Advertisement
Advertisement
Lifestyle /

Health & Wellness

Betania Victor runs the Long Beach Marathon in California in 2023. Before going cold turkey on cigarettes, Victor smoked a pack a day. Photo: Instagram/betaniayvr
Wellness

She quit smoking, then ran an ultra-marathon. How she finally kicked the habit

On World No Tobacco Day, we discover a marathon runner’s secret to quitting smoking and look at Hong Kong’s goal of a smoke-free generation.

Wellness

He lost his wife to a rare brain cancer. Here’s how he keeps going

videocam
What to do in Hong Kong

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend, May 29-31

videocam
Wellness

How do therapists protect their own mental health? 3 experts share tips

Hong Kong therapists share how planning things that ‘spark joy’, physical exercise and undergoing their own therapy helps them do their jobs.

With more Hongkongers experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, the pressure on therapists is intensifying. Three therapists share their self-care tips to manage the emotional toll of their work. Photo: Shutterstock
With more Hongkongers experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, the pressure on therapists is intensifying. Three therapists share their self-care tips to manage the emotional toll of their work. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

Are mould and toxins in your home making you ill? How to reduce health risks

Mould thrives in humid climates, and certain furniture can introduce particles that can cause coughs and even cancer. Here’s how to stay safe.

Wellness

How GLP-1s are more than just weight-loss wonders – but not without risk

Research suggests GLP-1s like Ozempic may help with more than just weight loss and type 2 diabetes, but experts warn of risks from abuse.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Hong Kong society

On This Day | Australian makes first swim around Hong Kong Island in 1976 – SCMP archive

On this day 50 years ago, Australia’s Linda McGill completed the first 45km swim around Hong Kong Island in 17 hours.

Australia’s Linda McGill smiles after completing the first 45km swim around Hong Kong Island on May 22, 1976. File photo: SCMP
Australia’s Linda McGill smiles after completing the first 45km swim around Hong Kong Island on May 22, 1976. File photo: SCMP
Wellness

‘Extremely fulfilling’: Doing housework can declutter your home and your mind

The chores most of us find tedious provide mental health benefits, say psychologists and a Zen monk, who explain how and share cleaning tips.

Wellness

This mother of 3 who runs a restaurant also wins gruelling trail races. How?

Hongkonger Petronella Harlin balances tough endurance races with a demanding front-of-house hospitality role and raising three kids under 10.

Wellness

4 things you need to know about when and how often to get a mammogram

Breast cancer screening advice is conflicted and confusing, but new research and technology should help women find the ideal timing.

In the future, genetic tests should help narrow down ideal mammogram schedules, but until then how often should one get screened for breast cancer? Experts advise. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

Being optimistic can lower dementia risk by 15%, Harvard study finds

Experts explain why optimism is beneficial for brain health and how to cultivate a more positive mindset.

A Harvard University study found that people with higher optimism scores were less likely to develop dementia. One way to become more optimistic is to surround yourself with like-minded people. Photo: Shutterstock
A Harvard University study found that people with higher optimism scores were less likely to develop dementia. One way to become more optimistic is to surround yourself with like-minded people. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

Want help getting yoga poses right? AI-powered app analyses your photos

The Yogi.live platform combines AI-powered analysis with a vast library of resources. So where does that leave teachers?

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.

What to do in Hong Kong

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

Check out the Affordable Art Fair, enjoy pickleball and Pilates to the sounds of Justin Bieber or get into the spirit at the Hong Kong Whisky Festival.

videocam
The Affordable Art Fair 2026 will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai from May 14 to 17. Photo: Affordable Art Fair
Wellness

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.

Fitness coach Ash Ayonote leads a group session at the Wai Man Road Playground in Sai Kung, in Hong Kong’s New Territories. Photo: Edmond So
Fitness coach Ash Ayonote leads a group session at the Wai Man Road Playground in Sai Kung, in Hong Kong’s New Territories. Photo: Edmond So
Wellness

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.

Wellness

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’.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
SCMP Highlights

Part-Asian identities, ‘skinny runner’ to top Hyrox star: 7 Lifestyle highlights

From former wine critic on passion for endurance sport to art show on East, West gardens, here are seven stories from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Eileen Gu found herself the subject of much media attention at this year’s Winter Olympics. Photo: Xinhua
Eileen Gu found herself the subject of much media attention at this year’s Winter Olympics. Photo: Xinhua
Wellness

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.

videocam
Wellness

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.

Wellness

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.

videocam
Chris Hemsworth famously carries a pair of APOE4 gene alleles, which makes his risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease significantly greater than non-carriers. A doctor who also carries two APOE4s explains how lifestyle changes can significantly affect the development of the condition. Photo: Instagram/chrishemsworth
Wellness

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.

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

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.

Wellness

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.

What to do in Hong Kong

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong on Labour Day weekend, May 1-3

Hunt for rare Pokemon cards, savour French wine and cheese, shop for antiques, enjoy a Cantopop Pilates party or watch Aaron Kwok’s new film.

videocam
PokeFest 2, Hong Kong's largest dedicated Pokemon card expo, will take place at D2 Place One mall in Lai Chi Kok from May 1 to 3, 2026. It is one of many things to do in Hong Kong this weekend, alongside enjoying food and wine at French GourMay, watching Cold War 1994 and more.
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW