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How to Promote Professional Wellness in Your Career
Zakwan Shah
November 26, 2024
4 min
Being parents in this day and age is not what it used to be.
There is significantly more pressure to hustle, to grind and to climb that infamous corporate ladder. Work-life balance is all but absent.
We sacrifice so much for our family and oftentimes we don't even get to enjoy the fruits of our labour.
Our children may wait all night for us to come back home from work; or clock out, if you work from home. And that's not even the worse case scenario.
Many companies and offices can be toxic workplaces. Unfair wages, overbearing bosses, opportunistic colleagues, and unreasonable workloads are just the tip of the iceberg.
You may end up bringing work home with you. One way or another.
If not in physical paperwork, then in stress and depression.
Circumstances that may bleed into your family life. Potentially causing marital problems, poor parenting, neglected children and broken families.
Here's how to promote better professional wellness in your career as a working parent for better work-life balance.Set Clear Boundaries
If you've worked in the corporate world for any length of time, you're probably all familiar with the lingo companies may use to guilt employees into working beyond their pay—"We're all family here".
While the sentiment is noble, the intention is insidious.
Staying back won't earn you more money and even if it did, is it really worth it?
Clock in and clock out as per your contract states.
This is how you set boundaries to avoid any of your managers or colleagues taking advantage of you.Prioritise Your Mental and Physical Health
Most of us spend 40 hours a week or more at work. Either typing away at a desk, or standing for hours catering to the needs of fussy and demanding customers.
This translates as either being extremely sedentary or extremely overexerted.
For the former, it's important to get plenty of exercise after work or at the weekends.
For the latter, it's important to get plenty of rest, and not just the typical kind too where you sleep an entire afternoon away.
There are 7 types of rest: physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative and spiritual rest. Ask yourself which one are you most deprived of.Have An Identity Outside of Work
You are not your job.
And as much as we'd like to think our companies love and appreciate us, the unfortunate truth is all workers are replaceable.
A question you should start asking yourself often is "Who am I?".
If your first thought is "I'm an accountant" or "I'm a doctor" or "I'm a teacher", then it's time to reassess your identity.
Because those are answers we tell to other adults.
If that's the same answer you give yourself, it means you're letting your work consume your life.
Instead of those cliché answers, why not "I'm an adventurer" or "I'm a creative soul" or "I'm a nurturer"?
Infuse some dignity and authenticity into your self-image. These answers will lead you to a better career path that best resonates and aligns with your gifts and passions.Don't Abandon Your Dreams
We all had aspirations and goals before settling into a 9 to 5. Things we said we'd do but never found the opportunity to prioritise.
Whether that's starting your own business or starting a family, don't let work dictate your timeline.
Do what you love because life is short.
Yes, work puts food on the table and a roof over your head.
But don't we all have something greater we want to achieve? Make time for those abandoned dreams.
Just like us, they have an expiry date, too.Adjust Your Career
One thing that some employers may fear is the rise of remote and freelance work.
This means that work practices are significantly shifting in favour of employees.
After all, why would you waste on average 2 hours (or more, for some) of your life everyday commuting to and from work just to sit in an office? Unless your job calls for it, this is just needlessly added stress.
But many roles can in fact be done remotely—this is just one other thing the pandemic thought us.
If you think your current job is draining too much out of your life, don't be afraid to take the plunge. It's time to give toxic workplaces their due.
Remember, you and your health always come first.Building a Healthy Career
It's sad that some employers may think overworking their employees is a good use of resources.
Employees are humans too, with their own dreams and duties outside of what they do to make money.
For parents, raising children is probably one of the most important responsibilities they have.
But at the end of the day, it shouldn't just be the employees' responsibility to establish better work-life balance. Employers should play their part too in fostering a healthy working situation as well.
With the growing popularity of the 4-day work week and/or remote work, more and more employees can look forward to better employment practices.
Happy, well-rested employees end up having higher productivity at work. Probably because they're not burnt out and overly stressed all the time. They are able to maintain their fitness and diet, and have fewer sick days.
Employees always come first.
After all, even a queen is helpless without her worker bees. And that's something some companies would do well to remember.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
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Top Cafes in Penang You Have to Try in 2023
Marianne Lim
January 31, 2023
4 min
Pulau Pinang, or more commonly known as Penang, is famous for being a food paradise with a melting pot of cultures.
