Tag: Health

Society’s struggles with Covid-19

Damian NgLeave a comment

I have seen videos of those who are against mask wearing in the US asking others to take off their masks.

Isn’t it freedom of choice they are preaching? If so, it is the person’s choice to mask up as much as it is his/her right not to mask up.

Anyway, the recent years have been marred by violence and instability in many countries, including US. This is truly unfortunate.

However, it is understandable as we are all humans and we are flawed. Our biases blind us and our stubbornness and egos exacerbate our downfall. Instead of agreeing to disagree and finding common grounds, we argue and push our own narratives upon others and hate it when others do it back to us.

How do you discern facts from myth when people are getting information overload, especially in this Information Age?

In regards to Covid-19 and vaccination, at the time of writing this, I can only think of two – common sense and trust.

Common sense:
It is true that the vaccine is new and while there are efficacy studies, I can understand one’s hesitance towards it. However, personally, the alternative is the chance of Covid and the sickness, or even death, that it may bring. Thus, for me, I decided to go for the vaccine and to mask up as a personal choice.

Trust:
While I do not support the ruling party blindly, I trust that, generally, they are doing their part to ensure that Singapore continues to grow albeit working through challenges as to what kind of Singapore we want to grow towards, eg. a more compassionate one or one that promotes elitism, these are topics for debate at another time. Thus, I believe their narrative that our process to ensure vaccines are safe is sound.

As a Libra, I always try to stay neutral because I understand there are two sides of a coin. Not taking any sides but always hoping that logic would prevail and that we will evolve out of our flaws sooner than later.

Stay safe my friends and we will get through Covid-19 as we have with many other pandemics.

We are flawed but definitely resilient.

PS: Just a random ranting and I respect if you have other views. Feel free to comment but I will not be debating. 😊

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Let every other day be like Sundays

Damian NgLeave a comment

It is Sunday and I know it is a day of happiness for many, if not most. Why? Because it is the weekend and we do not have to report in for work.

But what if we can be generally happier every single day of the week? Wouldn’t that be awesome? Of course, Sundays will still be Sundays but the rest of the week can become so much more beautiful and less stressful.

So what is the trick? Simple and probably you would have know it as well – Exercise.

You may be thinking, “Oh… so it is the same old thing about exercise again.” or “Gosh, I thought he is going to share some unknown secrets or get happy quick pill.” It is true and to be honest, I love you so much that I want you to know that there aren’t any get–quick stuff in this world. We are all bogged down with our lives that we often find ways to succeed faster.

What I will do is that I will share with you practical ways to start getting healthy. I am a true believer of being able to do something sustainably, so that consistency is possible. With consistency, that is when success will get closer.

Before I share that, let me show you a scientific research on the correlation of happiness and fitness.

An ((> target=”_blank”>article from US National Library of Medicine concluded the following:

“Increasing physical activity volume was associated with higher levels of happiness. Although the influence of physical activity intensity appeared minimal, the association with happiness was domain specific and was strongest for “a lot” of domestic and/or “some” vocational physical activity.”

So here are my personal tips and practical ways on how I worked towards my health late last year, all while working in a hectic and stressful job dealing with demanding customers almost every other day.

  1. Commit to a simple workout routine that you can do every day.
    Yes, I do mean every day. It does not have to take 1 hour or even 20 minutes. Personally, I started my whole journey with a 30 squats challenge with a friend. Who would have known that this simple challenge of just 30 squats can change my life. I will share my before and after photo at the end of this post.

    1. Learn about nutrition
      This is the key. As they always say, fitness is 20% exercise and 80% diet. This cannot be further from the truth. I will share more on nutrition soon.
    2. Partner a friend
      Like how I shared earlier on how I started my fitness journey, partnering a friend helps in two ways. Firstly, it makes losing weight or keeping fit fun. You may even have a little competition. Secondly, it acts as a great support and accountability system. When I started, I told my friend that we have to Whatsapp each other everyday without fail. In this way, we would be able to focus on our goal, which was to complete the 30 days challenge. There will be days she would text me first to inform me that she has completed hers and there would be days that I texted first. This kept the momentum strong since it is on a daily basis. This was tremendously helpful to in my journey.
    3. Take photos of your progress
      Pictures paint a thousand words. On days that you get discouraged, the best way to get motivated again is by looking back at your photos, to the days you just got started and realize how much you have progressed. This always lift me up and help fuel my progress. Even when I got lost, in terms of diet or exercise, this always guide me back to the path.

I believe that many failed to make progress in their health because they have the improper mindset or perspective that maintaining it or keeping at it is so hard. Trust me, I was one of them. I could not give up on my rice. You cannot blame me because I am Asian and rice is our staple.

Remember, fitness does not have to be that hard. It can be simple, as simple as 30 squats a day. If you need coaching or guidance, you can connect with me too. I would be so humbled and honored if you would give me this opportunity to be your partner in your journey to health, happiness and success.

And now, for the progress photo I promised.

Instagram : @damian_wanderer

Fitness Progress (Nov 2015 – Mar 2016)

Please pardon my pink boxer. LOL.