How to beat holiday stress and anxiety in Hong Kong – from breathing exercises to relaxing spa treatments, 5 wellness experts share their tips to combat seasonal blues

The Christmas and New Year holiday season is a taxing time for some people. This year, many will feel extra stressed, with the option to visit family abroad not viable, partly due to Hong Kong’s strict quarantine policy when returning. To help, we reached out to five wellness experts to learn about key triggers, symptoms, and advice for alleviating stress. “We have already seen many clients who are seeking anxiety and stress support induced by travel restrictions and not knowing when they can see their families again. For some, this is hidden, or they are not fully aware of its existence during normal times, but the holiday season will often bring these issues to the surface,” explains Judy Xu, a holistic life and executive coach who is the owner and CEO of Balance Health Group, a holistic health clinic and wellness centre. Highlighting both underlying societal pressure and the inability to travel as main triggers is Anastasia Williams, a wellness practitioner and teacher who merges yogic wisdom and practices with breath work, meditation, self healing and personal development. “At this time of the year, there is a societal marker for it to be a celebration, marking the end of a year, moving into a new one, so it can reflect to us what we haven’t accomplished – and this has the potential to unravel various triggers,” she says. Festive makeover: how to decorate a small home for Christmas in Hong Kong “People who usually travel to see family are looking to replenish, nurture and strengthen the bonds and benefits of family connection. Plus, the holiday aspect to offset the year’s stresses, let alone the impact of the last two. When these needs are not met, it can lead to feelings of disappointment, loss, isolation, loneliness, stagnation and apathy,” Williams adds. Extended time away from family is something that practising herbalist, healer, and Ayurvedic consultant Shoshana Weinberg can relate to personally. People who usually travel to see family are looking to replenish, nurture and strengthen the bonds and benefits of family connection Anastasia Williams, wellness practitioner “I haven’t seen my family for almost three years and that feels difficult for me,” she says. “It has opened up this new perspective that time is questionable because the relationship with my family is still so strong but that physical connection, that real deep heart connection, is missing. So I think during these holiday times with Covid-19 restrictions is when you remember more, and can really feel the burn.” Feelings of not being in full control of your life are also part of the stress equation. Corinna Yap, director of wellness at Asaya Hong Kong, says due to Covid-19, this is inevitably more intense for many now: “Loneliness is a potent emotion that has been forced onto many of us involuntarily. Feeling isolated and excluded only heightens the feelings of sadness, frustration and stress over circumstances that we have little or no control over.” This sentiment is shared by Dr Tania Bardhan, senior director of Spa at Four Seasons Hotel, Hong Kong, especially as this year marks the second holiday season impacted by Covid-19. “During the last two years of ‘Covid separation’ many have lost loved ones. Holidays may bring up these losses and a sense of separation acutely, leading to sadness, loneliness, helplessness and a sense of no control over the situation.” However, there are many ways to deal with, or at least ease, the impact. “It’s super important for anyone in this position to make an effort to create something that is going to really uplift them – not to bypass the loss, but to nurture while creating new memorable moments. Make these holidays memorable in new ways by creating new traditions,” suggests Williams. Additionally, pay attention to why and what you are saying yes to, “only saying yes to that which lights you up fully”. If we could just stop and breathe, and really look at what it is that we are doing with more of a slow ceremonial, ritualistic perspective, it could be seen as an opportunity for spiritual growth –Shoshana Weinberg, Ayurvedic consultant Weinberg has a similar view, “If we could just stop and breathe, and really look at what it is that we are doing with more of a slow ceremonial, ritualistic perspective, it could be seen as an opportunity for spiritual growth.” For example, if preparing for an event, make it special by honouring each step involved as this creates “a really beautiful atmosphere with intention”. Tailored treatments and programmes are other options to consider. Xu suggests two at Balance Health, in addition to the free 20-minute consultation available. The first is the Destress & Energy Tune-up treatment, including acupuncture, deep tissue massage, cranial sacral and reiki energy healing. The other is coaching. “This will get to the root of limiting thoughts and behaviour patterns, shifting stress to motivation and inspiration, while learning new tools to optimise our mind and emotions,” she adds. Hong Kong’s best festive dinner deals, from turkey feasts to Asian treats Bardhan points to the spa’s new wellness concept, Empower from Within, with multiple options for managing stress and exhaustion. “We have two targeted wellness programmes, Deep Sleep, and Restore and Realign. Both can be spread over 1.5 or two days and include result-oriented modalities like craniosacral therapy, kinesiology, meditation, yoga, curated Ayurvedic treatments and specific spa treatments, to help with whatever effects of stress a person is experiencing,” she adds. “We also offer several sound healing options that bring a deep state of relaxation and calm.” Yap says Asaya’s integrated wellness concept provides specific treatments and classes designed to manage holiday stress and anxiety. “Asaya is here to help with a number of treatments that support stress including expressive art, positive psychology and naturopathic medical sessions. We also offer regular well-being classes that can help establish a positive routine, plus our self-discovery well-cation series.” On top of that, there are self-care at-home stress management options. Williams, also the founder of Rise, an online wellness portal for breath, movement and meditation classes, shares two tips. The first is a four-step breath exercise. Inhale nose, exhale nose; inhale mouth, exhale mouth; inhale nose, exhale mouth; and inhale mouth, exhale nose. Continue this pattern for three to 11 minutes. “Presence with your breath is presence with your emotions. This exercise brings harmony to the nervous system, clarity to emotions, and peace to the mind,” says Williams. The second involves lying on the floor with legs up a wall, for three to five minutes, while bringing awareness, to slow breathing in and out through the nose: “This exercise is great as it activates a connected, grounded state, releasing tension.” Setting an intention is Bardhan’s suggestion. “For example, ‘I will prioritise my well-being and enjoy myself during the holidays’. Write it down and place it where you will see it daily upon waking. If you catch yourself getting anxious, repeat your intention to yourself.” Additionally, she suggests creating a ritual before bedtime, marking the day’s closure to leave behind whatever stressors the day has brought. “It could include some breathing exercises, a lavender spritz, or create a well-being corner with your favourite candle and some crystals. Use this corner after a stressful day as a ‘refuge’ to do breathing exercises, a meditation, or a few minutes of reflection and introspection.” Hong Kong’s best festive cocktails and winter warmers The experts are also quick to point to the role that loving kindness can play. Williams says, “While we are living in these deeply transitional times, love, kindness and care is the best gift you can give yourself and others.” Yap adds, “Be realistic and kind to yourself. One of the most important aspects of self-love is being kind. Understand what is truly meaningful to you and simplify. Is it health, family, slowing down, friends or physical activities? These purpose pillars will then create meaningful priorities.” Want more stories like this? Follow STYLE on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.