While the hawker food needs no introduction, they have seen a growth of unique modern cafes popping up across the island that serve impressive coffee and mouth-watering food—if you need a change from the usual local food fare.
Here are some of the top cafes in Penang to stop by and get your coffee fix when you’re in town!Norm Micro Roastery
Image source: Norm Micro Roastery Facebook page
Norm Micro Roastery is one of the top cafes in Penang that is also a coffee roaster.
Situated in the heart of the business district, they serve espresso-based coffee and hearty meals with a local twist.
Tuck into their duck benedict with tom yam hollandaise, creamy mushroom and onion mousse, smoked chilli jam scrambled eggs, duck and carrot risotto and more.
Besides caffeinated drinks, they also have some house specialty beverages like osmanthus pear, smoky grapefruit, matcha yuzu and their housemade kombucha.
The cafe is also pet-friendly, so bring along your furry friends for a treat!Address: 13, Gat Lebuh Gereja, George Town
Contact no: 016-527 6273
Facebook page: Norm Micro Roastery
Instagram page: norm.micro.roastery
Opening hours:
Sunday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.The Table Penang
Image source: TheTable Penang Facebook page
The Table Penang is one of the most popular halal cafes in Penang.
The Muslim owned eatery serves coffee, tea, Western food and spaghetti. Don’t miss out on their buttermilk pasta, croffles with ice cream, 100% Australian beef burgers and more.
For those looking for a spicy kick, they also have nasi ayam penyet and other rice dishes.Address: 27, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10200 George Town
Contact no: 012-385 3892
Website: the-table-penang.business.site
Facebook page: TheTablepenang
Instagram page: thetablepenang
Opening hours:
Monday - Sunday, 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.Kota Dine & Coffee
Image source: Kota Dine & Coffee Facebook page
Kota Dine & Coffee is a halal-certified unique dining venue where you can feast within a historical and iconic landmark.
Located at Fort Cornwallis, you can immerse yourself in the heritage of Penang and head to the cafe to enjoy the flavours of traditional Peranakan cuisine.
Whether it’s a gathering with friends or a family reunion, it’s an experience not to be missed!Address: Fort Cornwallis, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, 10200 George Town
Contact no: 04-371 4929
Website: www.kotafortcornwallis.com
Facebook page: Kota Dine & Coffee - when Francis meets rempah
Instagram page: kotadine_coffee
Opening hours:
Wednesday - Monday, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Closed on TuesdaysConstant Gardener Coffee
Image source: Constant Gardener Coffee Facebook page
Constant Gardener Coffee is a tiny multi-roasters coffee shop that serves specialty coffees.
The cosy little cafe is a place that brings people together over coffees, hot chocolates and filtered coffees! They’ve created their own little vibe with good coffee, tasteful decor and a feel-good playlist for their space.
While there’s not much to munch on here, they do serve some sweet treats to pair with their black and white coffee.
Not a coffee drinker? They have plenty of other beverages to choose from too, such as fresh pure juices, teas, oat milk, and their highly raved chocolate drinks.Address: Ground Floor, Penang Chinese Chamber Of Commerce Building, 9, Lebuh Light, 10200 George Town
Contact no: 011-6078 7883
Website: constantgardener.coffee
Facebook page: Constant Gardener Coffee
Instagram page: constantgardenercoffee
Opening hours:
Monday - Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.3 Leg Cat Cafe 三脚猫
Image source: 3 Leg Cat Cafe 三脚猫 Facebook page
If you’re looking for a space that has a fun and entertaining ambience, then head over to 3 Leg Cat Cafe at Bayan Lepas.
The creative side of the cafe can be seen through their decor, their artistic menu and the meticulous plating and embellishing of their food.
Besides a wide-range of mouth-watering cakes, they also serve burgers, wraps, pastas, snacks, local delights and fusion food.
