Sasha Gonzales
Sasha writes about a variety of subjects, from health and beauty to design, architecture, food and travel. Her work has appeared in a number of publications in Asia, including Wine & Dine, The Peak, SilverKris and Her World Singapore. She has been writing regularly for the South China Morning Post since 2011.
Latest from Sasha Gonzales
Elderly golf players are physically healthier than their sedentary non-golfing counterparts, but they also enjoy greater emotional well-being, thanks to the social, interactive and relaxing nature of the game.
Elderly golf players are physically healthier than their sedentary non-golfing counterparts, but they also enjoy greater emotional well-being, thanks to the social, interactive and relaxing nature of the game.
Ayurveda originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. Its practitioners treat the symptoms of a disease or illness and help individuals strengthen their immune system.
Ayurveda originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. Its practitioners treat the symptoms of a disease or illness and help individuals strengthen their immune system.
Owning a pet has been shown to relieve depression and loneliness after the loss of a spouse. Susan Bamber, who lost her husband to cancer in 2011, recently fostered two-year-old rescue dog Sammy, and he has filled a void in her life.
Owning a pet has been shown to relieve depression and loneliness after the loss of a spouse. Susan Bamber, who lost her husband to cancer in 2011, recently fostered two-year-old rescue dog Sammy, and he has filled a void in her life.
The pandemic has meant many have found it hard to work from home, but it has also presented an opportunity to develop a more resourceful workforce.
The pandemic has meant many have found it hard to work from home, but it has also presented an opportunity to develop a more resourceful workforce.
The key to being happy in these difficult and uncertain times is a mix of living in the present, while making plans to reduce stress in the future. Don’t worry about things you cannot change, try to enjoy nature and ‘mindful moments’ in your day.
The key to being happy in these difficult and uncertain times is a mix of living in the present, while making plans to reduce stress in the future. Don’t worry about things you cannot change, try to enjoy nature and ‘mindful moments’ in your day.
Working out with your partner can help you lose more weight and achieve your fitness goals quicker. Couples can encourage and hold each other accountable. We talk to a pair who got fit by training together.
Working out with your partner can help you lose more weight and achieve your fitness goals quicker. Couples can encourage and hold each other accountable. We talk to a pair who got fit by training together.
‘We didn’t think our friends would understand,’ says a Singaporean who, with his wife, nursed a daughter through ADHD but felt they had no one upon whom to unburden themselves. Therapists explain why caregivers need self-care to avoid burnout.
‘We didn’t think our friends would understand,’ says a Singaporean who, with his wife, nursed a daughter through ADHD but felt they had no one upon whom to unburden themselves. Therapists explain why caregivers need self-care to avoid burnout.
Cinnamon contains antioxidants, which have health benefits, and is effective in regulating blood glucose levels and slowing the progression to Type 2 diabetes.
Cinnamon contains antioxidants, which have health benefits, and is effective in regulating blood glucose levels and slowing the progression to Type 2 diabetes.
Recent studies show that the pandemic has led to a rise in anxiety and depression. Here’s how you can better safeguard your mental well-being.
Recent studies show that the pandemic has led to a rise in anxiety and depression. Here’s how you can better safeguard your mental well-being.
Walnuts have long been accepted as ‘brain food’ and are known to be good for the heart, but new research on their health benefits has found they’re great for the gut too.
Walnuts have long been accepted as ‘brain food’ and are known to be good for the heart, but new research on their health benefits has found they’re great for the gut too.
Jane Fonda, queen of aerobics in the 1980s is back: she appeared on TikTok and her 1980s workout is trending. A recent study shows how aerobics benefits your brain and mood as well as your body – leg warmers are optional.
Jane Fonda, queen of aerobics in the 1980s is back: she appeared on TikTok and her 1980s workout is trending. A recent study shows how aerobics benefits your brain and mood as well as your body – leg warmers are optional.
The Covid-19 pandemic has people stressed out and on edge, but rituals like deep breathing and yoga can keep us calm and grounded and reduce stress and anxiety.
The Covid-19 pandemic has people stressed out and on edge, but rituals like deep breathing and yoga can keep us calm and grounded and reduce stress and anxiety.
Benevolence, offers of help, volunteering – whatever the form it takes, giving has health benefits. Think lower blood pressure, dopamine and serotonin highs, and longer life.
Benevolence, offers of help, volunteering – whatever the form it takes, giving has health benefits. Think lower blood pressure, dopamine and serotonin highs, and longer life.
A Stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis was devastating for Teresa Tam, 33, but her husband vowed to support her through her treatment. She credits her recovery to his attention and efforts to cheer her up.
A Stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis was devastating for Teresa Tam, 33, but her husband vowed to support her through her treatment. She credits her recovery to his attention and efforts to cheer her up.
The elderly aren’t just more physically vulnerable to Covid-19, they are also more prone to feelings of loneliness and anxiety as a result of lockdown. Here are some ways to keep them calm, especially those suffering from dementia.
The elderly aren’t just more physically vulnerable to Covid-19, they are also more prone to feelings of loneliness and anxiety as a result of lockdown. Here are some ways to keep them calm, especially those suffering from dementia.
