https://www.scmp.com/rss/501965/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Kun Tian Kun Tian The way people eat, make nutritional decisions and monitor health is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation in Asia. Artificial intelligence (AI), wearables and online applications are reshaping the food landscape, embedding personalised nutrition services into daily life. From WeChat’s nutrition-tracking mini-programmes to Grab’s food delivery algorithms helping users discover healthier options, digital platforms are becoming sophisticated intelligent systems that help advance... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3325488/ai-enhanced-nutrition-must-enhance-our-agency-not-undermine-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3325488/ai-enhanced-nutrition-must-enhance-our-agency-not-undermine-it?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Sep 2025 08:30:08 +0000 [Sponsored article] Ageing populations are a global concern requiring significant social transformation, according to the World Health Organization, with cities and communities playing a vital role. The proportion of people in Hong Kong aged 65 or above increased to 20 per cent of the total population last year and will reach one-third within 20 years, according to the government’s latest census, making the transformation to an age-friendly city a top priority that will better accommodate the... https://www.scmp.com/presented/better-life/well-being/topics/inspiring-age-friendly-community/article/3196560/jockey-club-fosters-cross-sector-collaboration-help-build-age-friendly-culture-hong-kong-community?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/better-life/well-being/topics/inspiring-age-friendly-community/article/3196560/jockey-club-fosters-cross-sector-collaboration-help-build-age-friendly-culture-hong-kong-community?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Oct 2022 04:00:14 +0000 “Healing begins with an aromatic bath and daily massage,” said Hippocrates. Even 2,400 years ago, the “father of medicine” understood the power of aromatics in restoring one’s health. Yet many people don’t realise the powerful role scent plays in our lives – a role so significant that incorporating aromatherapy into our routines can have notable benefits for our mental, physical and holistic health. Aromatherapy’s history Essential oils – compounds extracted from plants to preserve their odour... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3182877/how-aromatherapy-can-benefit-your-mind-and-body-and-how?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3182877/how-aromatherapy-can-benefit-your-mind-and-body-and-how?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Jun 2022 00:15:15 +0000 Fivelements Habitat, which provides yoga sessions, spa treatments and plant-based cuisine, is shutting its Times Square wellness centre in Causeway Bay after two years of operation, as it failed to reach an agreement with landlord Wharf Reic on the terms of its lease renewal. The centre, located on level 13A of Times Square’s Tower One, will cease operating at 6pm on September 30, ahead of the expiry of its lease in December, according to a notice to customers. “We were reaching an inflection... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3147270/fivelements-shut-times-square-spa-amid-quibbles-over-rent-uncertainty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3147270/fivelements-shut-times-square-spa-amid-quibbles-over-rent-uncertainty?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Sep 2021 05:00:28 +0000 Just because they look good on camera, doesn’t mean that their body journeys have been easy. In fact, some celebs even resorted to surgery to help them achieve their body goals. First of all though, what exactly are the different surgical procedures available to those who want to lose weight? The first is laparoscopic bariatric surgery. This is where the top portion of the stomach is separated from the bottom to create a small pouch which restricts food intake. A part of the small intestine is... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3126186/5-celebrities-who-went-under-knife-lose-weight-sharon-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3126186/5-celebrities-who-went-under-knife-lose-weight-sharon-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Mar 2021 23:00:16 +0000 Very little in life feels quite as fantastic as replying to someone who’s gone ahead and done you wrong with a heartfelt “go eff your actual self”. In that moment, telling someone off and getting something off your chest makes you feel so much better. But an hour or so later? Not so much. See, what happens after you open your mouth or let loose your typing fingers to unleash the proverbial fury is that you’re left feeling like an unhinged bully who can’t blend in in polite society. And once your... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3120755/how-be-mindful-when-you-really-are-not-mood?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3120755/how-be-mindful-when-you-really-are-not-mood?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Feb 2021 04:00:26 +0000 Valentine’s Day may be a little different this year, but you if you’re single, you still might have plucked up the courage to ask somebody out. In person or virtual, first dates are hard. There’s no denying that. From the endless supply of sweat that you didn’t know your body could actually make, to the awkward silences when you actually contemplate talking about how unseasonably cold it is outside, to the question of who pays the bill, first dates are often fairly anxiety-inducing. One thing... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3120753/got-valentines-day-first-date-here-are-questions-ask-make?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3120753/got-valentines-day-first-date-here-are-questions-ask-make?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Feb 2021 12:00:13 +0000 Reaching for a Coca-Cola or 7-Up is tempting when the temperature rises, but the amount of sugar these soft drinks contain wreak havoc on your teeth and insides. The cost also adds up. Ditch the soda for some fruit- and herb-infused drinks that not only look amazing but pack a punch of health benefits. Start off by filling a pitcher or a one-litre water bottle with water. Then add slices of fresh fruits and herbs to make your customised drink. (Go easy on the herbs as they can have a very strong... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3094054/6-alternatives-soda-are-better-your-health?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3094054/6-alternatives-soda-are-better-your-health?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jul 2020 07:22:41 +0000 With lockdown and self-isolation, it’s all too easy to order Deliveroo instead of making nutritious, balanced meal. Isolation weight gain is real! But you can kick-start your health without too much effort: eat salad. We’re not talking limp lettuce and a couple of squishy tomatoes. A good salad is a perfect balance of crisp, fresh ingredients, muscle-repairing protein, energy-giving carbs and a dressing that ties everything together. Plus, taking the time to plate it up beautifully is soothing... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3094041/6-easy-steps-perfect-salad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3094041/6-easy-steps-perfect-salad?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jul 2020 06:02:31 +0000 Quality HealthCare Medical Services’ centre in downtown Guangzhou is like any other privately run facility. Patients coming in and out of doctors’ offices, busy nurses and pharmacists carefully checking medical prescriptions before handing out the drugs. But there’s something else that sets the Hong Kong-based operator of multi-specialty medical centres apart. In January, it became the first foreign-owned facility in the Greater Bay Area to qualify for direct reimbursement by mainland China’s... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3089800/chinas-aim-integrate-greater-bay-area-comes-together-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3089800/chinas-aim-integrate-greater-bay-area-comes-together-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Jun 2020 04:01:20 +0000 Amy Morin is a psychotherapist, licensed clinical social worker, mental strength coach, and international bestselling author. She explains how social isolation, restrictions on activity, and limited contact with friends caused by the Covid-19 pandemic can increase the risk of depression. Morin recommends making time to chat with friends and family, exercising in any way you enjoy, and scheduling fun activities to look forward to in order to boost your mood. Many people felt OK during the first... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3083862/5-ways-improve-your-mental-health-while-youre-social?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3083862/5-ways-improve-your-mental-health-while-youre-social?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 May 2020 00:00:11 +0000 With so much information on the internet, it can be difficult to know whether you can trust all the fitness advice you read. We made a list of some of the most common myths about health and fitness, and asked sports scientist and physical education expert Lobo Louie Hung-tak, a professor at Hong Kong Baptist University, to sort the fact from the fiction. 1. “Exercise turns fat into muscle - and vice versa” Fat and muscles are two different types of body tissue. “No matter what you do, you cannot... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3027988/7-common-exercise-and-fitness-myths-busted-pro?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3027988/7-common-exercise-and-fitness-myths-busted-pro?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2020 00:00:14 +0000 The coronavirus pandemic is affecting all of us, and the human condition itself. No longer might our actions affect only our immediate connections; our decisions can have a far wider-reaching impact. It is a time for reflection, self-awareness, and perspective, issues that philosophers address through their work. If dipping into Plato seems a bit taxing right now, though, try a philosophical novel. These use fictional stories to explore thought-provoking questions that have stimulated and... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3077070/10-philosophical-novels-read-times-uncertainty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3077070/10-philosophical-novels-read-times-uncertainty?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:12 +0000 If you want to have a good night’s sleep, you need a cool head. While sleeping in the fridge is not the most environmentally thing to do, who are we to judge? Seriously, though, you might want to make sure your bedroom is cool. Experts say the ideal temperature is between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius, which is well below the usual “room temperature”, between 20 to 23 C. What is insomnia and what you can do about it In addition, keeping a cool head can help you if you have trouble falling asleep,... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3074802/how-fall-asleep-faster?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3074802/how-fall-asleep-faster?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2020 00:00:12 +0000 People all over the world are in pretty much the same boat: self-isolation. You’ve got your food stocked up, studies on hold, maybe you’re working from home. You’re ready to hunker down with the roomies or solo. Two weeks – that’s nothing, right? But the truth is, this is a pandemic. Two weeks, on repeat, may be your new normal. To survive and thrive through it, you’ll need to feed your mental health, too. As you enter times of self-isolation, taking care of your mental health is more important... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3077049/6-tips-your-mental-health-during-self-isolation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3077049/6-tips-your-mental-health-during-self-isolation?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2020 01:00:19 +0000 We’re not making any claims that this will have any effect on your immune system or magically protect you against the coronavirus. We are saying, though, that cooking can be calming and restorative, and chicken soup is soothing, if nothing more. An explanation of the recipe name. Nabe is the Japanese word for a stew cooked in a donabe, or ceramic pot; tori is chicken; tori nabe is hotpot-style chicken soup, and it is delicious! Kabocha squash and chicken hot pot (tori nabe) Ingredients 450g... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3076759/keep-calm-and-cook-chicken-soup-while-you-self-isolate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3076759/keep-calm-and-cook-chicken-soup-while-you-self-isolate?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2020 00:00:09 +0000 No one disputes the health benefits of exercise. The World Health Organisation recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. But you can reap even more health benefits if you go outdoors for your workout. Here are eight reasons why an outside workout – or “green exercise” – can boost your health. 1. It helps your immune system When you work out in nature, you’re exposed to a variety of elements you don’t encounter when exercising in a controlled environment. Plants... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3076743/8-reasons-work-out-great-outdoors-while-youre-social?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3076743/8-reasons-work-out-great-outdoors-while-youre-social?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2020 00:00:41 +0000 You might have a heard a lot of talk about resilience. It’s defined as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or disappointments. But more than that, it’s about your ability to adapt to challenging situations, while maintaining your emotional well-being. While research has shown that some people are naturally resilient, a little bit of practice can help you become mentally stronger. Claire Ong, co-founder of The Positive Movement in Singapore, a boutique academy that focuses on... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3029712/learn-how-build-resilience-5-easy-steps?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3029712/learn-how-build-resilience-5-easy-steps?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2020 00:00:12 +0000 Mindfulness is a buzzword around so much of our lives. We can end up paying a small fortune for someone to help us be mindful, and still be none the wiser. Cory Muscara hopes to make mindfulness more accessible and comprehensible. He is a mindfulness teacher, a frequent guest of the Ten Percent Happier podcast with Dan Harris, and a professor whose online meditations have been heard more than 10 million times in more than 50 countries. In his early 20s, he spent time ordained as a Buddhist monk... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044863/control-your-thoughts-better-tips-mindfulness-guru-cory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044863/control-your-thoughts-better-tips-mindfulness-guru-cory?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2020 00:00:06 +0000 A friend didn’t text you back. You’re worried you’re spending too much. You realise your parents might get sick some day. A feeling of dread washes over you that you might find hard to explain to others. You’re not alone, though. Anxiety is far more common than you might think (in the US alone, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately 20 per cent of Americans are affected by anxiety).  And although anxiety comes in many forms (from incessant worrying to more severe... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3033074/how-calm-anxiety-or-worry-3-calming-questions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3033074/how-calm-anxiety-or-worry-3-calming-questions?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2020 00:00:13 +0000 We’ve all been there. You’ve got to finish that essay or hand in that assignment first thing in the morning, and you just haven’t finished. You can’t get an extension on the deadline, so you think to yourself, “I’ll just stay up all night to finish. What’s the worst that could happen?” Surprisingly – a lot. After just one night without sleep, your body feels it. Here’s some expert analysis of the exact damage one harmless little all-nighter can actually do. Sleep-deprived – or drunk? “Eight... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3074004/why-you-shouldnt-pull-all-nighter-and-how-deal-if-you-have?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3074004/why-you-shouldnt-pull-all-nighter-and-how-deal-if-you-have?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:00:14 +0000 A lot of people currently won’t or can’t travel. With the spread of the novel coronavirus, countries, companies and airlines are limiting, or even banning certain trips. It makes sense: the situation is complicated by the fact that travellers can show no or few symptoms, board a plane, and be almost anywhere in the world within hours. It’s not only Covid-19 that can spread this way. Passengers with the common cold or flu can board a plane and spread their illness to other passengers. But whether... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3074021/how-reduce-chances-getting-sick-plane-age-coronavirus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3074021/how-reduce-chances-getting-sick-plane-age-coronavirus?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2020 01:00:19 +0000 Eye infections are quite common in childhood. But now that you’re an adult, what do you do if your eye is red, watery and itchy. It could be classic case of conjunctivitis, or “pink eye”. But, not necessarily. The symptoms may be caused by epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, a highly contagious adenoviral infection of the eye. “Only a medical specialist can tell whether you have conjunctivitis or epidemic keratoconjunctivitis,” says Dr Claus Cursiefen, director of the Department of Ophthalmology at... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3051100/how-tell-if-your-bloodshot-eye-conjunctivitis-or-something?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3051100/how-tell-if-your-bloodshot-eye-conjunctivitis-or-something?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Feb 2020 10:00:14 +0000 You may not think it, but there are a lot of similarities between looking for a job and looking for a significant other. Sure, there are differences – probably best not to end an interview with a hug, for example, and definitely don’t go in for a kiss – but the similarities are worth noting. If you want advice on howto score a second date or interview, here are five top tips.  1 First impressions are everything Whether we like it or not, we only have one chance to make a first impression, and... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3051425/dating-and-job-hunting-success-both-relies-same?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3051425/dating-and-job-hunting-success-both-relies-same?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Feb 2020 22:00:20 +0000 Anyone who’s gone through a bad breakup will be very familiar with this statement: “I just need closure.” As you spend your first newly single days sobbing and bouncing back and forth between “I can do better” and “I’ll be alone forever”, closure seems like the best way to make the pain stop — stat. But it’s an elusive concept — and it may not even be a real thing. “Closure doesn’t exist,” says Nancy Berns, PhD, sociologist and author of Closure: The Rush to End Grief and What It Costs Us. “It’s... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3033067/5-ways-get-closure-after-break?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3033067/5-ways-get-closure-after-break?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Feb 2020 10:00:14 +0000 Oh, Valentine’s Day! Depending on where you are in a relationship (or where you’re not), it can be a day of roses and chocolates, love letters and hearts, uncertainty and stomach pangs, or leftover takeout and half a bottle of wine to drink solo. Whatever your situation this Valentine’s Day, check out these ideas for how to spend February 14. Couples in very long-term relationships: At this stage, you may have already exhausted your cute and romantic ideas when you were trying to woo each other... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3048944/valentines-day-date-ideas-whether-youre-single-new?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3048944/valentines-day-date-ideas-whether-youre-single-new?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Feb 2020 00:00:14 +0000 As fun as they are, social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram can open you up to all manner of online dangers. While we can use the internet’s power and openness to our benefit, these qualities also mean it can be used against us. Here are five top tips for safe social networking. Check your privacy settings We often overlook this very important step when we set up social media accounts. The default for many platforms is to make your account as open to the public as possible. This is... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3029639/5-tips-help-you-stay-safe-social-media?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3029639/5-tips-help-you-stay-safe-social-media?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Jan 2020 00:00:14 +0000 There is no cure for the new coronavirus which originated in Wuhan, China - but the same is true of the common cold. However, there are definitely things that lots of people do which make it more likely you'll pick up similar diseases. Stop these bad habits, and know that you’re doing your part to stop spreading infections. 1. Not washing your hands. Scientists will tell you this is the easiest thing people can do to stop the spread of disease. 2. Not covering your nose and mouth when you cough... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3047540/10-gross-habits-make-it-more-likely-youll-spread-virus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3047540/10-gross-habits-make-it-more-likely-youll-spread-virus?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Jan 2020 12:00:12 +0000 Everyone is freaking about the new virus that has come out of Wuhan, China, as it seems doomed to rapidly spread across the world. While we don’t know everything about it and there is no vaccine or known cure, there is one simple thing you can do, to improve your chances of not getting it. Wash your hands properly. We don’t mean that you need to be obsessive about it, but possibly extra careful to ensure that you wash your hands. You need to wash your hands: ● every time you go to the toilet ●... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3047418/simple-trick-best-way-protecting-yourself-against-wuhan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3047418/simple-trick-best-way-protecting-yourself-against-wuhan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Jan 2020 12:00:15 +0000 One of the biggest news stories so far this year has been the spread of the China coronovirus around the world – cases have been confirmed in the US, South Korea, Japan, Thailand and Macau. This disease has added stress to anyone planning to travel this winter, beyond the usual cold and flu season concerns. Airports are taking steps to protect those passing through. In the US, passengers travelling to certain cities from the Chinese city of Wuhan will be screened for 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3047190/10-tips-keep-you-healthy-plane-amid-spread-china-coronavirus-flu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3047190/10-tips-keep-you-healthy-plane-amid-spread-china-coronavirus-flu?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Jan 2020 12:15:08 +0000 Wondering whether a new acquaintance goes by he, she, they or ze, but unsure how to ask? Here are some tips the queer community on how best to ask someone their pronouns without outing them if they’re figuring it out themselves. Aaryanna Gariss, an average Chicago queer We need to change the narrative that asking for someone’s pronouns is awkward. Stating pronouns needs to become normalised. When we are at a point in a conversation and you introduce yourself with your name, it should be the next... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3045986/how-ask-someones-pronouns-without-outing-or-offending-them?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3045986/how-ask-someones-pronouns-without-outing-or-offending-them?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Jan 2020 11:00:10 +0000 There are a myriad excuses for not keeping up a new habit. These were the excuses I made when I failed – yet again – to keep up a new habit. These were the things I’d tell myself when I thought about the things I wanted to do daily –  journal, meditate, go to the gym – but never did. I had an excuse for everything. I had a reason to control every failure. The road to success may be full of curves, but the path to failure is much easier to predict. And I like to stay in control. But I have... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3033057/its-time-stop-making-excuses-and-stick-healthy-habits?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3033057/its-time-stop-making-excuses-and-stick-healthy-habits?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Jan 2020 00:00:05 +0000 Degrowth is an aspirational way of life where economic expansion is no longer a priority and the result is that people form stronger social bonds among each other and within communities. There is greater economic equality and far less environmental damage. People in favour of degrowth decry the current economic/social paradigm of “faster, higher, further” as harmful to nature, given its relentless race to extract and monetize natural resources. They also abhor its competitiveness, stress and... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3043221/better-life-less-more-according-proponents-degrowth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3043221/better-life-less-more-according-proponents-degrowth?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Jan 2020 00:00:10 +0000 If your new year’s resolutions for 2020 involve eating better, one of the best ways to keep it is to start meal-prepping. It will free up so much time, plus if you bring your spoils for lunch, save you a bunch of money. But how do you get started? If you’ve never done it before, meal-prepping can feel overwhelming. But it’s not, really. Here’s everything you need to know to succeed. What is meal prep, and why should I try it? Meal prep is exactly what it sounds like: prepping your meals (or meal... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044548/beginners-guide-meal-prep?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044548/beginners-guide-meal-prep?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Jan 2020 01:00:21 +0000 Welcome to 2019. If you’re still searching for an inspirational New Year’s resolution, you’re not alone. We’ll say, to be fair, that as we are between the standard New Year and the lunar New Year, you still have some time to think up something amazing. But if you need a little inspiration, staff at The Washington Post put their spin on food resolutions which are incredibly thoughtful and encourage mindfulness. Find togetherness at the table For most of human history, eating alone was not an... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044301/5-new-years-food-resolutions-have-nothing-do-dieting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044301/5-new-years-food-resolutions-have-nothing-do-dieting?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Jan 2020 01:00:21 +0000 The new year is a time for fresh starts, or at least good intentions. Sometimes January 1 (and several of the days that follow) can be less productive than planned because of overindulgence leading to hangovers. Mankind all over the globe has grappled with the morning-after effects of booze since our ancestors first gobbled up that overripe fruit that made them feel so good – and then woke up feeling like prehistoric garbage. These days, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the number of high-tech... