Cross Island Line Phase 1 Targets to Be Completed by 2030

On January 18, the construction of the Cross Island Line (CRL) Phase 1 began. It is the country’s eighth MRT line. The interchanges for Phases 1 and 2 will include Hougang on the North-East Line, Ang Mo Kio on the North-South Line, Bright Hill on the Thomson-East Coast Line, Pasir Ris and Clementi on the East-West Line, and King Albert Park on the Downtown Line. The details for Phase 3 of the CRL will be released later.

According to Land Transport Authority, CRL sets a record as the longest fully underground line.

“Our eighth MRT line, the Cross Island Line will be our longest fully underground line at more than 50 kilometers long. It will serve existing and future developments in the eastern, western, and north-eastern corridors, connecting major hubs such as Jurong Lake District, Punggol Digital District and Changi region.

When operational, it will have the highest number of interchange stations, with almost half the stations on the line being linked to existing rail stations. This means more alternative travel routes to get to your destination.”

The 29-kilometre-long Phase 1 of the CRL will include 12 stations from Aviation Park to Bright Hill. This will be beneficial for the residential and industrial areas such as Tampines, Pasir Ris, Defu, Hougang, Serangoon North, and Ang Mo Kio. It is estimated that more than 100,000 households will be served from Phase 1 of CRL. Furthermore, common recreational spaces such as Changi Beach Park and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park will become accessible through public transportation. Construction for Phase 1 of CRL is targeted to be completed by 2030.

Image Credits: lta.gov.sg

The second phase is approximately 15 kilometers and comprises six underground stations such as Turf City, King Albert Park, Maju, Clementi, West Coast, and Jurong Lake District. The Environmental Impact Study for Phase 2 of CRL has been completed and reports are made available.

The construction works for CRL – Punggol Extension are expected to start by the end of 2022 and targeted to be completed by 2032.

Transport Minister S Iswaran highlights that this massive project is not without its challenges as its construction will “test the professional mettle of our engineers and all our partners”.

He added: “That means having a tunnel that goes through a wide variety of soil conditions at different stretches, ranging from soft marine clay to extremely hard rock.” Special machines and added precautions will be needed to ensure the safety of the workers and the stability of the ground.

Rail expansion is a key thrust in Singapore’s comprehensive effort to enhance its transport system – from the first to the last mile, said the transport minister. The CRL is set to improve the lives of its residents and workers nearby. It also gives people access to the beautiful attractions that they offer.

Let’s see what CRL offers in the year 2030!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Work Efficiency Tips for People with ADHD

People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can experience different challenges at work. These challenges include struggling to finish tasks, difficulty in prioritizing assignments, and feelings of boredom.

Pinpointing effective strategies to help you cope with these challenges can greatly impact your work success and overall happiness.

#1: TIME YOUR TASKS

Use a timer to adjust the schedule of each work task. Be realistic about the time you need to accomplish something. Plan for urgent tasks and prioritize as some things take longer than you think. For some people, thirty minutes of work followed by a 10-minute break is beneficial. For others, a shorter work or break period may work better.

#2: PREPARE YOUR STATION

Prepare your workstation to stimulate concentration. A conducive working station looks different for everyone. Personally, I prefer working in a quiet area with a comfortable and a table. Do you prefer to work with the blinds half open or closed? Do you prefer to be sitting on a pillow or a hard bench? Prepare your environment for focus.

#3: START WITH THE FUN

Do the interesting tasks first. Once you get the fun stuff done and have your dopamine high, your body would want more things to be accomplished. This will lead you to finishing the rest of the uninteresting tasks.

#4: HAVE BREAKS

Give yourself a transition time between tasks. For mentally challenging projects, you can set a 10-minute break to take a walk or to sip a cup of joe. Use this time to psych yourself up for the next task on your to-do list.

#5: AVOID MULTITASKING

Multitasking hurts productivity and causes people to lose time switching between tasks. This statement pertains to employees with or without ADHD. Staying focused on a task is necessary to get it done. If you frequently multitask, you will have a tougher time completing the necessary tasks. Do things one at a time.

