Latest from Sasha Gonzales
Creative expression through pursuits such as painting, knitting or cooking can act like a natural antidepressant, boosting happiness and confidence. And don’t worry if you’re not a ‘right brainer’ – anyone can benefit.
Creative expression through pursuits such as painting, knitting or cooking can act like a natural antidepressant, boosting happiness and confidence. And don’t worry if you’re not a ‘right brainer’ – anyone can benefit.
Research has found that those who read regularly have higher levels of self-esteem and were better at coping with challenges. Readers says there is a sense of accomplishment, pride and self-worth when finishing a book.
Research has found that those who read regularly have higher levels of self-esteem and were better at coping with challenges. Readers says there is a sense of accomplishment, pride and self-worth when finishing a book.
Sex can be a great stress relief and releases hormones that help us relax and fall asleep. But you have to be proactive to achieve a good sex life.
Sex can be a great stress relief and releases hormones that help us relax and fall asleep. But you have to be proactive to achieve a good sex life.
Middle age can come with feelings of helplessness and loss of motivation and confidence. Taking up a hobby, learning a new skill or doing something creative can help people make new friends and reduce stress.
Middle age can come with feelings of helplessness and loss of motivation and confidence. Taking up a hobby, learning a new skill or doing something creative can help people make new friends and reduce stress.
Adele, the Duchess of Cambridge, Nicole Kidman and Brad Pitt all suffer from eczema, an irritation for which there is no cure. Some sufferers have it in their genes, others get it from something that breaks the skin, such as ear piercings.
Adele, the Duchess of Cambridge, Nicole Kidman and Brad Pitt all suffer from eczema, an irritation for which there is no cure. Some sufferers have it in their genes, others get it from something that breaks the skin, such as ear piercings.
Whether it’s the sound of the waves, the sand between your toes, the vitamin D, or the colour of the water, studies show that a visit to the beach improves your well-being. From Shek O to Turtle cove, Hong Kong has plenty of beautiful beaches.
Whether it’s the sound of the waves, the sand between your toes, the vitamin D, or the colour of the water, studies show that a visit to the beach improves your well-being. From Shek O to Turtle cove, Hong Kong has plenty of beautiful beaches.
Experts give advice on power naps, vitamins, and what you should and shouldn’t do at lunchtime. Four out of 10 Hongkongers have sleep-related problems according to a study.
Experts give advice on power naps, vitamins, and what you should and shouldn’t do at lunchtime. Four out of 10 Hongkongers have sleep-related problems according to a study.
Singapore finance professional Prempal Hundal was diagnosed with pre-diabetes. He started exercising and watching his diet and is no longer pre-diabetic.
Singapore finance professional Prempal Hundal was diagnosed with pre-diabetes. He started exercising and watching his diet and is no longer pre-diabetic.
Three in every 100 people in Hong Kong suffers from depression. Yet in Asian society, depression is rarely talked about because of the shame associated with it. Admitting you have depression may harm your family’s reputation.
Three in every 100 people in Hong Kong suffers from depression. Yet in Asian society, depression is rarely talked about because of the shame associated with it. Admitting you have depression may harm your family’s reputation.
Searching the internet for your health symptoms can actually aid the process, according to these doctors, but you have to know where to look and what to believe.
Searching the internet for your health symptoms can actually aid the process, according to these doctors, but you have to know where to look and what to believe.
With so many sights, sounds, smells and sensations competing for our attention, it can be a challenge for the brain to process everything at once. A study shows that a messy home raises levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in women.
With so many sights, sounds, smells and sensations competing for our attention, it can be a challenge for the brain to process everything at once. A study shows that a messy home raises levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in women.
Emily Tan has stayed strong through all that life has thrown her. She exhibits what doctors call psychological hardiness – something that’s in us all. I chose to take charge of my emotions, says 33-year-old.
Emily Tan has stayed strong through all that life has thrown her. She exhibits what doctors call psychological hardiness – something that’s in us all. I chose to take charge of my emotions, says 33-year-old.
A 74-year-old who took up yoga, a 75-year-old who’s on the golf course and the tennis court every week – these elderly Hongkongers practise the active ageing a new study recommends. You can too – but talk to a doctor first.
A 74-year-old who took up yoga, a 75-year-old who’s on the golf course and the tennis court every week – these elderly Hongkongers practise the active ageing a new study recommends. You can too – but talk to a doctor first.
Think of it as removing the proverbial mental leash – mindlessness gives your brain the chance to wander, giving room for creative thought. And it’s much easier than being mindful all the time.
Think of it as removing the proverbial mental leash – mindlessness gives your brain the chance to wander, giving room for creative thought. And it’s much easier than being mindful all the time.
If you don’t take care of your contact lenses and general eye health, it can lead to severe problems. Eye experts describe the worst mistakes and how you can avoid them.
If you don’t take care of your contact lenses and general eye health, it can lead to severe problems. Eye experts describe the worst mistakes and how you can avoid them.
Boot camps offer the chance to get fit with like-minded people, social and emotional support, incentives to persevere with your programme and positive reinforcement.
