Thai Odyssey Blog

6 ways to show appreciation on Parents’ Day

Like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Parents’ Day recognises, and uplifts the important role of parents. In fact, it is the perfect time to do something special together as a family and say “thank you” to your parents for everything they have done in our lives. If you need ideas to celebrate both parents, we have 6 ideas for you to make your parents feel appreciated and loved. It doesn’t have to be hard and complicated because in the end of the day, they just want to see that you put a little thought into spending quality time together as a family.

Commit your time

Whether you live at home, or you are just coming to visit, intentionally committing the day to your parents shows that you want to spend time with them. The fact that you commit the whole day to spend time together with them will instantly make them feel grateful, which your parents will truly appreciate.

Prepare breakfast

Showing up early, putting in the effort to make breakfast and serving it before your parents have done any work for the day shows that you remembered the effort they have put every morning in the past, such as preparing breakfast and sending you to school in the morning as you were growing up. Having them wake up feeling happy will make their day special and meaningful.

Handwritten card

To go along with breakfast, craft a note to your parents telling them about all the positive things they did for you. The important roles of parents can sometimes feel unnoticed, so showing that you recognise what they have done for you will let them know that they have done a great job as parents!

Clean their house and wash their car

Surprise your parents by doing these things, preferably in the morning as your parents can wake up to the great feeling of having nothing to do. Parents like to feel special especially when their kids are particular about being clean and tidy; hence your parents will really appreciate it.

Cook dinner

Find out your parents favourite dishes and cook for your parents, if possible something healthy of course. This will definitely make their hearts melt, and it will show how much you care about their health and know that you can take good care of yourself.

Treat them to a relaxing massage

Surprise and pamper your parents to a relaxing massage to give them a well-deserved break. Now at Thai Odyssey, with the Wonder-parents Treat, purchase with e-cash and get up to RM300 FREE! Join them too, and we assure you that it will make their day an unforgettable one. Here is to wishing all parents `Happy Parents’ Day’, from all of us at Thai Odyssey…

 

Did you know that Songkran festival is celebrated so massively that it puts Thailand as one of the world’s most happening countries in the map? Celebrated during Thai summer from 13^th April until 15^th April, Songkran festival is refreshing, exciting and definitely an event everyone has to experience, at least once in a lifetime.

Yes we all know that water is essence for life, and you should also know that it is an important element for Songkran too. Pouring and throwing of water has become a huge part of this celebration, so don’t be surprised if you get splashed on randomly during this 3 days celebration. You will see crowds of people roaming around throwing buckets of water, using water guns and water bombs to soak everyone in the vicinity.  If you want to be part of this refreshing and meaningful celebration, here are 6 recommended hot spots for you to join in the fun:

Silom in Bangkok

Silom is Bangkok’s business area and it is known for its large and wild crowd in Bangkok, mainly because it takes up at least 5km length of this street. Packed with thousands of people with water guns shooting at each other, the highlight of this area is to spot the fire trucks ambushed at each intersection with their huge water hoses spraying at the crowd. Also there is an alternative for those who want to experience Songkran but stay dry by staying on the BTS Sky Walk that runs above the street.

Khao San Road

This area is known as the happening tourists spot! Unlike at Silom street, once you’re in the battlefield, there is no escape in getting soaked wet. The surrounding of Khao San Road is usually pumped up with loud music as there are waterproof shacks set up with bars and DJs along the road. Those who enjoy water fights and partying hard at the same time should definitely experience the celebration here!

Wisutkasat

Taking place in the Wisutkasat area during Songkran festival is the Miss Songkran Beauty Pageant contest. This event is held every year during Songkran where these beautiful local women will be judged by the audience. Just like every other beauty pageant contests, these women are judged not only by their outer beauty but also their unique talents which they must display to impress the audience. The pageant is traditionally accompanied by a parade and merit-making ceremony. An event certainly worth to check out if you are in town during Songkran!

