5 Amazing Reasons to Explore Singapore

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One of the major cities in the world that’s worth visiting over and over again—Singapore. This city-state is evolving so fast that it looks a lot different every few years. In other words, even if you have visited the country three years ago, there’s always a good reason to come back and explore the place all over again. Even just flying there is a must-try experience to witness first-hand the greatness of the world’s best airport—the Singapore Changi Airport. Other than the world-renowned terminal, here are five more reasons why you should travel and explore Singapore.

  1. Amazing Eats

Singapore is decked with hawker centres, where true gastronomic experience unfolds. In hundreds of hawker centres, you can get delicious meals for less than $10. What’s nice in these eateries is that foods are served and portioned significantly larger. Hawkers like the Maxwell Hawker Centre and Newton Food Circus offer vast selections ranging from seafoods to laksa, as well as fresh fruits and local desserts.

  • Inspiring Green Spaces

Despite its splendid skyscrapers, Singapore remains green. One proof for that are the abundance of eco-attractions. May it be man-made, like the Botanic Gardens, Singapore Zoo and Gardens by the Bay; or natural like the MacRitchie Nature Trail and the jungles of Pulau Ubin, the Merlion City makes a wonderful destination for any flora-and-fauna enthusiast.

  • Epic Hotels

In the event you’re craving for a luxurious experience, Singapore boasts plenty of epic hotels that feature modern facilities and cutting-edge design, such as the Sofitel So Singapore, Wangz, Hotel Jen Orchardgateway and the ever popular Marina Bay Sands. All these hotels offer five-star services and facilities to satisfy your fancy.

  • Exceptionally Clean Place

Another reason why everyone loves Singapore is that it is one of the cleanest places in the world. All thanks to their national laws that prohibits people from spitting and littering in public areas, and even consuming chewing gums. The entire city is free of unsightly garbage and unpleasant smell. Although some people may accuse Singaporeans of being too dramatic of their cleanliness rules, most would likely agree that clean and tidy streets are a great plus.

  • Great Nightlife

Like any major cities, Singapore’s city center is oozing with great nightlife. For the dancers out there, Zouk club features some of the city’s best DJs, and if you’re lucky enough, you will be able to party with some of the music industry’s renowned DJs like Chemical Brothers and David Guetta. For those who just wants to chill with friends after work, wine, dine and bask in the breathtaking views from the rooftop bars at 1-Altitude, Level 33 or CE LA VI.

Don’t be fooled by its size. This country may be one of the smallest (if not the smallest) countries in the world, but it’s definitely full of ginormous experiences just waiting for you to discover.

4 Techniques to Communicate Better

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We get it. you’re talented, oozing with great ideas and passionate about everything, but you are often misunderstood, unrecognized and maybe even taken for granted.

Whether it is your relationship with your colleagues or with your loved ones, you often feel frustrated at how frequently people misinterpret what you have to say.

Perhaps, it is not them that’s taking you wrongly, but it’s how you express yourself. Here are a few strategies you can learn to help improve your communication skills and subsequently your relationships with the people around you.

  1. Incorporate Physical Interactions

According to science, human touch promotes release of oxytocin, the ‘love hormone.’ It helps develop the feeling of trust and is believed to reduce the body’s stress levels. When talking to people, try to incorporate appropriate physical interactions. A firm and simple handshake will do for those people who you aren’t very close with. For friends and family, try incorporating more hugs. For your beloved other, snuggles, caresses and massages will do the trick.

  • Create “Me Too” Moments

Great communicators are not just good speakers, they are even better listeners and observants, too. They are great at creating moments that get other people saying “Really, me too!” This manner of speaking promotes openness and sense of bonding that creates space for better communication. How do you do this? Take mental notes when conversing with someone. What activities does excite him? What’s his background? What are his hobbies? Then ask questions about these matters, and you’ll be surprised how the conversation keeps flowing.

