6 Shockingly Free Ways To Be Happier Now

Life is a constant search. Whether it be a special someone, a fulfilling job, or an amazing house…our search often comes with a price. But that need not be. There are more meaning things in life that do not cost a thing. One of it is genuine happiness. Here are 6 Ways to be Happier now (yes! they are all FREE):

1. EXERCISE REGULARLY

I cannot stress enough how important regular exercise is to your wellbeing. Studies have shown that 7-10 minutes of exercise for 5 days every week can improve your productivity and mood. You will not only lose weight but you will also be happier.  Here is a 7-min. exercise routine you can follow:


2. HELP OTHERS

See some old clothes that are still in good condition? Save space and money by donating them to those who need it the most. Helping others and giving back can surely boost your happiness levels. You do not have to give fancy things; even giving a no-cost constructive feedback to your classmates can lead to personal academic improvement and happiness.

3. SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Do you want to live longer and pleasurable life? Research showed that people who have strong relationships with their spouse, family, or close friends are happier and healthier. Spend your quality time with your friends and family by a simple picnic with cycling in East Coast Park or affordable museum tours in Singapore Art Museum and National Museum of Singapore. When it comes to your happiness, your dearest friends and family matter.

4. LET GO OF WORRIES, FRUSTRATION, AND RESENTMENT

Dale Carnegie, author of the best-selling book entitled “How to Wind Friends and Influence People”, believed that our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry, frustration, and resentment. Address and let go of your worries, frustration, and grudges to lead a happier life.

5. GET OLDER

Fret not that you are beyond your 40s, as you get older, you get happier! This is because older people tend to focus and remember the positive events more and the negative ones less.

As Olivia Munn said: “I think women should start to embrace their age. What’s the alternative to getting older? You die. I can’t change the day I was born. But I can take care of my skin, my body, my mind, try to live my life, and be happy.”

6. SMILE MORE OFTEN

Do you want to make your boss happier? Smile at the customers more to send a more welcoming vibe. Or how about making yourself happier and productive? Smile like you really mean it. Science has shown that people who smile increased their attention and ability to think. C’mon, it is free anyway!

Image Credits: Victor Tongdee via Flickr

Image Credits: Victor Tongdee via Flickr

We are all in the pursuit of happiness. Try these simple ways – it might just help you. 🙂

Read More...

3 Splendid Singapore Spas With Services Under S$70

Want to blow off some steam and relieve your stress from work or school? Try these spa places that offer good services at very affordable prices.

1. TRADITIONAL JAVANESE MASSAGE HUT

As the name implies, Traditional Javanese Massage Hut offers an ancient system of oil massage by predominantly using strokes with strong thumb pressure to ease joint and muscle fatigue and soreness. There are five massage types that costs S$65 for 60 minutes. These are Hut 67 (signature service that is highly recommended), Smooth and Soothe, Back Breaker, Tired Feet, and Stress Buster.

The hut also offers the “Ginger Treatment” that is meant to improve one’s blood circulation for S$35.

Locations: 6 locations islandwide, visit here.

2. RULE OF THUMB

Close to the business offices is an interiorly neat and modern spa called Rule of Thumb. Do you want to see the spa for yourself? Click here for a panoramic view of the interior.

Price range for 60 minutes Shiatsu, Deep Tissue, Relaxation, Back, Javanese, Aromatherapy, Swedish, or Traditional Chinese Herb Massage is S$48-S$60. While add-on services such as cupping, ear candling, and body scrub are only S$15. Stuck at work? Worry not. It is opened until 4 am every day!

Location: 289 Beach Road, #01-01, Singapore 199552

3. HEALING TOUCH

Winner of a silver award for “Best Value Spa” in Cosmopolitan Singapore 2013, the Healing Touch spa offers inexpensive massages while giving for your money’s worth. Indulge your senses with 1 hour Deep Tissue Oil, Javanese Fusion Oil or Shiatsu massage for S$58.50. What a cheaper price? Better take advantage of their Asian Fusion Oil massage promotion for S$49.20.