Phra Pradaeng

If you want to experience a more traditional Songkran celebration, you should certainly check out Phra Pradaeng district which is located on the outskirts of Bangkok. Celebrated a week after the Thai New Year, the locals in Phra Pradaeng will not only splash water at each other, but they will also put together folk dances, parades, Thai-Raman flag ceremony, fireworks and other array of cultural activities to celebrate the New Year.

Chiang Mai

In Chiang Mai, Songkran is celebrated for 4 days instead of the usual 3-day celebration. With the first two days dedicated for traditional and spiritual activities and spending quality time with the family. On the first day, the locals will organise a parade of Buddha images and floats that start at Narawat Bridge and end at Wat Prasingh. On the second day, they will head to Mae Ping River at dusk to gather sand from the river banks to take to temples. The sand is then piled together and topped with flowers. This practice is known as “raising the temple grounds”, a ritual that is done at the end of the rainy season, which coincides with the end of the old Thai Lunar Calendar. Finally the two remaining days will be spent having fun and devoting to `sanuk’ (to have a good time).  Foreigners even claimed that this city is the best place to experience the celebration.

Ayutthaya

If you are an animal lover and would want to get water sprayed on by elephants, head down to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage and home to one of Thailand’s most popular elephant camps. Experience a unique kind of Songkran celebration where colourfully painted elephants will join in the water fight by spraying people with water from huge barrels of water. It became a tradition for elephants to spray water at whoever who passes them by to mark the country’s New Year celebration and to get rid of bad luck and bring in good fortune.

So if you’re planning to celebrate Songkran in Thailand, just enjoy the celebration and have fun. With that, Thai Odyssey would like to wish all Thai people `sawasdee pee mai!’

 

References:

http://www.bangkok.com/information-festivals/songkran.htm

http://www.asiaone.com/travel/first-timers-guide-songkran-thai-new-year-water-festival

http://www.tasteofthailandfoodtours.org/best-places-to-celebrate-songkran-in-bangkok/

In Malaysia, Genting Highlands is known as one of the top destination to visit for foreigners and even the locals as you can find all sorts of entertainment and activities to do there. Also, thanks to its cooling weather all year round, the locals will find an excuse to just drive up for a cup of coffee and enjoy the cool breeze. Located just approximately an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, getting there is so accessible as you can either choose to drive or take the cable car(Gondola) all the way up. If you are planning to visit Genting anytime soon, here are 6 things we recommend you to do to make your trip a memorable one with your family or friends.

Pick strawberries at Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm

Before heading up to Resorts World Genting (RWG) by either car or the cable car, you can stop by Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm to pick fresh strawberries. Usually, people will stop here either during their journey on the way up to the highland or on their way down leaving for home for its peaceful and beautiful environment. There is also a Lavender Farm and various flowers grown around the area where you can take beautiful photos.

Visit the great Chin Swee Cave Temple

This temple was built in 1976 especially for worshippers to visit the temple and pray to Buddha and Kwan-yin, where their majestic sculpture is placed behind the temple. You can test your stamina and climb the nine-storey pagoda for a spectacular view of the valley. The temple also houses many turtles in a small pond and it is believed that if you release turtles there, you will gain good luck and fortune for yourself.

Discover nature and technology at Fashion Forest

If you are a nature lover and would like to experience the surrounding of a forest with diverse flora and fauna, then Fashion Forest is the place to be. Genting Highland’s Fashion Forest is located in Awana’s own backyard. However, what makes this place unique is the fact that the forest is wifi-enabled with fairly good coverage at all areas. It is an initiative done by Resorts World Genting and Treks to contemporise the forest by introducing arty, fashionable and modern educational concepts to visitors. So bring your friends and family for a healthy outing of trekking adventure in Fashion Forest and share your memorable experience through social media.

