TOPIC

Wellness

Latest news and features on wellness, including diet, mental health trends, exercise, fitness, medicine and diseases.

Stress can be either “good” or “bad” depending on the trigger, say clinical psychologists, who explain how to beat the bad kind and avoid the associated health risks through everything from knitting and gardening to using gadgets. Illustration: Shutterstock

Mental health

The difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ stress and how to beat the harmful kind

Clinical psychologists explain the two types of stress and how to calm ourselves with methods like nerve stimulation and analogue hobbies.

4 hours ago

What to do in Hong Kong

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this rainy weekend, May 15-17

14 May 2026 - 4:15PMvideocam

Hyrox's Rise in Asia

Asia’s hottest new travel trend? The Hyrox ‘race-cation’

Supported by

Hyatt Asia Pacific

Soho House

Review | Soho House opens in Tokyo’s fashionable Aoyama neighbourhood

Soho House’s Tokyo outpost brings luxury accommodation, rooftop pool views, a Taschen bookshop and a distinctly Japanese-Western sensibility.

13 May 2026 - 3:00PM

Design features at the newly opened Soho House Tokyo include vintage furniture and artworks by Japan-based artists. Photo: Handout

Health & Fitness

No membership required: Hong Kong parks are this coach’s gym of choice

Ash Ayonote’s outdoor fitness classes in Hong Kong public spaces unite generations of families, boost longevity and build community.

13 May 2026 - 11:00AM

Mental health

Letters | It’s OK to open up to an AI bot – just don’t stop there

Readers discuss ensuring AI is but a bridge to effective mental health support, Thailand’s termination of its MOU with Cambodia, and the future of warfare.

10 May 2026 - 11:30AM

How to age well

Why tai chi and qigong are great for health, and English classes in Hong Kong

The Chinese ‘internal’ arts of tai chi and qigong offer a host of health benefits and are slowly becoming more accessible to English speakers.

11 May 2026 - 5:20PM

Lawrence Tse leads a class outside the tea museum in Hong Kong Park.
Photo: Lawrence Tse

Wealth: Healthcare

Unlocking your genetic code: the potential health benefits of DNA sequencing

Genome sequencing analysis helps identify potential risks and facilitate ‘precision living’ to minimise those risks.

Supported by

Standard Chartered

How to age well

This fit former bodybuilder thought pole would be easy. He was wrong

Hong Kong-born LA resident Ray Kayan found that gym strength means little on the fitness pole, an activity he finds ‘empowering’.

9 May 2026 - 7:29AMvideocam

Wealth: Healthcare

Future-proofing: how longevity medicine is reshaping health prospects

With people living longer and fewer children being born to support older generations, can preventive longevity medicine help provide a more secure and healthy future?

Supported by

Standard Chartered

As more of us expect to live for many years after we stop working, there is a growing need to consider how we will live those extra years in sound physical, mental and financial health. Photo: Getty Images

Hyrox's Rise in Asia

Hyrox races are taking Asia by storm, redefining fitness culture

The rise of the hybrid format is fuelled by its community-driven races, accessible indoor fitness structure, and strategic partnerships.

Supported by

Hyatt Asia Pacific

Hyrox training has really taken off across Asia, leading a dramatic shift from traditional gym memberships to community-led, event-based fitness experiences.
Photo: Hyatt

Fashion

4 luxury pyjama sets for cosy nights in, from Ralph Lauren to LoveShackFancy

From Olivia von Halle’s Italian-print silk satin to LoveShackFancy’s pima cotton, these jammie sets will make bedtime feel truly indulgent.

8 May 2026 - 11:00AM

Wealth: Healthcare

Resort-based genetic testing might be medical tourism’s next frontier

Humansa and Chi Longevity are working with resorts like The Chedi Andermatt and the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, while The Lanserhof has its own resorts.

Supported by

Standard Chartered

Wealth: Healthcare

The ultra-rich are seeking longevity through innovative AI wearables

The most innovative healthcare monitors are no longer in hospitals, but increasingly found on our own bodies, opening up the opportunity for biohacking.

Supported by

Standard Chartered

Cristiano Ronaldo sporting a Whoop bracelet. Photo: Handout

Fashion

How British brand If Only If is leading the revival of stylish nighties

Once dismissed as the preserve of grandmas and little girls, the nightie is having its most interesting moment in decades.

7 May 2026 - 10:33AM

Health & Fitness

Want to do Hyrox? Hong Kong coaches explain how to train and prepare

Hong Kong Hyrox coaches explain training methods, what to avoid and why carbs are good, plus why it’s important to choose your race wisely.