#6: SPLIT COMPLICATED TASKS

Adults with ADHD tend to have difficulty with long, multi-step tasks. For complicated tasks, you can split it into manageable chunks. Break the large tasks into smaller steps that are not as intimidating. This will help you keep up your momentum as you focus on the next doable step.

#7: LIMIT DISTRACTIONS

While you are at work, try to limit the distractions. Request a private space in the office and shut the door to block out distractions. If this is not possible, you can politely ask for your spot to be placed away from the main work area. Of course, these options are not always available.

#8: SEEK SUPPORT

A supportive co-worker or an understanding manager can help you stay on task and be your source of support. Some people have found it helpful to share information about ADHD to their employers. Sharing your condition and seeking help can make work more successful.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Boosting your focus at work often involves a bit of experimenting. Keep track of which strategies you are using and monitor your progress. Should things get increasingly difficult you can seek the help of a mental health professional to manage your symptoms.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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What to do when you’re not ready to let your dating partner meet your parents?

couple holding hands at the beach

You’ve been dating your partner for a while and things are going great.

You’re both comfortable with each other but there’s one thing holding you back: you’re not ready to let your partner meet your parents.

Well, plenty of people find themselves in this situation at some point in their lives. And although it can be tough, you can do a few things to make the process a little bit easier. Below, we will outline a few suggestions for how to deal with this situation head-on.

Why you might not be ready to introduce your partner

Maybe you’re not sure how your parents will react.

Or maybe you’re not sure if the relationship is going to last. You might even be worried that they will judge your partner or your partner doesn’t meet their standards.

No matter what the reason, know that there is no rush to introduce your partner to your family. If you’re not ready, that’s okay. Just take things slow and let things progress at their own pace.

How to explain why you’re not ready

When you’re not quite ready for your dating partner to meet your parents, it can be difficult to find the right words to explain why.

After all, you don’t want to give them the wrong idea or make them think that there’s something wrong with the relationship. Consider saying something like,

“I love you and I’m enjoying getting to know you. But I’m not quite ready for us to meet my family yet.” This gives your partner an understanding of where you’re at, and they won’t be left wondering what’s going on.

How to handle the pressure from family and friends
mother and daughter talking over a cup of coffee

Image Credits: plantogetherlaw.com

Explain that you two are still getting to know each other and that you want them to meet him or her at a later date. Honoring your voice is a crucial part of this process.

Take some time for yourself and evaluate your precedences. What’s more significant: letting your partner meet your parents when you’re not 100% ready or taking things slow and building a strong relationship foundation? Sort out your priorities.

Ideas for how to maintain your relationship without meeting your parents

If you’re not ready to let your dating partner meet your parents, here are some things you can do to maintain your relationship:

  • Have an open and honest talk about how you feel.
  • Reassure your partner that you still love them but now’s not the time.
  • Act on other ways to strengthen your relationship, such as spending more time together or doing things that are important to them.
  • Keep the lines of communication open so that you can continue to relook into this issue together at a later date.

It can be hard to know what to do when you’re not ready to let your dating partner meet your parents. On the one hand, you don’t want to seem like you’re not serious about the relationship. On the other hand, you don’t want to rush things through when you’re not ready. The best thing to do is to talk to your dating partner about your concerns. Let them know that you’re not prepared for them to meet your parents yet, but that you’re considering an appropriate time in the future when things settle a little.

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The 5 best tips for making better decisions in life

woman deciding which way to go

Life is all about making decisions.

And sometimes it can be tough to make the right decisions, especially when it seems like every choice has a downside.

In this article, we’re going to share five tips for making better decisions in life. By following these tips, you will be able to find the best solutions for your problems and make the most of your opportunities.

Ready to get started?

Learn from past mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s how you learn from them that determines your success.

Instead of framing mistakes as a negative experience, try to see them as an opportunity to learn and develop.

This way, you can avoid making the same mistake twice and move forward with your life with a new understanding of what not to do.

Don’t make decisions in haste

When you’re feeling like you’re under pressure, or overwhelmed, take some time for yourself. Sit with your feelings and see what comes up.

Oftentimes, we make bad decisions because we’re not considering all of our options. We jump to conclusions or let our emotions interfere with our ability to think things through. When you’re calm and centered, it’s a lot easier to make sound decisions that will benefit you in the long run.