Go on a shopping spree at Genting Premium Outlets

This is another shopping spot to look forward to, especially for brand enthusiasts. Genting Premium Outlet is the second premium outlet in Malaysia and it is always packed with people on weekends and public holidays. With over 150 brands sold there, including Hugo Boss,Coach, Michael Kors, Kate Spade and more, the ongoing sale is definitely worth your time and visit, hence it is a heaven for avid shoppers. This place is made accessible via Awana SkyWay too, so after a long day spent there, don’t forget to loosen those tensed muscle of yours at Thai Odyssey…

Take a ride on the Awana SkyWay Cable Car 

The breath-taking ride up the mountain begins at Awana SkyWay Station where you can disembark at two stops to explore the attractions around Resorts World Genting. You can stop by at Chin Swee Station or continue your journey up until SkyAvenue shopping mall. Best part is, when you travel back to Awana SkyWay station after a long day of exploring, you can pamper yourself to a therapeutic Thai healing at Thai Odyssey, located at Lot 3-1, Level 3 Awana SkyWay Station. Treat yourself to any of their authentic Thai massages, from Traditional Thai Massage to even a Traditional Foot Massage. Your day will turn out a great satisfaction!

Shop and eat at SkyAvenue Shopping Mall

As mentioned before, this mall is situated at the highest peak of Genting and it is where most of the retail outlets and eateries are located. SkyAvenue Mall also boast a world-class LED display that spreads across an entire atrium within the mall which makes the mall look futuristic. If you are feeling lucky, you can even try your luck at the SkyCasino. SkyAvenue definitely has a variety of entertainment in store for you, not forgetting eating and shopping till you drop.

There you have it, 6 of our recommended activities to do in Genting! Also, another reason for you to come back in the future is the most anticipated theme park in Malaysia, 20^th Century Fox World. Currently, the theme park is under construction and is expected to be completed by end of 2018 or early 2019. This upcoming attraction is going to be bigger and better especially for adrenaline junkies as it features over 25 rides and attractions based on 20^th Century Fox movies including Planet of the Apes, Alien vs. Predator, Night at the Museum and many more…

As you can see, it is proven that Genting Highlands is a destination for all ages to enjoy, so don’t forget to check this list when you are visiting soon!

Reference:
https://www.klnow.com.my/english/sky-casino-genting-highland/

http://www.doseoflife.com/5-exciting-things-resorts-world-genting/

Did you know that Batam is located across the sea from Singapore, which takes only 40 minutes on a speed boat to reach there? If you are planning for an affordable and short weekend getaway, Batam would be the ideal destination to visit. There are a lot of activities and places of attraction in Batam to keep you occupied, and if you are a fan of snorkeling or diving opportunities – you will definitely be amazed by the incredibly clear water and underwater living in this part of Indonesia. Here are some of the things you must do while you are in Batam, Indonesia…

Discover Penyengat Island

There are a lot of beautiful islands surrounding Batam Island itself and they are all great destinations for day trips for a getaway. One that we can recommend is the famous Penyengat Island, where you can spend approximately two hours walking around the area. You will get to experience how the locals live their life there and also catch the amazing view of the sun setting. Also, don’t forget to visit the legendary Yellow Mosque (Masjid Kuning) which is the ultimate landmark of the island, where it is believed that eggshells were used in its construction to make the walls stronger.

 

Visit Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple

This temple was built in 1991 and it is known as the biggest temple in South East Asia with a measurement of 4.5 hectares. If you are looking to find Zen and inner peace within yourself, you should visit this temple and be inspired by the different types of Buddha sculptures here, as well as the beautiful carvings of twelve zodiac signs which is placed opposite the temple. There are also sections for devotees to pray and burn incense for blessings. You will also find a clinic, vegetarian restaurant, and school inside the temple.

Sunbath at Nongsa Beach

What is the point of visiting an island, if you are not heading to the beach! With that being said, it is a must to visit Nongsa Beach as it is known as one of the best beaches around Batam. This beach is especially less crowded and has a serene atmosphere to enjoy sunset dinners with your loved ones. It is perfect for those who wants a peaceful environment to retreat, with several eateries and resort nearby the beach.