7 May 2026 - 7:15AMvideocam

Health & Fitness

From wine critic to representing Hong Kong in the world’s fastest-growing sport

Now one of Asia’s fastest Hyrox athletes, former wine critic Claire Nesbitt helps others achieve their Hyrox and other fitness goals.

6 May 2026 - 12:29PM

Beauty

Debunking myths about face oils – and how the right type can benefit you

Experts say these oils balance your skin and reduce inflammation – celebrities like Princess Kate, Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow agree.

5 May 2026 - 12:00PM

Despite having played a role in beauty regimens for millennia, face oils still get a bad rap. Photo: Handout

Parenting: newborns to toddlers

Why are we still judging how mothers feed their babies?

Between Hewitt’s essay on choosing formula and Willis breastfeeding her toddler, the ‘breast is best’ conversation remains loaded with judgment.

7 May 2026 - 10:50AM

Dementia

1 in 4 people are ‘Alzheimer’s gene’ carriers like Chris Hemsworth. What to do

APOE4 comes with a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease, but the 25 per cent of people who have it can lower that risk with lifestyle changes.

4 May 2026 - 7:15AMvideocam

How to age well

How to sleep better, from bedtimes to regularity – what the research says

Sleep research has come a long way in the last decade. Here’s what you need to know to help make your slumber better.

3 May 2026 - 7:15AM

According to British neuroscientist Matthew Walker, mastering sleep requires managing three main factors: regularity, timing and continuity. Photo: Shutterstock

Japan

Rapidly ageing Japan’s ‘macho carers’ lend muscles to benefit elderly, disabled

Japan’s care industry is facing a shortage of workers, and one company is plugging the gap by deploying ‘cool’ and well-toned staff.

5 May 2026 - 1:36PMvideocam

Care worker and bodybuilder Takuya Usui (right) chats with Madoka Yamaguchi as he helps her sit on a bed at a care home for people with disabilities operated by Visionary in Ichinomiya, Aichi prefecture. Photo: AFP

Lessons from China's history

Reflections | Ancient Chinese sleep advice, from bedtimes and body positions to state of mind

For premodern Chinese people, sleep was much more than daily rest – it was a cultivated discipline and a medical necessity.

2 May 2026 - 8:15AM

Smoking and vaping

Editorial | Hong Kong’s new vaping ban is a healthy step forward

While some are sceptical of the effectiveness of the latest crackdown on vaping, the city needs to protect the youth from developing a nicotine habit.

2 May 2026 - 7:15AM

Medicine

Healing like Wolverine? Why peptide stacking is taking off and risks involved

Taking multiple synthetic peptides to target goals like weight loss, muscle growth and injury recovery is not without its risks, experts say.

2 May 2026 - 7:43AM

The “Wolverine Stack”, named after the Marvel superhero, is an example of peptide stacking that combines two peptides: one known for healing-promoting effects and another that is anti-inflammatory. Photo: Marvel Entertainment

Icons and Influencers

Style according to … J.J. Martin, founder of Milan-based La DoubleJ

The high-vibration, maximalist designer on channelled wisdom, goddess energy, and building a colourful life with intention.

2 May 2026 - 7:00AM

J.J. Martin founded LaDoubleJ, a fashion and lifestyle label known for its bold prints, colourful aesthetic and “good vibes”. Photo: Handout

Medicine

Do you feel more anxious after googling symptoms? You could have cyberchondria

Also known as ‘Dr Google syndrome’, cyberchondria can lead to depression or, at worst, illness anxiety disorder.

1 May 2026 - 3:15PM

Medicine

Letters | Why lifestyle medicine belongs in Asia’s nasopharyngeal cancer conversation

Readers discuss a form of cancer endemic to East and Southeast Asia, the impact of the disruption to oil supply on Asian cities, and EU support for Ukraine.

1 May 2026 - 11:30AM

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Wellness

The difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ stress and how to beat the harmful kind

Clinical psychologists explain the two types of stress and how to calm ourselves with methods like nerve stimulation and analogue hobbies.

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this rainy weekend, May 15-17

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}Asia’s hottest new travel trend? The Hyrox ‘race-cation’

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Review | Soho House opens in Tokyo’s fashionable Aoyama neighbourhood

Soho House’s Tokyo outpost brings luxury accommodation, rooftop pool views, a Taschen bookshop and a distinctly Japanese-Western sensibility.

No membership required: Hong Kong parks are this coach’s gym of choice

Ash Ayonote’s outdoor fitness classes in Hong Kong public spaces unite generations of families, boost longevity and build community.

