https://www.scmp.com/rss/501995/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com 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 Progress and “civilisation” brought untold harm to Florida’s Everglades. People literally drained the swamp, straightened the river and “reclaimed” land for housing and farming. Is there any hope for it? When the Everglades restoration plan was adopted in 2000, it aimed to turn back the clock to the pre-drainage wilderness. But in the face of rising seas, along with fluctuating temperatures and rainfall distribution, experts agree there is no going back. “Everglades restoration has always been... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/environment/article/3040947/why-glory-floridas-everglades-will-never-be-restored?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/environment/article/3040947/why-glory-floridas-everglades-will-never-be-restored?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Jan 2020 00:00:14 +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 For a long time, modern scholars believed that the Amazons were little more than a figment of ancient imaginations. These were the fierce warrior women of Ancient Greek lore who supposedly sparred with Hercules, lived in lesbian matriarchies, and hacked off their breasts so they could fire their arrows better. Homer immortalised them in The Iliad. Eons later, they played a central role in the Wonder Woman comics. Some historians argued they were probably a propaganda tool created to keep... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/good-reads/article/3044224/there-may-be-some-truth-existence-amazons-wonder-woman-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/good-reads/article/3044224/there-may-be-some-truth-existence-amazons-wonder-woman-after?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Jan 2020 00:00:05 +0000 On the way home from a weekend road trip to the Smoky Mountains in the southeastern United States, two friends, Lindsy Wolke and Megan Grant, found themselves browsing the relic room of Smoky Mountain Knife Works in eastern Tennessee. Among the fossils and old currency, they stumbled upon a few handwritten letters from the second world war. The love letters, written from 1944 to 1946, were so absorbing – and the two friends stood there reading them for so long – that an employee came by and... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/good-reads/article/3044120/bunch-second-hand-world-war-ii-love-letters-was-first-clue?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/good-reads/article/3044120/bunch-second-hand-world-war-ii-love-letters-was-first-clue?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jan 2020 03:00:17 +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 Ben Levi Ross wakes up most mornings saddled with an “emotional hangover”, an affliction he typically shakes through meditation and a good stretch. Physically, he recuperates with the help of a personal steamer, plus a soothing ginger and manuka honey beverage of his own making. Then, after a few hours of resting in solitude, the 21-year-old steps back onstage as the title character in Dear Evan Hansen, taxing his mind and body with a 2½-hour binge of anxiety, panic, grief and guilt. “It has... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3043037/dear-evan-hansen-star-ben-levi-ross-challenges-taking?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3043037/dear-evan-hansen-star-ben-levi-ross-challenges-taking?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Dec 2019 00:00:09 +0000 The Everglades National Park in the US state of Florida is home to a stunning array of wildlife. There are more than 360 species of birds, including the great blue heron and the diminutive green variety. It is said to be the only place in the world where freshwater alligators and saltwater crocodiles co-exist. And then there are the non-native species that are throwing off nature’s balance. On a blisteringly hot late-October morning, wildlife biologist Ian Bartoszek, who heads the Conservancy of... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/environment/article/3041579/epic-battle-rid-floridas-everglades-invasive-burmese?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/environment/article/3041579/epic-battle-rid-floridas-everglades-invasive-burmese?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Dec 2019 01:00:08 +0000 The recent United Nations climate conference, COP25, ended without any solid plan to tackle the climate crisis. Big corporates and governments are just not committing enough time or resources to looking at this terrifying problem. Luckily, some organisations are trying to make a difference, particularly when it comes to trees. A recent study suggested we can fight climate change by planting a trillion trees – it received a viral response, including volunteers in India and Ethiopia putting... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3042314/combine-your-travel-tree-planting-and-help-tackle-climate-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3042314/combine-your-travel-tree-planting-and-help-tackle-climate-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Dec 2019 00:00:15 +0000 If you’re a bookworm, a trip to London is pretty much the ultimate fantasy. The centre of the English-speaking literary world, the British capital is packed with bookshops. But it’s not just chain stores – London’s literary marketplace is far more interesting than that. Looking for a first edition of Brideshead Revisited? No problem. How about a medieval map? You can find that, too. Want to pick up a stack of recent paperbacks – from inside a boat? Step right this way (and mind your head). No... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3041461/best-bookstores-london-every-interest-and-budget?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3041461/best-bookstores-london-every-interest-and-budget?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Dec 2019 00:00:18 +0000 There’s something very satisfying about crossing items off a to-do list. (Conversely, it can be pretty stressful to see a list full of things you still have to do.) Whether they’re in a homework planner at school or on a sticky note on a desk at work, to-do lists are an easy way to lay out what has to be done. But how do you avoid the chaos of dozens of little pieces of paper or a digital document that requires endless scrolling? We spoke with experts to find out how to make to-do lists that... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3039411/how-control-your-do-list-top-tips-experts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3039411/how-control-your-do-list-top-tips-experts?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Nov 2019 00:00:07 +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 When my daughter turned five, her top birthday gift ask was a giant whiteboard for keeping her extensive to-do lists. Along with keeping order, she likes giving orders. Her first victims were her dolls, and then a constant rotation of family members forced to play school where, of course, she played teacher. She seems destined to run a big company. But lately, I have had to wonder: will she? 5 tips to help you reclaim control over your work-life balance As a culture, we are still wrestling with... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3036856/future-female-ceos-need-more-coding-camps-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3036856/future-female-ceos-need-more-coding-camps-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 Nov 2019 07:21:51 +0000 If you follow beauty trends, you’ve no doubt heard of gemstone facial rollers, which have become really popular as they are said to reduce puffiness and under-eye circles. But gemstones and crystals have been used and worn for thousands of years to heal and promote good health, especially in the form of beaded bracelets. What was once a trinket kept for superstitious purposes by older generations has become a hot accessory for young people. We spoke to several sellers of these gemstone bracelets... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/good-reads/article/3035575/what-gemstones-wear-love-luck-or-better-grades?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/good-reads/article/3035575/what-gemstones-wear-love-luck-or-better-grades?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Nov 2019 00:00:06 +0000 Sometimes you can think yourself into a problem that isn’t actually as burdensome as it may feel. It is very common to have “unhelpful thoughts” - and it’s not something that ends with puberty; even pretty mature adults get them, too. Often, people will use the same unhelpful thinking style again and again throughout their lifetime. Unfortunately, not everyone becomes aware of their own thinking patterns, and they repeat thinking styles which are just not helpful. Becoming aware of any unhelpful... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3027600/negative-thoughts-can-impact-your-mood-mental-health-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3027600/negative-thoughts-can-impact-your-mood-mental-health-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Nov 2019 00:00:13 +0000 When autumn weather creeps in, so, too, does an urge to seek out ways to terrify ourselves. No doubt we are influenced, too, by Halloween, and the whole spooky season leading up to and following October 31. While some autumn activities can be casual and festive – haunted houses, or horror movie marathons – others are more serious, dipping into the realm of what has become known as dark tourism. Although the term hasn’t yet made it into the dictionary, it’s largely defined as travel associated... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3035220/if-youre-taking-halloween-holiday-or-other-trip-somewhere-sombre?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3035220/if-youre-taking-halloween-holiday-or-other-trip-somewhere-sombre?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Oct 2019 00:10:28 +0000 Social media influencer Justin Schuble, 24, is the founder and creative director of DCFoodPorn. The account has more than 500,000 followers on Instagram. Schuble is also the co-founder of TidBit, a new dining decisions app. He spoke about managing expectations, and the pressures of being an influencer. The interview has been condensed for clarity and length. So, how does somebody become an influencer? I think it depends. Like, today, now that influencers are a thing, there are people that will... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3034624/instagram-influencer-behind-famous-food-porn-account?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3034624/instagram-influencer-behind-famous-food-porn-account?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Oct 2019 00:00:13 +0000 The potential bliss in converting a friend to a romantic partner is everywhere: There are many happily-ever-after examples in pop culture, from When Harry Met Sally to Friends to How I Met Your Mother to Always Be My Maybe. Even Facebook is trying to play Cupid within your friend group: the social network’s new dating platform has a Secret Crush feature where users can find out if unspoken interest might be mutual. But there’s also potential for an awkward ending, where you’re forced to... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3033350/5-questions-ask-yourself-if-you-want-date-friend?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3033350/5-questions-ask-yourself-if-you-want-date-friend?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Oct 2019 00:00:16 +0000 Without a doubt, “self-care” is the buzzword du jour. But take it from your bank account: in today’s world, self-care is hardly ever free – and sometimes these pastimes don’t help your inner voice grow stronger. So, let’s talk the no-cost option that really gets to the root of feeling balanced on the regular. Let’s get to feeling our feelings. Slowly getting to know how to explore your feelings can seem anti-productive. But exploring your emotional intelligence might help you quickly kick stress... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3032399/7-fantastically-underrated-feelings-and-where-find-them?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3032399/7-fantastically-underrated-feelings-and-where-find-them?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Oct 2019 00:00:06 +0000 As a kid, Queer Eye foodie Antoni Porowski had a love-hate relationship with Polish fare. It was standard in his Polish Canadian family, but he was a picky eater. He didn’t like caraway seeds. He truly didn’t like beetroots. And once he and his dad decamped south to the US, from Montreal to West Virginia, the 12-year-old boy with the funny name grew tired of showing up at school with cabbage rolls and kielbasa when everyone else munched on crustless sandwiches and Oscar Mayer Lunchables, which... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/good-reads/article/3032548/queer-eye-foodie-antoni-porowski-talks-avocados-salt-fat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/good-reads/article/3032548/queer-eye-foodie-antoni-porowski-talks-avocados-salt-fat?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Oct 2019 01:00:13 +0000 Travelling by yourself comes with its highs and lows. Sure, if something goes wrong, you don’t have anyone with you to get you through it, but also, you don’t have to worry about stressing out your travel buddy because you can’t find your Airbnb address when you’re at the immigration desk. Japan is one of the best places to visit alone: you can nestle into a solitary routine without judgment. In the morning, you’re not some person sitting by yourself at breakfast. You’re one of eight sitting by... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3032040/7-tips-solo-travel-inspired-trip-tokyo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3032040/7-tips-solo-travel-inspired-trip-tokyo?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Oct 2019 00:00:15 +0000 Some people may worry that talking about suicide encourages people to harm themselves, or puts dangerous ideas into young people's minds. Suicide is a global phenomenon, and the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally. However, organisations such as the Samaritans and The American Association of Suicidology encourage young people to be open about their feelings and to talk about "taboo" subjects, explaining that this offers an opportunity to get help. A 2003 University of... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3027105/its-important-talk-about-suicide?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3027105/its-important-talk-about-suicide?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Oct 2019 12:00:11 +0000