Healthy Habits

Teenagers and adults alike love to grab a cold drink once in a while. Bars in Singapore, for one, are always bustling with enthusiastic people especially when the weekend is near. It’s one way to reward oneself after a week’s worth of hard work, and not to mention, most social occasions also involve the presence of alcohol. However, it is important to note that alcohol isn’t ideal for everyone. There are certain cases where people are prohibited or discouraged from consuming too much alcoholic drinks, especially when their health is involved.

There is a different amount of recommended alcohol intake for every person. With that, it is important to always take into consideration how you can control your urges and avoid drinking beyond what is ideal. Keep in mind that to drink is a personal choice. The decision is entirely yours to make, hence it is crucial to wisely deliberate over it.

On handling issues involving alcoholic drinks, there are some guidelines you can adhere to in order to limit your intake depending on only how much your body can handle. Did you know that one way of being responsible over your alcohol intake is learning when to say No?

Figure where you stand on the issue of alcohol
Whether you like it or not, you shouldn’t be forced to fake it and be giddy over alcohol or indifferent towards it when you’re not. Stay true to yourself. If you dislike alcohol, then controlling yourself not to go overboard will be a piece of cake. This doesn’t mean you should worry if you’re an avid alcohol lover though, you’re good as long as you know your limits.

Don’t be swayed by peer pressure
Since drinking can become a social activity, there are instances where you’ll be forced to drink such as during rounds of drinking games. Regardless, you shouldn’t allow peer pressure to lure you in any further when you can’t handle it anymore. Do not make impulsive decisions without thinking over the potential consequences you may suffer. Learn how to say no!

Explain your situation, if necessary
If you are around people you feel comfortable with, simply explaining your situation will give them the idea as to why you’re consuming less alcohol. Chances are they’ll be more understanding and considerate, and they might even stop bugging you to take that next shot. You don’t have to go into further details. The mere knowledge of your complex cardiac condition will give them the idea that too much alcohol won’t be good for you.

Big crowd perks
Ah, the perks of drinking with a big crowd! Not only will the place be instantly livelier and easily filled with chattering noise, but there is also the likelihood nobody will really notice if you’re not drinking. Simply having a lemonade drink or cola will make people assume you’ve thrown gin or vodka in there as well.

Hobbies are not just a fun way to kill the time. According to science, creative pastimes like photography, knitting and cooking can also boost your performance at work. By choosing the right hobby, you will also be boosting your brainpower as you while away your weekends. Here are some activities worth trying to bump your mental prowess up a notch.

1. Reading
Escapism is a vital part of reading. And the feeling of leaving your own worries and entering a dream-like horizon to mind someone else’s is a way to relax while at the same time allowing your brain to work. From biographies and anthologies to fictions and graphic novels, reading helps diminish stress and allows you to experience different emotions and ways to deal with them. Plus, knowledge is power; the more you read the more wisdom you’ll discover.

2. Travelling
Travelling is expensive, but it doesn’t always have to be. Whether you go across the world or just to the next city, you will always learn something new. While it can be stressful sometimes, travelling gets rid of strain and forces it to focus on things that you wouldn’t typically do. It helps your brain’s functionalities and problem-solving abilities that go far beyond your everyday activities.

3. Playing an Instrument
Playing the guitar isn’t just a pastime; it is also a brain workout that exercises your cognitive control and supervisory system. Moreover, listening to music improves your memory capacity, as well as helps you appreciate cultural diversity. While it can be challenging to learn how to play an instrument, it’s a fun and fulfilling exercise that can lead to better productivity.

4. Meditation
One of the simplest indoor hobbies to practice is the art of meditation. It doesn’t only keep you healthy, but also helps boost concentration. Also, meditation helps eliminate depression, stress and anxiety. All these benefits, in turn, help improve overall productivity.

5. Embroidery
Embroidery is meditative in nature, too. There are many people who find pleasure in embroidering anything possible, be it a quote or their favourite cartoon character. This hobby boosts the creativity in you, as you try to give old clothes a new look.

6. Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is a full-body workout. This hobby doesn’t only let you maintain physical fitness and cognitive skills, but also provides many psychological and emotional benefits. Rock climbing promotes goal-setting and improves perseverance and confidence in you.

Leave the comfort of your sofa, and push yourself to the limit by finding meaningful hobbies that add value to your life. Find fun and creative hobbies that improve your body and mind, so that you’ll live happier and more productive life. Take any of the six hobbies mentioned above, and then see how much healthier and more productive you can be.