Letters | It’s OK to open up to an AI bot – just don’t stop there

Readers discuss ensuring AI is but a bridge to effective mental health support, Thailand’s termination of its MOU with Cambodia, and the future of warfare.

Why tai chi and qigong are great for health, and English classes in Hong Kong

The Chinese ‘internal’ arts of tai chi and qigong offer a host of health benefits and are slowly becoming more accessible to English speakers.

Unlocking your genetic code: the potential health benefits of DNA sequencing

Genome sequencing analysis helps identify potential risks and facilitate ‘precision living’ to minimise those risks.

This fit former bodybuilder thought pole would be easy. He was wrong

Hong Kong-born LA resident Ray Kayan found that gym strength means little on the fitness pole, an activity he finds ‘empowering’.

Future-proofing: how longevity medicine is reshaping health prospects

With people living longer and fewer children being born to support older generations, can preventive longevity medicine help provide a more secure and healthy future?

Hyrox races are taking Asia by storm, redefining fitness culture

The rise of the hybrid format is fuelled by its community-driven races, accessible indoor fitness structure, and strategic partnerships.

4 luxury pyjama sets for cosy nights in, from Ralph Lauren to LoveShackFancy

From Olivia von Halle’s Italian-print silk satin to LoveShackFancy’s pima cotton, these jammie sets will make bedtime feel truly indulgent.

Resort-based genetic testing might be medical tourism’s next frontier

Humansa and Chi Longevity are working with resorts like The Chedi Andermatt and the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, while The Lanserhof has its own resorts.

The ultra-rich are seeking longevity through innovative AI wearables

The most innovative healthcare monitors are no longer in hospitals, but increasingly found on our own bodies, opening up the opportunity for biohacking.

How British brand If Only If is leading the revival of stylish nighties

Once dismissed as the preserve of grandmas and little girls, the nightie is having its most interesting moment in decades.

Want to do Hyrox? Hong Kong coaches explain how to train and prepare

Hong Kong Hyrox coaches explain training methods, what to avoid and why carbs are good, plus why it’s important to choose your race wisely.

From wine critic to representing Hong Kong in the world’s fastest-growing sport

Now one of Asia’s fastest Hyrox athletes, former wine critic Claire Nesbitt helps others achieve their Hyrox and other fitness goals.

Debunking myths about face oils – and how the right type can benefit you

Experts say these oils balance your skin and reduce inflammation – celebrities like Princess Kate, Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow agree.

Why are we still judging how mothers feed their babies?

Between Hewitt’s essay on choosing formula and Willis breastfeeding her toddler, the ‘breast is best’ conversation remains loaded with judgment.

1 in 4 people are ‘Alzheimer’s gene’ carriers like Chris Hemsworth. What to do

APOE4 comes with a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease, but the 25 per cent of people who have it can lower that risk with lifestyle changes.

How to sleep better, from bedtimes to regularity – what the research says

Sleep research has come a long way in the last decade. Here’s what you need to know to help make your slumber better.

Rapidly ageing Japan’s ‘macho carers’ lend muscles to benefit elderly, disabled

Japan’s care industry is facing a shortage of workers, and one company is plugging the gap by deploying ‘cool’ and well-toned staff.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Reflections | Ancient Chinese sleep advice, from bedtimes and body positions to state of mind

For premodern Chinese people, sleep was much more than daily rest – it was a cultivated discipline and a medical necessity.

Editorial | Hong Kong’s new vaping ban is a healthy step forward

While some are sceptical of the effectiveness of the latest crackdown on vaping, the city needs to protect the youth from developing a nicotine habit.

Healing like Wolverine? Why peptide stacking is taking off and risks involved

Taking multiple synthetic peptides to target goals like weight loss, muscle growth and injury recovery is not without its risks, experts say.

Style according to … J.J. Martin, founder of Milan-based La DoubleJ

The high-vibration, maximalist designer on channelled wisdom, goddess energy, and building a colourful life with intention.

Do you feel more anxious after googling symptoms? You could have cyberchondria

Also known as ‘Dr Google syndrome’, cyberchondria can lead to depression or, at worst, illness anxiety disorder.

Letters | Why lifestyle medicine belongs in Asia’s nasopharyngeal cancer conversation

Readers discuss a form of cancer endemic to East and Southeast Asia, the impact of the disruption to oil supply on Asian cities, and EU support for Ukraine.

Asia’s hottest new travel trend? The Hyrox ‘race-cation’

Review | Soho House opens in Tokyo’s fashionable Aoyama neighbourhood

Reflections | Ancient Chinese sleep advice, from bedtimes and body positions to state of mind