Boot camps offer the chance to get fit with like-minded people, social and emotional support, incentives to persevere with your programme and positive reinforcement.
Doing something that is challenging or intimidating can have positive health benefits. Activities such as starting a new job, taking up a new hobby, and even visiting a new restaurant can boost your memory and creative thinking skills.
Doing something that is challenging or intimidating can have positive health benefits. Activities such as starting a new job, taking up a new hobby, and even visiting a new restaurant can boost your memory and creative thinking skills.
Rhythmic, creative activities such as pottery, painting and knitting, which deliver an ‘effort-based reward’ at the end, could alter your brain chemistry by boosting serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin, US researchers say.
Rhythmic, creative activities such as pottery, painting and knitting, which deliver an ‘effort-based reward’ at the end, could alter your brain chemistry by boosting serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin, US researchers say.
The benefits of taking time off can’t be ignored – and you don’t have to travel for a year. Sometimes a few days away can make the difference. Whatever you do, include a digital detox and time for relationships and reflection.
The benefits of taking time off can’t be ignored – and you don’t have to travel for a year. Sometimes a few days away can make the difference. Whatever you do, include a digital detox and time for relationships and reflection.
The Lion City’s 100-metre sprint record holder shows no signs of slowing down, 17 years after he broke the national record which had stood for 33 years – in a time no one has bettered since. He reveals the secret to keeping fit as you age
The Lion City’s 100-metre sprint record holder shows no signs of slowing down, 17 years after he broke the national record which had stood for 33 years – in a time no one has bettered since. He reveals the secret to keeping fit as you age
Crying is known to have a soothing effect and ‘emotional tears’ can even help rid our bodies of stress hormones. Some organisations are now going so far as to open crying rooms for their staff and visitors for them to have good wail.
Crying is known to have a soothing effect and ‘emotional tears’ can even help rid our bodies of stress hormones. Some organisations are now going so far as to open crying rooms for their staff and visitors for them to have good wail.
Treating yourself well should be a daily priority and not something you only do occasionally or when you’re feeling run down. We ask some experts for advice on how to look after yourself every day. You can start with meditation.
Treating yourself well should be a daily priority and not something you only do occasionally or when you’re feeling run down. We ask some experts for advice on how to look after yourself every day. You can start with meditation.
Shopping sprees have their place, but for lasting satisfaction and enjoyment, nothing can beat adventurous activities like surfing or hiking, or travelling to the most beautiful parts of the globe and learning something new
Shopping sprees have their place, but for lasting satisfaction and enjoyment, nothing can beat adventurous activities like surfing or hiking, or travelling to the most beautiful parts of the globe and learning something new
An 80-year-long Harvard study shows that close relationships have more of an effect on our health than money, fame or genetics. Juliet Feng, 75, and Ivy Chow, 77, are living proof of the power of friendship over longevity
An 80-year-long Harvard study shows that close relationships have more of an effect on our health than money, fame or genetics. Juliet Feng, 75, and Ivy Chow, 77, are living proof of the power of friendship over longevity
People who are positive about growing old have a lower risk of dementia than their negative peers. If they are active and have a good social life they will probably also live longer. We talk to Viswa Nathan, 81, who is living proof
People who are positive about growing old have a lower risk of dementia than their negative peers. If they are active and have a good social life they will probably also live longer. We talk to Viswa Nathan, 81, who is living proof
After giving birth to her first child, Lisa Wong was filled with anxiety and doubt. Feeling ‘broken and rundown’, she struggled to connect emotionally with her newborn son – but professional help and self-care made all the difference
After giving birth to her first child, Lisa Wong was filled with anxiety and doubt. Feeling ‘broken and rundown’, she struggled to connect emotionally with her newborn son – but professional help and self-care made all the difference
An Australian study uncovers the dangerous health consequences of being self-critical for not meeting your own high performance standards. But there are ways to turn that negative inner dialogue into a positive one
An Australian study uncovers the dangerous health consequences of being self-critical for not meeting your own high performance standards. But there are ways to turn that negative inner dialogue into a positive one
Intuition is the idea that we make decisions without deliberate analytical thought. Many ascribe this to a sixth sense that is honed through mindfulness
Intuition is the idea that we make decisions without deliberate analytical thought. Many ascribe this to a sixth sense that is honed through mindfulness
Grains, fresh fruit, oats, hard cheeses, nuts – whether you choose a low-fat or a low-carb whole food diet, you will shed the kilos regardless of calories or portion size. Why? They’re more nutritious, higher in fibre and lower in sugar than processed foods
Grains, fresh fruit, oats, hard cheeses, nuts – whether you choose a low-fat or a low-carb whole food diet, you will shed the kilos regardless of calories or portion size. Why? They’re more nutritious, higher in fibre and lower in sugar than processed foods
We all complain at times, but if you do it too often, it can have adverse effects on your well-being and friendships. We talk to experts to find out why you should focus on the positive and keep smiling
We all complain at times, but if you do it too often, it can have adverse effects on your well-being and friendships. We talk to experts to find out why you should focus on the positive and keep smiling