Go Scuba Diving or at least give it a try

If water is your element, then you should try Scuba Diving at least once here! The well-known diving spots located offshore from the main Batam Island are Hantu Island, Labun Island and Petong Island. You can obtain an official diving certificate at Batam Island at an affordable price and get trained by professional divers. Whereas, if you are already an experienced diver, you will be amazed by the amazingly clear water here and watch a huge selection of aquatic life such as sharks, rays and turtles. If scuba diving is too heavy for your liking, you can even just snorkel around the shallow areas with your family and friends.

Pamper yourself with massage & spa sessions

One of the main reasons many people go for an island getaway is to either seek rest or to retreat from the city. Taking advantage to pamper yourself during a getaway is a must, hence while you are in Batam Island, you will notice that there are a myriad of spa and massage centres to choose from. However, it is always wise to choose one where quality matters, especially when it comes to highly skilled massage therapists just like the ones found in Thai Odyssey. The largest Traditional Thai Massage chain in South East Asia is located in Nagoya Hill Superblock and it takes approximately 10-15 minutes drive from Harbour Bay (closest ferry terminal). The outlet spreads over 800 square metres for locals and tourists to rejuvenate in this sanctuary of serenity. Choose from Thai Traditional Massage, Thai Aromatherapy Massage, Thai Herbal Therapy,  to even just a 1-hour Traditional Foot Massage to complete your meaningful day.

Go on a feasting adventure

When you are on a vacation, food hunting has to be one of the top things to do because that’s how you familiarise yourself with the place. At Batam, besides indulging in a rejuvenating massage, make sure to also indulge and enjoy all the seafood delicacies in the region. The most popular seafood restaurant in Batam is called Wey Wey Seafood, whereas other three top picks for seafood in the city include Sei Enam (The best restaurant in Batam according to TripAdvisor), Rezeki Seafood and Harbour Bay Seafood. These three restaurants are approximately 30 minutes away from Nagoya Hill Superblock where Thai Odyssey is located. Don’t leave Batam without having some seafood dishes!

Enjoy duty-free shopping

Good news for shopaholics because Batam is also well-known for its duty free haven. Many Singaporeans will make a trip to Batam for a day just to shop for anything they need or want before heading back. Check out Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall and Mega Mall Batam Centre where everything is sold at unbelievably-low prices. Batam may just be an island but that does not mean that it does not have shopping malls for you to splurge in.

There you have it, our top things to do while you’re in Batam Island. With the assistance on the list we provided, your trip is as good as well-planned with fun-filled and relaxing activities. You and your loved ones will most certainly want to come back for more…

References:

http://discoveryourindonesia.com/things-to-do-in-batam/

https://trip101.com/article/best-things-to-do-in-batam-center-indonesia

 

Chinese New Year is just around the corner and if you are planning to spend the long weekend by staying back in KL, there are still plenty of things you can do to make your holiday worthwhile. Best part is, the traffic crawl would not exist during peak hours and driving around KL will be a breeze. So this is your chance to wander around the city and make the most out of it!

Visit buildings and monuments

Since the traffic in KL will be eased during Chinese New Year, take a drive around the city and visit places like Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Tower, Merdeka Square, or even Batu Caves and be inspired by our country’s architectural creativity or if you want to feel the Chinese New Year ambience, head down to Petaling Street in Chinatown and admire the beautifully decorated decades -old chinese temple located there.

Shopping malls hopping

We always go to shopping malls to shop, but this time you should visit all major malls in KL such as 1Utama, Mid Valley Megamall, Pavillion or Sunway Pyramid for their over-the-top Chinese New Year themed decorations. If you are in the mood, you can even find out about the mall’s event happening on specific days to catch performances like the traditional lion dance, traditional drums performance, acrobatic shows and more…(Visit http://happygokl.com/events-chinese-new-year-2018/ to find out more about the events.)

Pamper yourself day

Nothing beats treating and spoiling yourself good to a day of rest and rejuvenation, especially during the holidays, because you don’t have to rush anywhere. Make an appointment anytime this Chinese New Year at Thai Odyssey for a session of Traditional Thai Massage or Aromatherapy Massage, and while you are at the outlet, you can even purchase any of their spa products to bring home, such as the aroma bath gel, essential oil, eye pillow to perhaps help catch up on that sleep you need.