You won't want to miss their Nasi Lemak Kok Kok rice, Italian braised lamb shank or Shashuka baked eggs!Address: The Golden Triangle, 29-1-62, 11900, Jln Paya Terubung, Relau, 11900 Bayan Lepas
Contact no: 012-427 3021
Facebook page: 3 Leg Cat Cafe 三脚猫
Instagram page: 3legcatcafe
Opening hours:
Sunday - Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Closed on Thursdays
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
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Late Motherhood: Benefits of Having a Child Later in Life
Zakwan Shah
November 13, 2022
3 min
Society has put an unreasonable amount of pressure on women to reproduce as soon as they reach childbearing age. In some cultures, girls may even be peddled off into forced and arranged marriages as soon as they get their first period.
The same pressure is surprisingly absent for men, who are not bound by the same biological limitations that prevent them from having children past a certain age.
But times are changing. More and more women are putting themselves as first priority over starting a family. Many may withhold marriage and children until they have achieved success within their careers.
For a majority of these women, settling down no longer has the same appeal as it once did. But for others, having babies and starting a family has always been part of the plan.
If you're a prospective mother who society may deem as 'older', here's more reasons why you should not listen to the naysayers.You're More Financially Stable
Financial security is such an important, but often overlooked part, about parenthood. Moreover, parents who constantly worry about money can often imprint their anxiety onto their children.
The baby is then continually exposed to this stressful environment, which is not the most conducive environment for their mental and physical development.
What's worse, you may end up depriving your little one of all the magic and wonder of childhood, the toys, the books, the treats, just so you can make next month's rent.
So older mothers who have high-paying, established careers will definitely not face this problem. Allowing their kids to thrive in all the ways they should.Your Child Will be Smarter
There's some compelling evidence that shows how children born to older mothers tend do better in school.
A study revealed that children born to mothers between the ages of 25 to 29 performed better in cognitive tests than those who were 10 years younger. This may also correlate back to the previous point.
Financially stable mothers are able to afford better education for their kids. Leading to better learning outcomes and higher IQ over all. Children born to older mothers also tend to be more mature, and use more advanced vocabulary.You're Better Prepared
Both emotionally and mentally. We often don't take into account the emotional maturity that some young parents lack. When their child yells, they yell back.
But older parents may be wiser, calmer and far more equipped in dealing with temper tantrums and other growing pains. Moreover, women don't reach full maturity until they're 32 years old.
For men, it's not until they're way past their forties before they 'wise up'. Talk about a late bloomer.You Have a Healthier Brain
Hormones are a funny thing. In the case of late motherhood, they can actually be the proverbial fountain of youth that can help stave off the unpleasant effects of cognitive decline.
Getting pregnant in your late twenties can actually keep your brain young. Protecting you from dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions.
So, while your golden girlfriends may already be forgetting their names, you'll probably stay as sharp as a tack.You Live Longer
If you're an older mum, you can look forward to longer sunset years because studies show that women who have babies at 35 are more likely to reach past their nineties.
If you think that you're going to miss out on those precious moments just because you got pregnant in your late thirties, think again. You're going to be there for all of your grandchildren's birthdays, school recitals, and yes, even weddings.It's Never too Late
While experts don't recommend having a baby too late, it's generally okay, and may even be beneficial. Even if you're in your late thirties, it's never too late to start a family.
Late motherhood does come with many challenges though, especially when it comes to fertility. The most important thing is to control your stress levels, maintain a healthy diet, exercise and avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Then, you'll hopefully have a baby in no time.
Delayed motherhood is still motherhood. And any child is lucky to have you in their lives.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
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Ultimate Cosy Cafes in Melaka to Get Your Coffee Fix
Marianne Lim
January 31, 2023
4 min
Malacca is known for its rich cultural heritage, with plenty of breath-taking historical sites to see and explore.
Besides that, the town has also seen an explosion of quaint cafes that blend modern coffee techniques with the Peranakan culture to create a unique experience.
Here are some of the best cafes in Melaka that are worth stopping by for a cuppa when you’re in town for a visit.The Daily Fix Cafe
Image source: The Daily Fix Cafe Facebook page
The Daily Fix Cafe is one of the first cafes in Melaka to bring the Australian cafe culture to the city.
It's a hidden gem amongst all that Jonker Street has to offer as it is tucked away behind a souvenir shop along the popular tourist street.
Once you've found your way into the cafe, you'll be taken back to the olden times with their homely antique decor-style.