Why not pamper your body even more with body scrub options? You can choose from Moisturizing Rose Salt, Nourishing Almond, Detoxifying Ginger Salt, Refreshing Lemongrass Salt, Anti-Oxidant Apple Aloe, and Softening Grapefruit Goat Milk Scrub. These are priced at about S$35 for 30 minutes.

Locations: 6 locations, visit here.

Image Credits: healingtouch.com.sg

Image Credits: healingtouch.com.sg

Read More...

Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s Notable Quotations on Economy and Life in Singapore

As the nation bids its final farewell to Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of Singapore, here is a humble homage for his wisdom on money and life matters.

1. “People want economic development first and foremost. The leaders may talk something else. You take a poll of any people. What is it they want? The right to write an editorial, as you like? They want homes, medicine, jobs, schools.”

~The Man and His Ideas, 1997

2. “If Singapore is a nanny state, then I am proud to have fostered one.”

~From Third World to First, The Singapore Story: 1965-2000

3. “Life is not just eating, drinking, television, and cinema…the human mind must be creative, must be self-generating. It cannot depend on just gadgets to amuse itself.”

~Speech at Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Haji Celebrations held at Joo Seng Community Centre, February 28, 1970

4. “But I’m not God, I can’t change you. But I can encourage you, give you extra help to make you do, say maybe, 20% better.”

~Success Stories, 2002

5. “Every Singaporean who owns a flat can double his value in today’s terms within the next 15 to 20 years. In other words, in the next 20 years, we can make everybody worth twice as much, at least.”

~National Day Rally, 1990

6. “If you can’t think because you can’t chew, try a banana.”

~Reply to a BBC reporter, 2000

7. “I am often accused of interfering in the private lives of citizens. Yes, if I did not, had I not done that, we wouldn’t be here today. And I say without the slightest remorse, that we wouldn’t be here, we would not have made economic progress, if we had not intervene on very personal matters – who your neighbor is, how you live, the noise you make, how you spit, or what language you use. We decide what is right. Never mind what people think.”

~Straits Times, April 20, 1987

Image Credits: William Cho via Flickr

Image Credits: William Cho via Flickr

To build a strong Singapore during the most difficult years and to transform it from a Third World to a First World country is truly admirable beyond words. Mr. Lee, your outstanding leadership gave us the direction and for that your legacy will on forever.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, and 4

Read More...

4 Community Centres’ Workshops That Can Really Make You Money

Do you want to learn a life skill without breaking the bank? Then, consider going down to your community centre (CC) and find out the courses they offer. Far more than saving money, you can transform these awesome skills you learned into viable freelance businesses or occupations.

1. MASSAGE

Having a spa addiction or aspiring to become a massage therapist can become costly loads to your budget. Solve your problems with the Massage Therapy courses offered by several CCs. Learn the art of traditional Thai massage that relieves one’s stress levels by for only S$20-30 at Tampines North CC. This workshop will teach you how to engage sensorial experience and fuse it with health care. While, acupressure point massage is available at Bishan and Serangoon. Beyond getting paid for massage services, it can also serve as a sweet bonding activity for you and your partner.

2. HAIRCUTTING OR HAIRDRESSING

If you are tired of constantly paying for minor hair trims or are dreaming of becoming the next big thing in the hair scene then try the hair courses offered by CCs. CCs offer various techniques for hairdressing such as basic hair cutting, hair braiding, and hair perming. From April 14 to May 5, Punggol Park CC is offering hair-cutting basics for about S$65. This course is ideally for beginners or those who wish to update their knowledge on hair dressing. It not only offers the fundamental theories but also the practical lessons.

3. KNITTING

Every since the rise of “bohemian or gypsy chic” fashion, knitting is no longer an old woman’s hobby. Knitting can be found in hair accessories, jewelry, clothing, and more.

Image Credits: Guangzhou Hanyige Clothing Co., Ltd.

Image Credits: Guangzhou Hanyige Clothing Co., Ltd.

Toa Payoh CC offers knitting courses for about S$100. In this course, you’ll be taught the basics of knitting and use it to make your own clothing and jewelry. Using your creativity can help you create whatever your heart desires.