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3044206/5-tried-and-tested-hangover-cures-around-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3044206/5-tried-and-tested-hangover-cures-around-world?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jan 2020 10:10:12 +0000 This dish is perfect, whether you’re just in the mood for a filling breakfast or you over-imbibed the night before and you’re wondering how to make it through the day. What’s more, there’s actual science behind the reputed power of eggs at taming the after-effects of a night of boozing. Specifically, an amino acid in eggs helps break down acetaldehyde, which is thought to be one of the causes of hangovers. Then again, it may be just the comforting hug of a breakfast of carbs, eggs and heat that... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044202/ultimate-hangover-breakfast?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044202/ultimate-hangover-breakfast?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jan 2020 09:00:03 +0000 If you’ve ever heard the saying “Beer before wine makes you feel fine; wine before beer makes you feel queer”, and taken it as official medical advice, we’ve got some bad news: the order in which you consume different alcoholic drinks makes no difference to your chances of suffering a hangover the next day, researchers have found. The traditional piece of folk wisdom is an age-old English aphorism, and similar sayings also exist elsewhere in Europe. But scientists in Germany and England have now... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3043934/does-drinking-beer-wine-really-reduce-risk-hangover-science?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3043934/does-drinking-beer-wine-really-reduce-risk-hangover-science?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Dec 2019 00:00:13 +0000 Have you made a list of New Year’s resolutions for 2020 yet? If you’re like most people, no matter how good your intentions are when you establish them, it’s likely those resolutions won’t last, because it’s tough to get changes to stick. People fall into the same traps year after year. Whether they decide to lose weight, pay off debt, or get organised, they declare that they’re finally going to do something different in the coming year. Yet, despite their efforts, most of them feel discouraged... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3043973/5-reasons-why-you-dont-stick-your-new-years-resolutions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3043973/5-reasons-why-you-dont-stick-your-new-years-resolutions?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Dec 2019 22:30:10 +0000 As a new year looms, many people see it as an opportunity to better themselves and start working on new projects and goals by making New Year’s resolutions. Often, these revolve around things like getting fit, getting better grades or spending less money. But resolving to take care of our mental health often takes a back seat, despite the fact that it affects our emotional, physical and social well-being. With the help of Hong Kong-based certified NLP Life Coach Steffi Lopez Gonzalez, we’ve... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3043968/7-tips-making-new-years-resolutions-are-good-your-mental?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3043968/7-tips-making-new-years-resolutions-are-good-your-mental?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Dec 2019 22:30:07 +0000 Nurses spend all day with doctors, so they know a thing or two about how to deal with them, and so they have some advice on what to ask your doctor during a visit. One of the most important things patients can do is advocate for themselves during treatment, nurses say. Diagnostic errors (or mistakes doctors can make with treatment plans) affect 1 in 20 adults each year, according to research published in the peer-reviewed journal The BMJ. Here are some questions nurses suggest you ask your... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3043024/7-questions-you-should-never-be-afraid-ask-your-doctor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3043024/7-questions-you-should-never-be-afraid-ask-your-doctor?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Dec 2019 01:00:18 +0000 If you need to feel like you’re eating something super healthy, but don’t want to spend much time or money, we’ve got the perfect recipe. It’s got just a few ingredients, many of them pantry staples – warming spices balanced by the acidic pop of tomatoes make it interesting, despite its simplicity. It’s hearty enough for dinner, light enough for lunch, flexible enough for eaters of various dietary persuasions. (Just turn it into a side for carnivores or add an egg for the non-vegan... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3042976/ultimate-feel-good-food-turmeric-ginger-chickpea-bowl?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3042976/ultimate-feel-good-food-turmeric-ginger-chickpea-bowl?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Dec 2019 01:00:12 +0000 On days when you need something full of flavour, or full of cold-busting goodness, this better-than-Deliveroo soup is ideal. Takeout-style hot-and-sour soup Ingredients (4 to 6 servings) 15g dried shiitake mushrooms (about 6) 15g dried wood ear mushrooms (about 3) 2 cups warm water, plus 4 cups cool water 250g boneless pork loin, cut into thin strips 1 1/2 tsp Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine; may substitute dry sherry) 3 tbsp cornstarch combined with ¼ cup water, plus 1 1/2 teaspoons... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3042836/easy-hot-and-sour-soup-days-when-cold-or-cold-gets-you-down?