Take time to consider all options
a pen on a journal entry

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When it comes to making decisions, time is of the essence.

If you’re feeling impatient, try brainstorming all of your options or talking to someone else about the decision you need to make. This can help you get a different perspective and see things from a new angle.

Keeping a diary can be helpful too. This allows you to track your thoughts and feelings as you go through the decision-making process. Finally, tell others about your decision. This keeps you accountable and makes sure that you stick to your guns.

Gather feedback from trusted sources

The next step is to gather feedback from trusted sources.

By this, we mean people who have no conflict of interest in your decision, and who you know will give you honest feedback.

This could be a friend, mentor, or even a therapist. The important thing is that you trust this person to give you unbiased feedback that will help you see the situation more clearly. Once you have this feedback, it’s time to move on to the next step.

Weigh the costs and benefits of each option

Weighing the costs and benefits means looking at the value, emotional, social, intellectual, and financial costs and benefits of each option.

For example, let’s say you’re trying to decide whether or not to quit your job. Some of the things you might want to consider are:

  • The value of the job. Does it align with your values?
  • The emotional cost of quitting. Are you happy at your job?
  • The social cost of quitting. Will you miss your co-workers?
  • The intellectual cost of quitting. Will you be able to find a job that challenges you?
  • The financial cost of quitting. Can you afford to quit? Do you need to finance any big purchases soon?

Making decisions in life ain’t a walk in the park. And that’s why we’ve put together this article to help you make better ones. As a recap, learn from past mistakes and don’t make hasty decisions. Take time to consider your options and seek feedback from other people. And lastly, weigh the costs and benefits of your options before making your decision. You can do it!

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Why having some form of debt is not always a negative

a miniature house with a key

You’re not alone in feeling bad about being in debt.

Many people struggle every day with the weight of their debt. But what if we told you that debt doesn’t have to be a bad thing?

Believe it or not, there are benefits to having some form of debt. Below, we will outline a few of the more significant ones. We hope this information will help you see your debt in a new light and give you the strength to face it head-on.

How debt can be beneficial

Many people feel guilty for being in debt.

They see it as a negative thing as if they’re doing something wrong. But having some form of debt is not always a bad thing. In fact, there are many types of “good debt” that can help you build wealth or increase your income.

For example, student loans can be a good form of debt because they can help you get an education that will lead to a better job. Mortgages can also be seen as okay because they can help you buy a home that will appreciate over time.

So don’t feel bad if you’re in debt. It’s not always a bad thing. Just make sure that you’re only borrowing money for things that will benefit you in the long run.

Ways to manage debt

One way to do this is by checking your credit report. This will help you understand where you stand and what opportunities are available to you.

Another thing you can do is contact your creditors before the debt collectors become involved. This can help you negotiate a payment plan that works for both of you.

Tips for using debt wisely
pay debt on a note pad

Image Credits: unsplash.com

First, make sure that you have good debt—debt that helps you reach your financial goals. For example, investing in projects with a high return can be a good use of debt.

Second, focus on paying off high-interest debt first. This will help you save money in the long run. Finally, remember that debt can open doors and opportunities. So don’t be afraid to use it wisely to reach your goals!

What to do if you feel overwhelmed by your debt

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your debt, there are a few things you can do to get back on track.

First, try to change your debt-related mindset. Yes, it’s wise to be smart about your finances and not spend more than you can afford, but some debt is unavoidable. And it’s not necessarily a bad thing—a lot of people use debt to finance big purchases like homes.

Second, you can consolidate your high-interest debts into one low-interest loan. This will save you money on interest and make your monthly payments more manageable.

Finally, make sure you’re tracking your monthly spending so you have a better idea of where your money is going. This will allow you to make smarter financial decisions and ensure that you’re not overspending.

The fact is, debt is a part of life for many people. And contrary to popular belief, having debt doesn’t mean you’re irresponsible or that you’re headed for financial disaster. There are a lot of misconceptions about debt out there, and a lot of people feel guilty or ashamed for being in debt. But the truth is, there’s nothing wrong with having some form of debt. So don’t feel bad. Just focus on paying off your debt and improving your finances as you tread along.

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