Georgia Toon was overweight, and it affected her mental health. When the Hong Kong-based teacher chose mental wellness – exercise, good diet, enough sleep, social support – she lost 30kg and banished the blues.

We lose up to 8 per cent of our muscle mass each decade, starting from the age of 40, and this doubles at 70 years old, leading to a loss of strength and function. Loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) can be diagnosed with simple tests and there are ways to slow down or prevent the decline.

Trying to be happy all the time and masking feelings of fear or sadness can have long-term consequences on mental health. Here’s how to take a more balanced and realistic approach to being happy and accepting negative emotions.

Diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, Fiona Tang was determined to continue her qigong practice. Recent studies and some oncologists agree, saying that regular exercise has many benefits, as long as the calorie intake is kept up.

Science shows that having bright and fragrant blooms around your home can do wonders for your emotional well-being, and even aid recovery from surgery. So which flowers should you pick for a happiness-inducing arrangement?

Complaining might feel like a harmless way to relieve stress, but studies say if you do it often enough it may affect your physical health. We talk to a counselling psychologist on how to cut it out.

Intuition can be more effective in decision-making than an analytical approach, studies show. Hong Kong student Samantha Burns can relate to that. She calls intuition her ‘authenticity radar’.

Solitude can be good for us, research shows, because it helps reduce the intensity of daily life. People who spend time on their own and free of distractions have greater control over their emotions.

Coach and mentor Justine Campbell talks about the strength of vulnerability and not being afraid of failure. She recommends acknowledging and accepting problems, then disconnecting from them.

Social media is often blamed for fuelling some eating disorders, but it has also helped people who are recovering. While this is a good thing, experts caution it should not replace professional treatment.

Work-related stress can lead to burnout and depression if you are not careful; start by figuring out which of the eight causes of stress you are experiencing, and follow these expert tips.

The fruit has become fashionable for its textural resemblance to pulled meat, but research has found it is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, and can help fight cancer and heart disease.

The health benefits of weight loss and a good diet are well known, and a recent study shows this includes mental health. Better nutrition and a lower body mass index improve mood and feelings of self worth.

Studies show that volunteering to help the community can reduce stress and help people lead a happier more productive life. We talk to three Hongkongers, who all agree that giving up time to help others has improved their own well-being.

When Christy Cheung, 34, was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2017 and underwent a mastectomy, her support network kept her positive. Cheung now supports other cancer patients thanks to a group she launched herself in February called Sharapy.

Colorectal cancer, liver cancer and stomach cancer kill thousands of people a year in Hong Kong, and many more worldwide; on World Digestive Health Day, start making the diet and lifestyle changes needed to minimise your risk of having them.

If parents express negative emotions too often, it may affect their children’s emotional and cognitive development. Research has shown that fathers’ mental health has a bigger effect on kids than that of their mothers.

Kim Kardashian and Bar Rafaeli are part of a celebrity contingent that have tried the facial, which uses a client’s own blood to rejuvenate his or her skin. However, this growing trend, which is banned in Singapore, comes at a risk.

A poor night’s sleep increases levels of beta-amyloid plaque and tau, which are both linked to Alzheimer’s. We share eight reasons you wake up in the night, and how to avoid it.

Gardening puts many people in a positive frame of mind, helps them relax, and gives them the chance to reconnect with nature – but at least some of that could be to do with a mood-boosting microorganism found in soil.

Whether it’s skating, bouncing on a trampoline or flying a plane, playing is vital to our well-being. Experts say play is as important as sleep for adults and is linked to increased creativity in solving problems.

Dr Timothy Sharp left clinical psychology to promote happiness and well-being. Now the Chief Happiness Officer at the Happiness Institute, he helps people overcome their fears and champions mental health charity Batyr.

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.

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.

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.

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.