The Power of Focus

Is ain't easy being a mom trying to juggle a full-time job with a family life without family member or domestic support. Working, managing the house chores , and raising 2 young children aged 3 and 1. Is it possible to balance work and family? The key is to FOCUS.

My focus is my children. I want my children to know that mommy is working and also taking care of their well being. PK shared a message which encouraged me to stay focused. The secret to concentration is elimination, cutting off every distraction.

 Success is not hocus pocus but focus. What  is your focus?

Litter Picking Day

Some time in May, my girl's childcare center was working in conjunction with the National Environment Agency (NEA) in the Keep Singapore Clean Programme. As part of the program, they have chosen a day as 'Litter Picking Day'.  The objective of this activity is to promote green awareness, educate our children on good social behaviours, and to spread the clean and green message within the neighbourhood.

Parents are encouraged to join, hence I joined my girl in this activity. As a parent, I play an important role to set as a role model to the children to keep our neighbourhood clean. This kindness movement set as a reminder for the family to take responsibility for our community.

The activity took place in Bishan Park. The children, teachers and parents were provided with "tools" to go around and collect litter. See my girl was so enthusiatic in picking up litter with her tongs.

We all have responsibilities to play our part to keep our country clean. Think twice before littering or leave a mess in public areas.

Keep Singapore Clean!

Dealing With HAZE

Haze has been a particular acute problem in Southeast Asia. This is due to fires burnt to clear land for agricultural uses. This is made worse by the the dry seasons and change in wind direction. Singapore is currently experiencing smog crisis from Indonesia forest fires.

The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hit an all-time high of PSI 371 at 1pm on Thursday, 20 June 2013.

The PSI value gives an indication of the air quality:

PSI Value/ Descriptor
0 to 50         Good
51 - 100       Moderate
101 - 200     Unhealthy
201 - 300     Very unhealthy
Above 300    Hazardous

Air pollutants, the particles can affect our body in numerous ways. From the nose, skin (eczema), eyes, to the airways and lungs, and hearts. The important thing is to stay calm and reduce the impact of haze on health by drinking lots of water to flush away any irritants that get into the airways, and eat more vegetables and fruits to beef up our immune system. When the air is too polluted (in unhealthy range), avoid outdoor activities. For asthmatic, children, elder and individual respiratory problems, it be better to stay indoor and avoid physical activity outdoors.

For those who are interested to know how does the haze hurt our body, here's an article published by Singapore General Hospital (SGH):

The haze is expected to persist for the next few days. Take care especially mummies with young children and elderly.