  • Mirror the Other Person’s Brain

When we talk, the two halves of our brain operate differently—the right hemisphere is often emotional, while the left hemisphere is logical. When talking with someone, listen and identify which part of the brain they’re speaking from. Ask yourself, ‘Is he trying to express his feelings or trying to solve something?” If the conversation leans toward finding a solution to a problem, then respond logically by brainstorming with them. If the conversation sounds like the other person is just sharing his feelings, respond empathically with your emotional side.

  • Give Your Undivided Attention

Imagine having a dinner with your partner and he’s sharing a story with you, but you’re just constantly distracted by random things—your buzzing phone, passersby and the hustle and bustle around you. Unfortunately, getting distracted is too easy to tell for the other person, which can trigger them from disengaging from you. When talking with someone, try to eliminate distractions as much as you can. Turn your phone in silent—and non-vibrating—mode, maintain eye-to-eye contact and if the place is too loud or busy, consider moving to somewhere calmer and more peaceful. Showing an extra effort to communicate better cultivates trust and connection.

These are just a few of the many ways to help gain the trust of people and encourage them to have genuine conversation with you. In turn, these techniques will result in healthy and open communication. 

7 Benefits of Observing Good Posture

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In Singapore, work-related muscular and skeletal disorders have become more apparent. This is because in our time today, sitting all day is very apparent. We sit in front of computers, or slouch looking at our phones, all the while damaging our posture. But, even though we overlook it, maintaining proper posture can bring a lot of benefits.

  1. Holding a good image

A person with good posture may naturally display an air of confidence and/or status. Simply because an open and erect stance is observed to be dominant and influential. He/she may look smarter and more appealing to others. Plus, not slouching shows your actual height and reveals how tall you actually are.

  • More confidence

There’s another factor that causes increased confidence with proper posture, and that is testosterone. When we sit or stand upright, there will be a substantial increase in testosterone. As a result, we are able to take challenges well and we become more active and assertive.

  • Better breathing

Good posture allows us to maximize the use of our lungs and diaphragm. When we slouch habitually, the muscles and tissues surrounding the diaphragm and our chest cavity contracts.  This weakens the lungs’ and its capacity to take in more air.

  • Improved circulation

Much like improving our breathing, having a good posture also betters our blood circulation. When our muscles are loose, the blood vessels in its tissues are also able to function smoothly, keeping the blood flowing without any difficulty.

  • Increased concentration and productivity

When we breathe properly and when our blood flow runs smoothly, we keep are able to keep our brain fresh and energized. The better and the more blood and oxygen that flows to our brain can help improve our concentration and mental performance. 

  • Prevents back pain

A lot muscle pain and stiffness come as a result of poor posture. If we are able to maintain proper posture, this allows our muscles, joints, and bones to align properly. Accordingly, this helps to prevent and ease back pain. It also affects not only our back, but also the head, neck, and even the jaws. Good posture allows for the efficient movement of our muscles, hence reducing the possibility of injury and pain.

  • Healthy bones and muscles

Good posture has been shown to reduce the likeliness of the weakening and exhaustion of bones. Having a bad posture means your skeletal structure is in an abnormal position, giving unnecessary stress to the bones and muscles. This then makes it harder for the body to mitigate tension and pressure in the joints. In addition to this, keeping a poor posture may overwork your muscles and make them stiff.

Mistakes to Avoid When Speaking Publicly

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In Singapore, there actually are institutions to learn and improve in public speaking. But, many people get scared of it, and for understandable reasons. If you’re having difficulty with speech, you might be making some mistakes that you fail to notice too.

Inadequate preparation

Preparing your presentation or speech just before the event can be a recipe for disaster. Even though you think you’re good enough a speaker, it most likely won’t work very well. You might forget important points in your speech and even disorganize the whole presentation. 

Having enough preparation also extends to knowing your audience. Even if you’re well-prepared, it will not matter if you fail to connect with your audience.

Poor posture and body language

Good posture and body language can affect your voice, presence on stage, and your credibility as a speaker. Also, actions like fidgeting with your fingers, keeping your hands in your pockets, standing only in one place or not moving at all, and etc. can be very distracting. Of course, all this is warranted only if you have a purpose for doing these actions and you’re not doing them repeatedly.

