for extra store visits that will lead to more spending and more food wastage. Allot a specific portion of your budget for weekly meal plans.

PRIORITIZE YOUR SPENDING

Each of your expenses should be placed in appropriate budget categories such as food, toiletries, and utilities. When faced with a decision to see what gets paid this month and what gets the least portion of the budget, it is important to prioritize. Essentials go up the ladder! These are followed by your creditors and your non-essentials.

You need to accept the situation you are in. Expenses that are core to your survival should be prioritized. The rest can wait.

CUT DOWN YOUR SPENDING

One of the major things you can do to help yourself and your budget during these tough times is to figure out what you are currently spending on and what you can live without. Whether you are cutting down your monthly cable bill or reducing your trips to Starbucks, there are various ways to reduce your expenses. I am referring to little unnecessary expenses that tend to pile up.

It is best to know where your money goes. If you are using a debit card, keep track of the payments. If you are using cash, keep the receipts and review them. Watch out where your money goes and adjust accordingly.

STAY POSITIVE

In times like this, all we can do is to hope for a better future. Staying positive can help lift your mood throughout a bad situation. As bills come in and your debt continues to increase, keeping a positive mindset with a strategic plan can help you.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Remember that what you are going through is temporary and will not last forever. We can get through the setbacks brought by COVID-19!

Sources: 1 & 2

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