Catch up on lunch and dinner dates

It is the best time to catch up with friends during the festive holidays especially those who aren’t celebrating the event, because on normal working days, everyone’s schedule is always tight. Yes, it may be Chinese New Year and most hawkers and independent cafes will be closed for a few days, but you can always head to any local `mamak´ or check out any new hipster cafes’ to fill up your tummy and just chill…

Enjoy nature at its best!

You’ve already spent most of your days in the office and barely have the time to enjoy the nature, so why not take this break to go outdoors? You can visit the KL Eco Forest Park and enjoy some fresh air, a variety of trees and well-maintained walking trails. Entrance is free of charge, so you save some money and lose some calories!

There you have it – 5 chilling, yet meaningful things to do during Chinese New Year if you don’t have any special plans to celebrate the event. It is your time to reflect, rejuvenate and relax before you return to your normal daily routines of life. With that being said, have a chilling’ Chinese New Year folks!

Indeed any physical activities represent an important part of any weight-loss or weight-maintenance effort, but the main purpose of this is to stay healthy in the long run. However, the fact is many of us always set a resolution or goal in becoming better than the year before, unfortunately also many of us don’t usually adhere to it even within the first week. With the rate of obesity and depression cases rising rapidly, we think it is time for a positive change in your health. Luckily in this era, everyone has the opportunity to be fit and healthy as there are plenty of workouts to choose from. All you have to do is find a style of workout that you enjoy; prep your mind to it and GO FOR IT. Without further ado, let’s explore 5 fitness trends that will give you amazing results in 2018:

Wearable fitness trackers

This trend is one of the top fitness trends worldwide as it gives people the ability to monitor everything from the number of steps we take, to our heart rate and even sleep activity. Psychologically, people who track their performance by day will tend to be more motivated to increase their steps the following day. This wearable technology encompasses everything from smart watches, activity trackers like FitBit to even heart rate monitors. Not forgetting the various apps you can download on your phone which can deliver your workout plan at a press of a button.

HIIT

Looking for a way to exchange those loose fats to sexy lean muscles as quick as possible? Then HIIT is the best work out for you! HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training as it consists of intervals with short and adrenaline rush exercises which last less than 30 minutes. This work out keeps your heart rate up and helps burn more calories in a shorter time – totally ideal for those with a busy schedule! HIIT is considered to be much more effective than normal cardio because the intensity is higher and you are able to increase both your aerobic and anaerobic endurance while burning more fat than ever before.

Yoga

Although Yoga has been around for thousand of years, it is getting increasingly more popular by the years. This ancient mind and body work out can be practiced on- the-go which can help improve your mood and strengthen your entire body. Yoga does more than burn calories and tone muscles. It’s a total mind-body workout that combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation or relaxation.

Small Group training

Group training sessions are highly motivational as it encourages a greater number of people to be active while, enhancing social skills and enjoyment. Small group training is so popular because it mixes the effectiveness of having a personal trainer, but in a group of 4-6 people and not charging the same high prices like they do for a purely individual session. Also, unlike working out in a huge group of an exercise class, the personal trainer can focus on this

Outdoor activities

Based on a survey done by the American College of Sports Medicine, outdoor activities are one of the best ways to enhance overall fitness. The survey considers outdoor activity as anything from golfing to tennis to adventurous activities like rock climbing and hiking, which can burn an estimate of at least 530 calories an hour. Harvard Health Publications estimates that a half hour of playing golf and carrying clubs can burn up to 244 calories.

Overall, whichever workout you choose, remember that besides losing that excess weight, you gain a lot more other health benefits such as less stress, better immune system, better overall organ function, better sleep, and in a long run just a better, fitter and healthier you!

 

White Elephant provides affordable authentic experiences from the land of a thousand smiles in the comfort of simplicity and a relaxing spa-inspired haven to offer total relaxation through our healing services catered for you and your family.