Tempeh, great for the keto diet and for weight loss, is low in carbs and high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It can be fried, grilled, and used as a meat substitute. Angeline Leong began making it at home, and now has a business making it full-time.
Tempeh, great for the keto diet and for weight loss, is low in carbs and high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It can be fried, grilled, and used as a meat substitute. Angeline Leong began making it at home, and now has a business making it full-time.
A bromance, like that between singers Bieber and Usher, is good for men’s mental and emotional health. Men need to overcome the perception that they don’t need anyone, and learn to open up about their emotions, say experts.
A bromance, like that between singers Bieber and Usher, is good for men’s mental and emotional health. Men need to overcome the perception that they don’t need anyone, and learn to open up about their emotions, say experts.
The coronavirus has everyone worried, especially pregnant women, who also have to think about their unborn child. Medical experts give advice on everything from breastfeeding to prenatal check ups and the delivery itself.
The coronavirus has everyone worried, especially pregnant women, who also have to think about their unborn child. Medical experts give advice on everything from breastfeeding to prenatal check ups and the delivery itself.
Mushrooms are popping up everywhere as more people discover their health benefits and nutritional properties. In addition to fresh mushrooms, consumers can also now munch on tasty mushroom snacks.
Mushrooms are popping up everywhere as more people discover their health benefits and nutritional properties. In addition to fresh mushrooms, consumers can also now munch on tasty mushroom snacks.
An online campaign encourages elderly people to exercise more and raises public awareness of the importance of strength, balance and flexibility exercises to reduce the risk of suffering a fall.
An online campaign encourages elderly people to exercise more and raises public awareness of the importance of strength, balance and flexibility exercises to reduce the risk of suffering a fall.
In this unpredictable and frightening time brought about by the coronavirus, how do we keep ourselves on an even emotional keel? Experts weigh in with their tips on staying positive, calm and not letting anxiety overwhelm you.
In this unpredictable and frightening time brought about by the coronavirus, how do we keep ourselves on an even emotional keel? Experts weigh in with their tips on staying positive, calm and not letting anxiety overwhelm you.
Does the time of day that you work out make a difference? A study suggests it might – and that exercising early in the day promotes faster weight loss. Whatever time of day you exercise, do it consistently, a coach says.
Does the time of day that you work out make a difference? A study suggests it might – and that exercising early in the day promotes faster weight loss. Whatever time of day you exercise, do it consistently, a coach says.
From reading erotic stories with your partner to being open to trying new things and learning how to express your thoughts and feelings, five relationship experts share advice on how to best satisfy your partner and yourself.
From reading erotic stories with your partner to being open to trying new things and learning how to express your thoughts and feelings, five relationship experts share advice on how to best satisfy your partner and yourself.
Children allowed to become overweight or obese, and who lack exercise, are storing up heart problems that will hit them as adults; if you lead by example and teach them good eating and exercise habits, it can extend their lifespans.
Children allowed to become overweight or obese, and who lack exercise, are storing up heart problems that will hit them as adults; if you lead by example and teach them good eating and exercise habits, it can extend their lifespans.
Legumes – beans, peas, and lentils – are packed with nutrients but ferment in our gut, causing flatulence and bloating for some, so many don’t eat them. The effect is short-lived, though, and some are easier on the digestive system.
Legumes – beans, peas, and lentils – are packed with nutrients but ferment in our gut, causing flatulence and bloating for some, so many don’t eat them. The effect is short-lived, though, and some are easier on the digestive system.
Kendall Jenner might be promoting an activated charcoal whitening product and the trend may have hit everything from toothpaste to dental floss, but experts say they won’t whiten your teeth, and some could even cause harm.
Kendall Jenner might be promoting an activated charcoal whitening product and the trend may have hit everything from toothpaste to dental floss, but experts say they won’t whiten your teeth, and some could even cause harm.
Yes, red wine can be good for you – but only if drunk in moderation and balanced with exercise and a healthy diet. Non-alcoholic red wine has all the same benefits, and none of the harmful effects of drinking too much.
Yes, red wine can be good for you – but only if drunk in moderation and balanced with exercise and a healthy diet. Non-alcoholic red wine has all the same benefits, and none of the harmful effects of drinking too much.
From Halle Berry to Nick Jonas, people diagnosed with diabetes often feel scared or upset. Although the diagnosis can affect a person’s mental health, those willing to change their lifestyle will feel better about the condition.
From Halle Berry to Nick Jonas, people diagnosed with diabetes often feel scared or upset. Although the diagnosis can affect a person’s mental health, those willing to change their lifestyle will feel better about the condition.
Former US vice-president Joe Biden has spoken about the grief of losing his wife and daughter in 1972 and his son in 2015, and having to push on. A psychologist offers tips on coping with grief while continuing to work.
Former US vice-president Joe Biden has spoken about the grief of losing his wife and daughter in 1972 and his son in 2015, and having to push on. A psychologist offers tips on coping with grief while continuing to work.
Mindfulness training is growing in popularity in schools around the world, helping youngsters to be better equipped at handling difficult times. Children who are mindful have higher self-esteem and concentrate better.
Mindfulness training is growing in popularity in schools around the world, helping youngsters to be better equipped at handling difficult times. Children who are mindful have higher self-esteem and concentrate better.
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