A Healthy Expat Life in Singapore
A Guide for Expats
New life, new me? We think so! If you’ve recently moved to Singapore, you might be wondering what your new life will look like. Well, we think that now’s the best time to kickstart a new, healthy life - and we put together some thoughts how.
Moving to a new country can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For expats in Singapore, the vibrant city offers a wealth of opportunities to stay fit, eat well, and enjoy a balanced life. Known for its modern conveniences, diverse food scene, and beautiful green spaces, Singapore makes it easier than you might expect to embrace a healthy lifestyle. In this blog, we’ll cover the key elements of living a healthy expat life in Singapore—from staying active to eating well, and from managing stress to connecting with the local community.
Exploring Singapore’s Outdoor Fitness Opportunities
Singapore is known for its urban jungle, but it’s also a haven for outdoor fitness enthusiasts with its parks, trails, and public fitness areas that make it easy to stay active. Popular spots like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, East Coast Park, and MacRitchie Reservoir offer beautiful environments for jogging, walking, or cycling, while the Park Connector Network (PCN) makes it easy to explore the city’s green spaces on foot or bike. Otherwise, there are plenty of outdoor fitness stations scattered across many parks, where you’ll find free outdoor fitness stations equipped with simple workout machines that anyone can use. If you’re struggling to get inspiration to go, however, the expat community in Singapore often organizes group activities like outdoor boot camps, yoga classes, and social sports leagues, making it easy to meet new people while getting fit.
Making Smart Food Choices in Singapore’s Diverse Food Scene
Singapore’s food scene is famous for its variety, but it can be challenging to eat healthy with so many tempting options. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city’s culinary delights without sacrificing your health. For instance, Hawker Centers are local food hubs that offer a wide range of dishes, from indulgent treats to healthier options. Look for stalls serving dishes like fish soup, mixed vegetable rice, and Hainanese chicken rice with brown rice instead of white! Like anywhere else, Singapore also has a great selection of supermarkets that carry both local and international products, while for fresh produce, wet markets like Tekka Market or Tiong Bahru Market sell affordable fruits, vegetables, and seafood. If you fancy a seated experience, the city is home to a growing number of healthy cafes and restaurants that focus on nutritious and wholesome meals, catering to a variety of diets including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. However you want to eat, there’s an option for you here!
Staying Fit in the Tropical Climate
Singapore’s tropical climate can make staying active a bit of a challenge, especially with the high heat and humidity, but there are plenty of ways to keep up with your fitness routine while staying cool. Many decide to beat the heat by exercising early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler, with many locals and expats heading to the parks for a jog or yoga session during these times. However, indoor fitness is always a popular option - Singapore has no shortage of air-conditioned gyms, fitness studios, and indoor pools, especially if the humidity gets too intense, with popular options including spin classes, pilates studios, and rock climbing gyms. But regardless of your choice, it is absolutely crucial to stay hydrated in Singapore’s climate. Always carry a water bottle, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses when working out outdoors - or even on your way to an indoor workout.
Managing Stress and Finding Balance
Singapore’s fast-paced lifestyle can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for expats adjusting to a new environment. Finding ways to manage stress and maintain balance is essential for a healthy life, and we’d suggest through methods like mindfulness & meditation, spa & wellness centers, and connecting with nature. For the first option, many wellness centers in Singapore offer meditation and mindfulness classes, helping you relax and stay grounded - consider visiting places like The Yoga School or Mindful Moments for guided sessions. Spas and wellness centers are also popular, with the city being filled with top-notch spas that offer everything from massages to facials, perfect for a stress-relieving treat. If you’re wanting to visit the popular spots, Spa Esprit and Aramsa Garden Spa are particularly well-reccommended. But for those wanting to spend time outdoors instead, Singapore’s gardens and nature reserves provide a peaceful escape from the urban hustle and connect with nature - a walk through the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or Gardens by the Bay is always a great way to decompress!
Building a Supportive Expat Community
One of the most important aspects of staying healthy as an expat is building a solid community. Singapore has a vibrant expat scene with plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. For one, there are numerous expat groups and clubs that organize social events, sports activities, and meet-ups, with groups like Singapore Expat Women and Meetup Singapore being great starting places. But if you’re looking to live fully in the country, learning about Singapore’s culture makes the adjustment easier. Joining language classes or cultural workshops will allow you to meet locals and other expats, giving you the proper experience. Another great option is volunteering and community involvement: getting involved in volunteer work or joining a local community organization can help you feel more connected to the city and give back at the same time.
Living a healthy expat life in Singapore is all about finding balance, making mindful choices, and embracing the city’s unique opportunities. From outdoor workouts and diverse food options to stress management and building a supportive community, Singapore offers a vibrant environment for a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle. With the right mindset and a little bit of exploration, you can thrive as an expat in this dynamic city while staying fit, happy, and connected.