 

Call +603- 77107866 for reservations
Address: S13, 2nd Floor, Centrepoint, 3 Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

 

 

 

Pic credit: Wazari Wazir

Happy Malaysia day!! Malaysia Day is celebrated on 16 September every year to commemorate the establishment of the Malaysian federation. It is known as a significant date in the history of Malaysia as it marks the collaboration of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore to form Malaysia in 1963.

Currently, Malaysia is divided into two main regions, Peninsular Malaysia on the west, consisting of Kuala Lumpur and the nearby states, and East Malaysia, consisting of Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo Island. Regardless, Malaysia still owns its trademark as `Truly Asia’ thanks to all the country’s best heritage cities, natural spots, food havens and urban experiences. Here are 7 wonderful destinations to visit in Malaysia:

Pic credit: www.kuala-lumpur.ws

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is one of the best tourist destinations not only in Malaysia but in South East Asia because of its breathtaking towers like Petronas and KL tower. Not forgetting the hawker bazaars down Petaling Street and its throbbing energy of night life in Changkat and Bukit Bintang. Apart from the views of cityscape from the countless skybars, you can visit the mysterious Batu Caves and its acclaimed Islamic art museum or shop till you drop at Pavillion or KLCC.

 

Melaka

Pic credit: melakatravel.info

The history of the town makes it more worthy to visit. UNESCO even declared Melaka a World Heritage Site in 2008, with its remains of old churches and forts of the Portuguese colonial rulers bear significant memories of the colonial days. Enjoy shopping for antique art galleries or craft stores at Jonker Street and you can stop by a chinese coffee shop or restaurant for a meal of Melaka’s famous Chicken Ball rice.

 

Pic credit: www.propertyguru.com.my

Penang

Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is one of Malaysia’s most famous island. In Georgetown, the state’s vibrant capital is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the old and the new blend together in a mix of shophouses-turned-museums and humble hawker stalls have gained fame internationally. Penang is also famous for its iconic Char Koay Teow, Asam Laksa and its Teo Chew Cendol, which even tourists love to indulge in. You can even soak in the sun at the beaches of Batu Ferringhi for a day of water sports or lazy sunbathing.

Genting Highlands (Pahang)

Pic credit: www.kuala-lumpur.ws

Located just 45 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands is ideal for a quick holiday getaway in Malaysia. Boasting round-the-clock exciting entertainment such as the cutting edge and contemporary Sky Casino, there are abundance of card tables and other gaming alternatives to enjoy. For avid shoppers, shop till you drop at the SkyAvenue Mall or the renowned Genting Premium Outlet, which is linked through a connecting bridge to the Awana SkyWay station. If you are feeling tired after a long day, feel free to rejuvenate at Awana SkyWay’s Thai Odyssey outlet at Level 3 and treat yourself to any of their full body authentic Thai massages of your choice or even just a Traditional Foot Massage. While you are there, don’t forget to hop on the gondola ride for a breathtaking view of rainforest below and try to spot for the anticipated Twentieth Century Fox World Malaysia. Definitely the perfect getaway destination to escape the hot and humid weather in Kuala Lumpur.

 

Langkawi

Pic credit: synergy-tours.com

Located off the northwest corner of Malaysia, Pulau Langkawi is one of the top island destinations in Malaysia for both foreign tourists and Malaysians. Langkawi could be called Malaysia’s version of Phuket( the busiest island in Thailand) which offers a lot of tourist attractions such as Malaysia’s largest indoor aquarium and natural features such as the crowded-but-beautiful Pregnant Maiden Lake, a beautiful formation that is believed to help make women more fertile.

Mulu National Park (Sarawak)

 

Pic credit: www.holidaygogogo.com

Gunung Mulu National Park is one of the most fascinating nature parks of Malaysia. Located in the middle of the jungle of Borneo, it is one of the few places where you can experience the ‘real’ jungle feeling. The park that was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000 is home to the longest cave in Southeast Asia. In addition, the park is known for a special natural phenomenon, called the ‘Bat Exodus’. Every evening, you will get to enjoy the sight of millions of bats flying outward to the jungle from the caves, where they reside.