The cafes serve breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Don't miss out on their breakfast options like eggs Benedict, French toast and pancakes that pairs beautifully with their range of espresso-based coffee.
For those seeking for a light bite, their homemade cakes are also a hit with their customers.Address: 55, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Contact no: 013-290 6855
Facebook page: The Daily Fix Cafe
Instagram page: thedailyfixcafe
Opening hours:
Monday - Sunday, 9:45 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.Bica & Co Courtyard Cafe
Image source: Bica & Co Courtyard Cafe Facebook page
Bica & Co Courtyard Cafe is one of the more popular cafes in Melaka that is halal.
It's a lifestyle cafe that serves local and western favourites, barista coffee and a mouth-watering range of desserts.
Located in the courtyard of Rosa Malacca Hotel, it is a modern contemporary space with a rustic industrial design that creates a relaxing ambience.
The glass wall allows plenty of natural daylight in, making it a totally Instagram-worthy venue!
They have pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, pastas and more.Address: 212, Jalan Parameswara, Kampung Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka
Contact no: 06-281 9888
Website: rosa.com.my/eat
Facebook page: Bica & Co Courtyard Cafe
Instagram page: bicaandco
Opening hours:
Monday - Sunday, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.The Stolen Cup
Image source: The Stolen Cup Facebook page
This charming cafe is also located at Jonker Street in Malacca's Chinatown.
Famed for its pastries and coffee, it's a great place to catch a breather after a day of hunting the best bargains on the main street.
Sink your teeth into their flaky and soft danish, or tuck into a hearty Big Brekkie, the breakfast of champions that is filled with mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans, bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs and a slice of their homemade sourdough!
Their pastries are also baked in house with imported French butter and flour, carefully crafted and rolled with love to ensure flawless layers.Address: 12, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Contact no: 017-789 5205
Facebook page: The Stolen Cup
Instagram page: thestolencup
Opening hours:
Thursday - Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Backlane Coffee
Image source: Backlane Coffee Facebook page
If you're looking for another place to cafe hop along Jonker Street, be sure to check out Backlane Coffee.
Conveniently located beside the famous stage on the street, you definitely won't miss the cafe's modern industrial exterior with a touch of old school charm.
They serve brunch options like shaksuka baked egg, beef fry up, scramble egg on toast, avocado & bagel, and their version of a big breakfast served on a board.
Besides that, they also have sandwiches, donburi rice bowls, pastas and desserts.Address: 129, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Contact no: 06-282 0542
Website: savourgroup.com
Facebook page: Backlane Coffee
Instagram page: backlanecoffee
Opening hours:
Thursday - Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Closed on WednesdaysTrois by navy
Image source: Trois by navy Facebook page
Trois by navy is a quaint little cafe that is perfect for a little get together with your friends or for a celebration with the whole crew.
They're not afraid to add local flavours into their menu, with items like Gula Melaka Latte, Gula Melaka French Toast, Tom Yam Popcorn Chicken, Mala Chicken Breast and Coconut Affogato.
Besides that, they are also popular for their smoothie bowls and desserts.
You can also set sail to the cafe and enjoy their sandwiches, brunch options, burgers, pastas and more.Address: 68, Jalan Kubu, Kampung Tiga, 75300 Melaka
Contact no: 017-666 6662
Facebook page: Trois by navy
Instagram page: troisbynavy
Opening hours:
Tuesday - Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
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Daddy Talks: Do Men Have a 'Time of the Month'?
Zakwan Shah
September 21, 2022
5 min
Crimson tide. Shark week. Moon cycle. The 'time of the month'. Women have been using creative and punny terms to describe their periods for decades.
In some cultures, a girl's first period is a sacred and special time. An important life experience that marks her maiden voyage into womanhood. A journey fraught with emotional turmoil, surely not something that men have the capacity to understand, right?
Popular culture has groomed us to believe that women are slaves to their hormones. But what about men? Could they too be experiencing something similar?
In this article, we'll be answering another burning question that women may have for men. Do guys have their own version of 'the time of the month'? Read on to find out.The Myth of the 'Man Period'
While periods have and will always be part of the female experience, many people often make remarks about the existence of the 'male period'.