Using too many jokes

Using humor to break the ice can be a great way to engage with your audience early on. But, you don’t want to use jokes too much throughout your presentation (especially with profound topics) as you’ll only look less serious. It’s hard to gauge the right timing and how much humor to use in a presentation. The only thing to remember is to be natural, humor will surely follow through.

Problems with our voice

  • Low/soft voice: If you think this isn’t much of a problem because there are microphones, not so fast. Having a soft voice can display a lack of influence and authority when speaking publicly. This can easily affect the audience’s attention and response to you as the speaker. If, for example, the audience gets bored and begin to chatter among themselves, chances are you’ll get overpowered by the noise and lose control.
  • Fast speech:Most people also don’t notice how fast they are speaking. Fast speech makes it difficult for the audience to understand you and only shows you’re nervous. A good tip to get fight against this is to practice your speech as slowly as possible, reading the words exaggeratingly slow. This may feel alienating at first, but it can definitely help. After a few rounds of slow reading, try increasing the pace but still focusing on your enunciation.
  • The case of fillers: In case you’re asking, examples of fillers are “um”, “like”, “ok”, and “uh”. Now, many people would say that for an effective presentation, you should completely get rid of these fillers to sound confident and scholarly.

There’s a big BUT here though. Try listening to a speech without any fillers and you’ll find that the voice is monotone, almost robotic. That simply means, completely abandoning the use of fillers isn’t really a good idea.

4 Effective Ways to Maintain a Long-Distance Relationship

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While most people, your friends included, may think that long-distance relationships don’t work out for long, there are ways that you and your partner can make it work – the first one being that you can see this as an opportunity to grow.

To keep your relationship alive and going strong, no matter the distance, here are a few crucial tips you can use to make it work between the two of you:

1. Communicate regularly, but not excessively.
You don’t really need constant communication twelve hours a day – you would get tired of “loving” faster than you would think, and burning out is the first way that relationships fizzle out.

Keep in mind that when it comes to long-distance communication, it’s not about spamming until you exhaust yourselves, but about sending messages and calling each other at the right time.

What you want to do is communicate regularly enough, such as texting each other “good morning” or “good night”, and updating your partner on what is happening with your life, however mundane it might seem.

2. Set ground rules beforehand.
Being clear with what you expect of each other during your time apart is one way you can be sure that neither of you will do anything that would surprise the other.

For instance, you need to discuss clearly if the two of you are exclusive or if it’s all right for either of you to be seeing or going on dates with other people – it’s important that the two of you have the same goals and are on the same page, especially if the two of you plan on settling down.

3. Don’t forget to talk dirty once in a while.
One of the most important things between couples is sexual tension and desire, a powerful glue keeping both parties together that’s not just a biological need, but also an emotional one that have made and broken countless relationships.

From sexy puns to provocative descriptions of sexual innuendos, you have a wide array of options at your disposal to keep the flames of your relationship burning hot – the trick is to get creative with them. And don’t forget that wink emoticon!

4. Add some spontaneity to the mix.
Mix up your regular communication schedules with the occasional surprise! For instance, sing to your partner over Skype, or send each other audio clips and short videos from time to time. It’s always the little things.

This also includes setting time aside to do similar things together, such as recommend books, TV shows, music suggestions, and even news. You can even read or go on a walk while video-calling each other at the same time.

A Guide to Using Scented Candles Safely and Responsibly

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Scented candles are a great way to unwind after a long day, and many people enjoy the flame and its sound as well as the burning aroma that makes scented candles highly inviting.

However, to get the maximum enjoyment from scented candles, it’s important to know how to use and place them, as well as the places where you can and can’t use them.

Places Where You Can’t Take Candles
Using scented candles seems easy enough – you place them on an open space, light them, and wait for their melted wax to waft through the room. You should pay extra attention to where you place them, as it may take longer or shorter for the vapors to melt into the air.

However, while scented candles are great for rest and relaxation, there are some instances where it can cause a potential fire hazard. Here are the few places where you really shouldn’t be taking scented candles:

• Rental homes – Most landlords don’t allow open flames because they pose fire hazards, and with paraffin scented candles, there’s always a possibility that they can release toxins into the closed air, even if the windows are open.

