How stressed-out Hong Kong folk can relax, from free tai chi to gong baths

As anti-government protests continue to rock Hong Kong, there is little doubt of the negative impact they are having on people’s mental health. Earlier this month, local charity Mind Hong Kong launched its #HowOkayAreYou campaign with the aim of inspiring Hongkongers to talk more candidly about their emotions. Its website has a digital guide on “How to Ask” and a new language for having important conversations in the form of WhatsApp Stickers created by local illustrators. “It’s been a very difficult time for Hong Kong over the last few months,” says Mind HK’s Po Wan. “However, Hong Kong’s mental health problem has been recognised by the professional community as an issue for several years. We hope this campaign helps us make a positive step in the right direction.” Last week, medical insurance firm Bupa released the results of a survey that also reflected Hong Kong’s stressed out state of mind. Eighty per cent of the 706 respondents said they do not have enough time to de-stress. Of the respondents, 78 per cent were female, 22 per cent were male and most were aged 30 to 49. The reasons for not engaging in de-stressing activities included lack of free time (51 per cent), laziness (28 per cent) and limited spending capabilities (24 per cent). It is vital to take time out to heal the mind and to engage in simple, enjoyable activities to relieve stress and lead longer, healthier, happier lives. Here are some ways to unwind in Hong Kong: Tai chi at Eaton HK Combining Chinese medicine, philosophy and martial arts, tai chi is a gentle way to help people slow down, soothe overactive nervous systems and improve sleep quality. Free classes are held on the Eaton HK hotel rooftop on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7.45am. Master Cheung helps participants circulate “chi”, or energy, and strengthen mind and body. Eaton HK, 21/F, 380 Nathan Road, Kowloon. Tel: 2710 1813; yann@eatonworkshop.com. For more details, search Facebook for “Tai Chi at Eaton HK” Hypno Meditation Classes Let a hypnotherapist help you enter a state of trance to reduce stress and irritability. It can also improve creativity and problem solving, boost sleep quality, and help rejuvenate and revitalise your being while calming an overactive mind. Sessions are held at Balance Health on Thursday evenings from 6.45pm to 7.45pm. Priced at HK$250, they are suitable for beginners and advanced meditators. Balance Health, 2705, 27/F, Universal Trade Centre, 3-5 Arbuthnot Road, Central. Tel: 2530 3315; appt@balancehealth.com.hk. For more details, visit balancehealth.com.hk/hypno-meditation-hypnotherapy Gong baths Gong baths have been used for healing and meditation for thousands of years. Today, people indulge in the practice to help deal with stress-related issues. On October 21 and 30 at Deep Water Bay beach, join Red Doors Studio owner and gong practitioner Martha Collard for “Gong to the Beach”, where you can watch the sun set and moon rise while enjoying the relaxing sounds of meditation gongs. Cost is by donation, though HK$50 is suggested. Deep Water Bay Beach in front of Coconuts Thai Bar & Grill. For more details, visit www.red-doors.com/shop/gongbath0926-6r4bc Mui Wo History and Flora Tour A growing body of research points to the health benefits of spending time in nature, and this event provides a chance to do just that but with a creative twist. Part of the Hong Kong International Literary Festival, the November 2 event will see botanical artist Sally Bunker share her observations on the natural world through a tour of the history, fauna and flora of Mui Wo on Lantau Island from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tickets are HK$300. For more details, search Facebook for “Mui Wo History & Flora Tour” Find Your Space Hong Kong health and wellness brand Pure Group has launched a mental wellness campaign, “Find Your Space”, that runs until November 3. It features trial yoga and fitness classes that emphasise mindfulness, stress release and self-care, with five themes spanning five weeks. The group is also offering an open house for members’ guests at all Pure locations every Tuesday and Thursday until the end of October. It will donate HK$100 from every new membership to Mind HK. For more details, visit www.pure-yoga.com/hongkong/news/detail/594