The 'male period' is a hypothetical window of time when a man supposedly experiences their own version of a menstrual cycle—with symptoms comparable to those of women.
And we're using the word menstruation here very loosely. Despite having the word 'men' in it, menstruation is biologically impossible for men to experience.
However, if you're a woman who has been living with a man for most of your life (brothers, fathers, husbands, sons), you may start seeing relatively subtle patterns of this phenomenon.
Patterns that bear a striking resemblance to your own PMS symptoms (mood swings, cravings, fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, etc). They may often not always be obvious and predictable, but still noticeable enough to raise eyebrows.
This is because just like women, men have hormones too! The most important one being testosterone, which greatly affects how we function physically, mentally and sexually.
And just like women, our hormones rise and fall according to certain times.The (Men)strual Cycle
To answer the question of whether men get periods: to put it simply, no. But we do go through hormonal fluctuations, although to a much lesser extent. Men typically have a 24-hour hormonal cycle compared to women who experience both daily and monthly changes.
This is the basic lowdown of a man's daily (men)strual cycle.Early Morning
This is when men experience the highest level of testosterone in their body, marked by the tell-tale 'morning wood', which is a good indication of a man's sexual health.
The morning is when your man is at their best (and sometimes their worst). We are often more confident at this time of day. More assertive, energetic, focused and driven (but also sometimes a little bit aggressive and competitive).
By the way, we also have a higher libido in the morning.Midday
Our testosterone dips a little come lunchtime, when we start to mellow out. But only by a fraction. Not nearly enough for anyone to see a difference.
We still have a lot of energy, motivation and focus to carry on being productive at work. But we're also a bit more receptive and cooperative with others.Evening
As the evening approaches, our testosterone dips and we start to get tired and have trouble concentrating. Depending on how the day went, we may be a lot more agreeable, gentle and nurturing.
This is usually the time when you can ask for favours or requests. We usually have our guard down when our testosterone levels are low.The Irritable Male Syndrome
Coined as an antithesis to PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), IMS is the colloquial term for when a man experiences his (man)struation. A period of relatively low testosterone marked by depression, weight gain, and of course irritability.
However, unlike the female period, men do not go through consistent bouts of PMS, although they do share many similarities:- depression or low mood
- low libido
- insomnia
- irritability and mood swings
- weight gain
- fatigue
- headaches
- food cravings
- changes in appetite
However, these symptoms may vary between each individual. This is because not everyone is exposed to the same stressors and triggers. In this case, the male hormonal cycle is significantly more susceptible to our environment, habits and way of life.
Stress, sleep, diet, physical activity, weight and age all affect our testosterone levels. Which is why the typical 'man period' symptoms are more apparent in some men than in others.
If you suspect your man is suffering from low testosterone, here are some things that can help him out.Other Factors that Affect Testosterone Levels
To make things even more complicated, temperature, weather and sun exposure also affect the male hormonal cycle—with hotter and sunnier seasons resulting in higher testosterone levels.
Studies also show that in seasonal countries, testosterone is generally higher in the spring and summer and plummets during the autumn and winter months.
Certain activities are also thought to either increase or decrease testosterone levels. Working out, playing video games, watching an action movie, and abstinence (sperm retention) are thought to boost testosterone.
On the other hand, stress, poor sleep, and obesity are thought to lower testosterone. There are also some studies that show fatherhood can cause a man to experience lower testosterone compared to unmarried or single men. This is when they start gaining a few extra pounds here and there.
So, you can see why the 'man period' is an unpredictable, inconsistent phenomenon that is poorly researched.Men Have Hormones Too
At the end of the day, we are all at the mercy of our hormones. For men, their surroundings and life events may play an even more important role in how their hormonal cycles wax and wane.
When it all comes down to it, the 'male period' is not a normal, healthy biological phenomenon. Not in the way female menstruation is. For women, periods are a natural part of their reproductive function. It prepares their body for the creation of new life.
For men, having a 'period' is a warning sign of much more serious underlying causes that need to be addressed. Whether that's poor sleep, poor diet, stress, and even a legitimate condition that results in naturally low testosterone baseline.
So, ladies, if your man is going through frequent or even unseasonable (man)struations, it's time to figure out what's wrong.
Period.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
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