• Hotel rooms – Hotel rooms are especially keen on keeping their rooms free of any smells or scents, which means that all lighted flames, candles or otherwise, are definitely a no-no.

• The workplace – While the office can be really monotonous, bringing scented candles to your desk is definitely a no-no in almost all buildings – a better option is to use an electric wax melter instead.

Flameless Wax Candles
It’s fairly common to want to fall in love with the fragrances. However, if you want to enjoy your scented candles but can’t light them normally because of potential fire hazards, your next best option is to use an electric wax melter.

An electric wax melter is a safer, non-hazardous alternative to a lighter or a match, and lets you light scented candles easily by simply plugging it in.

Candle Safety Tips
If you prefer lighting up your scented candles using a match or a lighter, do keep these following safety tips in mind to minimize any risks:

• Keep hair and any loose clothing away from the open flame.

• Always pay attention to your burning candles. Before leaving the room or going to bed, be sure to put them out.

• Place all candles in an open space clear of any objects near them, especially flammable objects such as books.

• If your home uses an air conditioner, do not light your candles without turning them off and opening the windows beforehand.

• To make sure the candles don’t tip easily, place them in sturdy candle holders.

6 Warning Signs of a Failing Aircon Unit

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Like most appliances that are constantly used, an air conditioner is prone to a lot of problems. Although regular aircon servicing can help eliminate most of the minor problems, there are still some issues you need to watch out for by looking for warning signs. Call a trusted aircon servicing company in Singapore to fix cooling system when you notice the following:

• AC isn’t cooling or is blowing warm air. If the temperature from your Singapore AC is fluctuating and the air no longer cool, it might be caused by a clogged air filter, faulty compressor, or insufficient coolant levels. Regular aircon servicing can help eliminate most of the problems. Home AC repair will not only cool the room effectively but will also prevent restrictions in the coils, frozen parts, and accumulation of debris that will block clean air. Additionally, a regular inspection by an air conditioning services company will also correct a faulty thermostat which might be contributing to the problem.

• AC is frozen. This can be difficult to see just by looking at the exterior of the unit, but by the time it’s noticeable, the air conditioner is no longer working properly and there are extensive damages to the coils. Frozen units are caused by dirty coils, vents, and filters that prevent the cooling process from taking place. Sometimes the debris can even lead to refrigerant leaks if there is damage to the coils. Contact an aircon maintenance company to upkeep AC regularly and prevent this from happening.

• AC isn’t running at all. If the air conditioner doesn’t turn on or stops working after you turn it on, the unit could be experiencing problems with its circuit, condenser, motor, or a blown fuse. Or, the cause of the problem may also have happened over the time these professionals in Singapore install aircon, so it is important to call a technician to setup your AC unit properly. An AC system fitting also helps in guaranteeing your unit works on its optimal condition.

After checking whether the unit has been plugged or your circuit breaker has been tripped, check the condenser in the exterior unit to see if it’s running. Some can get their air conditioner working by lowering the temperature in the thermostat, but an aircon repair technician will be able to diagnose the problem more properly.

• AC makes strange noises. This is usually the first sign of a defective compressor. Most modern air conditioners can perform optimally without making a lot of noise, so clicks, bangs and rattles should alarm you. If the damage is extensive, the unit will also start to leak refrigerant, have poor airflow, and blow warm air. A noisy AC could also mean that a part is broken or loose. Turn off the unit and call a home AC repair crew to prevent more damage to the unit.

• AC emits bad odor. Fouls smells from the unit are not normal. It could be a sign that the ductwork is clogged and is home to mold or a wire is burnt. An aircon servicing crew can schedule regular cleaning and checkup to prevent these problems.

• AC frequently trips breaker. This happens when the compressing unit in the air conditioner is damaged. The compressor loses power, and this causes the circuit breaker to trip probably because it is drawing too much power and is overheating. Resetting the circuit breaker will not solve the problem and will only rack up the cost of aircon servicing in the future because of the extent of the damage.