4. BALLOON SCULPTING

Have you ever noticed those people who are hired to make twisted balloons in order to entertain the children? They are everywhere from children’s party to company events. Making almost everything from cartoon characters to colorful flowers, this talent of balloon sculpting can now be learned. Woodgrove, Ulu Pandan, Tampines North, and Yew Tee conduct single-session workshops amounting to S$10-25. Learn the basics then, teach yourself more techniques by watching free videos on the Internet. This will not only save you money once you decided to have kids but it can also be a fun part-time job.

Image Credits: Erwin Soo via Flickr

Image Credits: Erwin Soo via Flickr

Source: www.pa.gov.sg

Read More...

Delicious And Affordable Places for Italian Food in Singapore

Italian cuisine is known throughout the world for its pasta, pizza, herbs, and tomato sauce. While Singapore, as a nation, had developed a deeper fondness for food – of all kinds. But the dilemma of the restaurant prices are always at sight.

Cheap does not always come with bad taste if you know the right places to look. That being said, here are 4 delicious yet affordable places to satisfy your hunger for Italian food…

1. SUPER DARIO LASAGNE

A true-blooded Italian, Dario of Super Dario Lasagne, brought forth the first Cafe that showcases lasagna as their star. The menu is coupled with drinks, salads, and desserts of course. Their bountiful plates of homemade lasagna cost about S$7.8-11 while the set meal (i.e., including any lasagna, drink, and dessert) costs S$10.9 only (T&C apply).

And, if you are a student, grab the 20% off discount on any lasagna on Weekdays from 10:30 am (T&C apply). You can also order a tray to take home. Trust me, the food is worth coming back to!

Image Credits: instagram.com/annaloves29

Image Credits: instagram.com/annaloves29

Location: #04-17, City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539

Online Rating: 88% Upvotes on HungryGoWhere

2. CONCETTO BY SAVEUR

From the makers of the exquisite French restaurant named Saveur, they bring you the Concetto by Saveur. Paraded by good reviews from Savuer, Concetto by Saveur did not disappoint. This is a restaurant that continues to bring artisan-cooking techniques to prepare high-end quality Italian cuisine for all.

Its reasonable prices will not only bring your bellies to bliss but also your wallets. Most of delectable meals range from S$5 to S$18, except for the Wagyu Tender that costs S$26.90. Concetto Pasta ($6.90) is one of their best-rated dishes.

Image Credits: facebook.com/concettosingapore

Image Credits: Concetto Singapore via Facebook

Location: 2 Handy Road, The Cathay #01-11/12, Singapore 229233

Online Rating: 75% upvotes on HungryGoWhere

3. SAIZERIYA

From soup, pizza, pasta, baked rice, and bread – Saizeriya has it all for you. Because of its inexpensive prices ranging from S$4 to S$10, it has been the student’s favorite place to dine. They also incorporate a little of Asian and French cuisine into the mix. In fact they have French Escargot that the online reviews preferred most. It may possibly be the cheapest escargot you will find in Singapore restaurants.

Image Credits: Official Singapore Saizeriya via Facebook

Image Credits: Official Singapore Saizeriya via Facebook

 

Locations: 8 outlets islandwide, visit here

Online Rating: 73% upvotes on HungryGoWhere

4. SUPPLY & DEMAND

Supply & Demand prides itself as a contemporary Italian and Southeast Asia bistro and bar. With its breezy rooftop bar at Esplanade Mall, it serves as a great place to enjoy a great Italian meal. You may also try their modern-take on Southeast Asian dishes from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Burma. Majority of the pastas, pizzas, and entrées are priced below S$20.

Image Credits: Supply & Demand via Facebook

Image Credits: Supply & Demand via Facebook

Locations:

#02-13/14, Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Road

8 Raffles Avenue #01-13 Esplanade Mall Singapore 039802

Online Rating: 62% up votes on HungryGoWhere

Enjoy your meal or as they say it in Italy..Buon Appetito!

Read More...