ENJOY A LESS PAINFUL BIKINI WAX
Schedule your appointment during ovulation (usually days 13 to 15 after the fi rst day of your menstruation). This is when the body produces the most endorphins (hormones that have an analgesic effect), according to a University of Michigan study.

HAVE SURGERY
Book the second or third slot in the morning. In a Duke University study of more than 90,000 operations, there were fewer complications between 9am and noon, compared to between 3pm and 4pm. Another study in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that doctors perform better when they have warmed up.

GET THE BEST FLIGHT DEALS
Book as early as possible. According to the Singapore Airlines website, a return economy class ticket to New York for next month costs $3,096. Book three to 11 months in advance and you save about $500. Similarly, the cheapest tickets for budget airlines are those booked in advance, says Jetstar spokesperson Simone Pregellio. Also look out for promotions. On the Jetstar website, prices are slashed from 1pm to 5pm on Fridays to encourage people to book before the weekend. The best time to fl y? Lull periods outside of school and public holidays. Fares are also lower if you leave on Sunday afternoons and return mid-week, which is a less favoured schedule among travellers.