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3042836/easy-hot-and-sour-soup-days-when-cold-or-cold-gets-you-down?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Dec 2019 00:00:13 +0000 Around this time of year, it’s likely you’ll be attending a whole bunch of dinners, whether or not you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or Hogmanay. From one last mass meal with friends before you head home for the term break to family gatherings with branches of the fam you didn’t know were in town, most of us prepare for a season of excess. The excess spills over to leftovers, too. Most people find they have plenty remaining. It’s a problem so common that experts have linked holiday... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3041806/safe-way-deal-leftovers-they-go-bad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3041806/safe-way-deal-leftovers-they-go-bad?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Dec 2019 01:00:16 +0000 Watching the clock might be a better way of losing weight than watching the scales, scientists say. It also seems that watching the clock can improved your sleep, and help to prevent diabetes. Scientists studying the effects of daily fasting on humans have found that if you eat all your meals over a span of just 10 hours, then fasted for the rest of the day, your health would benefit in myriad ways. The plan, called “time-restricted eating,” is similar to “intermittent fasting” - a practice... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3041441/intermittent-fasting-could-be-kind-works?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3041441/intermittent-fasting-could-be-kind-works?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Dec 2019 00:00:07 +0000 The bad news: most sore throats can’t be cured. In about 70 per cent of cases, it’s a virus that is causing your sore throat - meaning that antibiotics will not help. But the good news is that you don’t have to suffer (in silence, or otherwise) until you get healthy again. Here a few ways to alleviate that annoying scratchy feeling. Drinking and sucking sweets: Liquids help to keep mucus moist, so drinking a lot is a good idea. Water is always best but tea is also acceptable - but not too hot... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3041396/sore-throat-remedies-and-none-them-involve-antibiotics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3041396/sore-throat-remedies-and-none-them-involve-antibiotics?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Dec 2019 11:00:14 +0000 A lot of people turn up their noses at frozen vegetables. Yes, having farm-fresh produce is great, but many have to be delivered within a day of harvest to be at their best. So don’t be so quick to pass on the frozen variety. They are probably a lot better for the environment than the fresh stuff that has to cross hemispheres to get to the table. And they definitely deserve more appreciation. “A lot of people pooh-pooh them,” says Bruce Weinstein, who has written 32 cookbooks with his husband,... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3039752/frozen-vegetables-are-tasty-nutritious-and-eco-friendly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3039752/frozen-vegetables-are-tasty-nutritious-and-eco-friendly?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Dec 2019 01:00:15 +0000 Many queer people, tired of swiping through profiles with discriminatory language and frustrated with safety and privacy concerns, say the best dating app for them isn’t a dating app at all. It’s Instagram. This is hardly a queer seal of approval for the social media platform. Instead, it’s a sign that, in the eyes of many LGBTQ people, big dating apps are failing them. This trend is partially prompted by a widespread sense of dating app fatigue, something Instagram’s parent company has sought... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3038810/what-are-best-queer-dating-apps?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3038810/what-are-best-queer-dating-apps?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Nov 2019 00:00:08 +0000 Testosterone has a fascinating double life: a molecule with a precise chemical structure, it also has an outsize cultural presence, winning praise and blame for a wide range of characteristics typically associated with masculinity. Many of the claims go well beyond or even directly against the scientific evidence about what scientists call “T”. Here are five myths about the hormone, disproved. Myth No. 1: Testosterone is the male sex hormone In answer to the question “What are male sex... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/good-reads/article/3038938/five-myths-about-testosterone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/good-reads/article/3038938/five-myths-about-testosterone?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Nov 2019 00:00:11 +0000 Everyday life these days is non-stop: staying up to date with Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok means it’s hard not to look at your phone every five minutes, not to mention dealing with ever-increasing piles of work and communication IRL. This has led to our efficiency decreasing and our attention spans shortening - a study published earlier this year by the Technical University of Denmark shows our collective attention span is narrowing due to an abundance of information. But there are ways to... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3029801/8-mindfulness-tips-help-you-stay-focused-and-control?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3029801/8-mindfulness-tips-help-you-stay-focused-and-control?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Nov 2019 00:00:13 +0000