 

Gunung Kinabalu (Sabah)

 

Pic credit: www.tourists-attractions.com

Climb up to this highest mountain between the Himalayas and the island of New Guinea. In Malaysia, this mountain is called Gunung Kinabalu and it rises almost twice as high of its Crocker Range mountain neighbours. While hiking towards its peak, you shall come across several fine walking trails in the rainforest at the base of the mountain where the climate is agreeably cooler than the coastal base. Even though you might not wish to climb the mountain, you can admire its beauty from most parts of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu and the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, consisting a group of 5 popular islands which are Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug.

 

There you have it – 7 amazing places around Malaysia to visit which makes our country beautiful and at the same time representing Asia in the globe. With that, Happy Malaysia Day to all Malaysian and let this celebration bring us together.

 

In this day and age, most of us are usually caught up in a busy lifestyle and we often sacrifice our sleep to deal with it. Unfortunately, it takes a toll on everything from your job to overall health. Sleep is essential because the body repairs itself while we are asleep and regenerates energy to keep us functioning when we are awake.

When you are deprived of sleep, you stop your body’s natural energy-recharging mechanism which can damage your overall well-being. Tossing and turning all night can also affect the productivity and ability to retain information the next day. To help you solve your problem, whether you are a morning person or a night owl, we have listed down 8 effective ways for you to fall asleep and sleep better every night.

Drink something warm before sleeping

A hot cup of chamomile or peppermint tea can help you sleep, as both teas are made from compounds that are used to promote sleep. Research concluded that chamomile tea can help with reducing anxiety, whereas peppermint tea helps with stomach digestion, hence help you sleep. Make sure to stay away from caffeine as it can lead to an unwelcome energy boost!

Treat yourself to a good massage

Massage is already known to help reduce stress and tension. Besides that, it can also help with sleep disorders. That is why most of the massage techniques or therapies that we offer at Thai Odyssey will give you ultimate relaxation. To name a few, you can choose to try our Traditional Thai Massage also known as passive yoga, Thai Aromatherapy Massage which uses soothing essential oil, Traditional Foot Massage where gentle acupressure is applied to reflex points on the feet in order to induce deep relaxation and Thai Herbal Therapy where we use a pair of herbal poultice filled with beneficial Thai Herbs as part of the session.

Break a sweat

Work out earlier in the day to help you sleep at night because nothing beats burning those calories off to achieve deep, restorative sleep. Whichever suits your capability – whether it is just a 30-minute brisk walk or some intense aerobic work-out, physical tiredness is essential to getting a good night’s sleep.

Take a warm shower before bed

Taking a warm shower an hour just before bed can soothe your muscles, calm your mind and raise your body temperature. Try using our Back to Nature’s Aroma Bath Gel for a more stimulating relaxation. Once you step into your room, your body temperature will gradually drop, putting your body into `relax mode’ which will help you to fall asleep.

Set a `device curfew’

The blue light from the screen of your computer, TV and mobile phone will just stimulate your brain and make you stay alert. This will make it more difficult for the body to understand when it is time to wind down, so it is best to set a time limit to stay away from devices before hitting the sack.

 

Avoid heavy meals before going to bed

Eating a lot for dinner will make it much harder to fall asleep on time, especially when there is meat in the menu because your body will be trying to digest the protein. Studies suggest that dinner should be taken before 8pm, or at the very least, not within the 2 hours before sleep. Otherwise, the food will be poorly digested and could increase the chance of having heartburn in the middle of the night.

Scent up the room

Different fragrant oils have different effects on the brain. Some fragrant oil can also help you fall asleep like a baby, such as Vanilla, Lavender and Lemongrass. Speaking of Lemongrass, our very own Back to Nature’s Lemongrass Essential Oil which is used with our reed diffuser gives out a purifying scent that can help you calm down and relieve insomnia. Just a few drops of it and you can easily get a good night sleep.

