Yet again Singapore’s PSI levels are climbing, bordering the unhealthy region. Compared to the previous figures we got last year, I guess it isn’t so bad. Yet.
So instead of bemoaning the plight of us Singaporeans, or blaming it on our neighbours who are burning forests and emitting toxic gases -I have decided to celebrate several benefits of our hazy situation. (pun intended)
Here goes.
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1. You can wear a mask out and not stick out like a complete weirdo
Although I admit I was the only one on the bus today wearing an N95 mask. I didn’t feel weird. Or embarrassing for that matter. Everyone seemed to understand that the haze was bad and that it was hurting our lungs. They seemed more curious about the colour of my hair I think. So yes. Wearing a mask out becomes normal and that’s AWESOME. WHY?
Because of the next point.
2. The N95 hides our flaws
Ever slept on the bus/MRT only to wake up with your drool dripping off your mouth? Or waking up with your mouth hanging widely ajar, while your head is tilted backwards/sidewards/whateverwards??
Yeppppp. Same here. I have been in these situations and it is so SO embarrassing. Every single time it happens to me, I just want to jump off the moving bus. I look horrible and so unglamorous I believe I would have STOMP-ed myself if I was a passerby. Just for fun.
But anyway. Masks are GREAT. The N95 covers practically half of your face and most importantly… YOUR MOUTH. I felt so comfortable sleeping on the bus today otw to school because I didn’t have to bother about keeping a “good” or “proper” sleeping posture and I could let my mouth hang wide open and nobody could see it.
It was awesome. The best sleep I’ve ever caught on a bus without feeling totally shamed afterwards. I love my N95.
Oh and did I mention that it hides your double chin as well??? PERFECT!!!!
3. A legit reason to not exercise
Finally. The perfect reason to postpone the whole exercise regime and not feel guilty about it. It’s true isn’t it?? The weather IS bad. It’s not good to put our lungs to such torture…. Exercise is meant to help us feel better and look better. And well, I don’t think having a 1 hour run in the haze is going to help with that.
We’ll probably end up coughing our lungs away for the next few days if we do that. So no. We CANNOT exercise when the haze exists. It’s not our fault the weather’s bad. And doing so practically goes against the maxim that “exercise is good for us”.
Let’s keep Kant happy and stick to this universal rule instead of challenging it.
4. We eat less and end up losing weight
Let’s face it. Once the N95 is put over your head (properly of course), you are highly unlikely to take it off. Especially so if the reason is to snack and pop that stick of Pepero in your mouth.
Why???
Because it’s just too damn troublesome for us to put it back on again.Properly.
Weighing the costs and the benefits.. It just doesn’t add up. You go through so much trouble adjusting the straps, making sure it doesn’t mess up your hair and snapping it painfully on the back of your head… all for what? For your itchy mouth to take ONE bite of Hello Panda?? Really?!!?
No. I think not. So yes, the haze helps us lose weight. As though the N95 isn’t good enough a deterrent, just imagine all the dust that gets on your food…. Hmmmm…… Unappetizing.
5. It promotes oral hygiene
Because the mask is enclosed (duh), the air inside circulates and we are practically breathing our own breath. The whole time.
So here’s the test:
1. Does it make you really uncomfortable wearing the mask for an extended duration?
2. Is it because it smells… unpleasant???
If yes. The people around you probably smell the same scent/stench you are breathing in right now. More than you’ve ever noticed. And please, practice some good oral hygiene now that you know how your breath smells.
If no, then good for you. This test still serves as an affirmation that you’re meticulous in brushing your teeth and cleaning your tongue. Kudos to you!
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And that’s the end of my celebration for the hazy weather in Singapore. It’s not so bad. We’re all just going to have pimples, sore throats and headaches in order to enjoy the benefits stated above. I cannot be happier. I wish it doesn’t rain. Really.
Keep your masks on, and stop exercising while you still can!
Shanice
*The author blogs at http://datblondechick.wordpress.com