Establish a daily wake up time everyday

Set a routine to work out when you need to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. It is best to keep a consistent wake up time, even on the weekends. However, if you really need to sleep in on weekends to cover the hours of working late-nights during the busy week, feel free to do so. Just don’t make this a regular habit. Irregular bed time and wake-up hours can lead to poor sleep patterns, so try and be disciplined while you are at it.

We understand it is not an easy task to fall asleep and getting enough quality sleep over night as bad habits usually cling on hard into our lifestyle. However, do reconsider if you are willing to sacrifice your health, relationships and career due to a weakened immune system, inefficient mental focus and irritability. Getting a good night’s sleep is natural and expense-free which benefits your health and well-being, so why not try out these effective ways and watch your life change for the better.

 

 

Thinking of a cold drink that is thirst-quenching, yet healthy to drink on a hot day?

Or perhaps a steaming hot healthy drink for breezy rainy days? These days, Lemongrass is known as a famous ingredient in most Asian cuisine, especially in Thai food. However, this `super food’ can also be your daily delicious cup of herbal tea to support your health in various ways. As the name suggests, Lemongrass has a pleasant citrusy flavour, with the fragrance of Lemon but in a milder and sweeter taste. All you have to do is chop the grass, put it in water, bring it to a boil and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can add the Lemongrass pieces in the teapot and let it brew. From acting as a pain reliever to an anti-depressant, Lemongrass is a natural way to relieve many ailments.

Whether you decide to have it as a cup of tea, add it to your meal or use it as an ingredient in essential oils, here are 8 reasons to include lemongrass in your lifestyle:

1. Improve digestive system

Lemongrass has a cooling component which helps soothe your stomach and eliminates bacteria in the digestive tract to prevent digestive disorders. It also reduces bloating, prevents constipation and heals diahoerrea.

2. Detoxifies your body

Lemongrass is a natural diuretic which is packed with antioxidants that help in detoxing and cleansing from within. It removes the toxins from the liver, kidneys and bladder and also helps to relieve fluid retention.

3. Boost metabolism and burn fat

Lemongrass can help you achieve and maintain your ideal body weight. Based on the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2013, polyphenols found in natural plant compounds blend with the caffeine content in tea, increases the usage of energy and fat oxidation.

4. Helps to fight Cancer

Based on a research done at the Ben Gurion University in Israel, studies have shown that Lemongrass has an ability to fight cancer while leaving healthy cells intact. Thanks to a component called Citral and its effectiveness; it serves as an anti-inflammatory to fight against cancer cells. Cancer patients are encouraged to drink fresh Lemongrass tea every day.

5. Ease menstrual pain

Lemongrass tea is excellent in relieving menstrual pain, hot flushes and even early morning sickness due to its soothing effect. Make sure to drink it hot or warm for optimal effect.

6. Great healthy skin and hair

Lemongrass is filled with Vitamin A and Vitamin C which are essential nutrients for beautiful skin and hair. It actually improves blood circulation, clears oily skin, treats eruptions like acne, pimples and eczema, hence it is used extensively in the cosmetics industry.

7. Relieves muscle aches and insomnia

Lemongrass is a favourite ingredient used in soothing oil because of its purifying benefits for the skin. Hence in Thai Odyssey, Lemongrass is used in most of our spa products. The refreshing scent combined with the oil’s soothing properties offer a calming impact that ease fatigue, sore muscles and improve not only the duration of sleep, but also its quality.

8. Keeps fever, coughs and flu away

Fever, coughs and flu are the common combination that regularly affects everyone. However, if you take a cup of Lemongrass tea everyday, your immune system will strengthen which allows your body to fight such infections.

This is because Lemongrass is rich in vitamin C and antibacterial goodness to keep bacteria at bay.

As you have read, Lemongrass has many miraculous benefits that can help from different health problems. With that, don’t forget to add Lemongrass to your diet for a healthy lifestyle!