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Mental health

Mental health
The latest mental health news including well-being, depression, mindfulness and mental health resources.
A new job known as an “instant reply provider” has emerged in China. It involves individuals immediately responding to clients’ messages to vent frustrations through online platforms, phone calls or videos. Photo: Shutterstock
Trending in China

China ‘instant reply providers’ offer solace by responding to angry clients online

‘Good listeners’ with a high emotional quotient earn cash by listening to people’s gripes; offer to provide a ‘whole-day good mood’.

Wellness

Can you achieve happiness? That depends on your philosophy

War and conflict

Outside In | 2025 was the year of denial. What now?

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Wellness

6 health and wellness tips for 2026 – keep things simple, sleep, move more

Experts reveal what simple health habits you should develop in 2026, from prioritising sleep to walking more to skipping wellness fads.

Hikers at Dragon’s Back trail in Shek O, Hong Kong. Research shows walking is great for physical and mental health. Photo: Eugene Lee
Wellness

Wellness gets a 2026 upgrade as ancient wisdom meets modern modalities

The Langham, Hong Kong, has a 3-part Trinity of Calm wellness journey, while The Upper House has a collab with TCM-based Chain’s Medicare Centre.

Wellness

Experts’ tips on safeguarding your brain health – one is being social

Maintaining good oral hygiene, regular exercise and increasing your social interactions can help prevent or delay the onset of dementia.

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Wellness

Hong Kong’s wellness social clubs are redefining networking. Here’s how

Wellness social clubs in Hong Kong blend fitness and networking, offering the health-conscious a new way to connect beyond dinners and bars.

People take part in a yoga session at a recent SoberSweat event. Hong Kong’s young professionals are ditching traditional networking for wellness social clubs like this one. Photo: SoberSweat
Crime

Paris Metro stabbings suspect moved to psychiatric hospital, prosecutors say

The suspect, a Malian citizen jailed in January 2024 for aggravated theft and sexual assault, attacked 3 women on the city’s Metro on Friday.

Wellness

Why young people are turning to Gen Z and millennial Christian influencers

Christian influencers in the US are galvanising young people looking for meaning in a culture that lacks it, say those of faith.

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Wellness

What are the secrets to a long and healthy life? A longevity expert reveals

Bill Gifford shares diet, exercise and lifestyle tips on how to live to 100 and older, like Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest person at 116.

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Longevity expert Bill Gifford climbs stairs with a heavy rucksack. Low fitness, in terms of strength and cardiovascular capacity, “is a massive, massive risk factor for early death and disability”, he says. Photo: Bill Gifford
Hong Kong society

Opinion | Hong Kong’s new legislators must strengthen child protection laws

The city’s children need better legal protection from cruelty, sexual grooming and internet advances.

There is a pressing need to criminalise the sexual grooming of children on the internet, along with sexual messaging. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong

Opinion | How to invite meaning to your Christmas feast in a turmoil-filled world

Helping others, starting meaningful conversations and making the festive season more sustainable are just a few ways to celebrate this year.

Hong Kong politics

Young people’s input needed on pressing Hong Kong issues, incoming lawmaker says

Lawmaker-elect Grace Chan also says there is room for more effective communication within the social welfare sector.

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Wellness

How laughter is good for your heart, immune system, pain – even if it’s fake

Studies show that laughter reduces stress, boosts immunity, heart health and even lowers pain – ‘it’s like you’ve taken pain medication’.

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Giggles and laughter, even when forced, can boost heart health, immunity and mood. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong Red Cross unveils HK$420 million relief fund for Tai Po fire victims

Charity to provide cash, medical and mental health aid under a three- to five-year recovery plan for families hit by the deadly blaze.

CEO Bonnie So says the Hong Kong Red Cross has raised HK$420 million. Photo: Karma Lo
Wellness

7 of the most popular health and wellness stories from 2025

Body transformations, scientific breakthroughs and weight-loss journeys are among your most-read health and wellness stories this year.

Viral stories

Bangkok puppy yoga studio offers comfort and stress relief for US$60 per session

Studio collaborates with local dog shelters and breeders, showcasing breeds such as Samoyeds, golden retrievers, and huskies.

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South Korea

Worship to witch hunts: how South Korea’s fandoms turn on their idols

When stars shine brightest in the glare of publicity, the darkness that follows can feel absolute. This December, three more lights went out.

K-pop fans react during a concert in Seoul in 2023. Photo: AFP
United States

Are Trump loyalists struggling in US rural heartland ready to say ‘enough’?

Hammered by crippling costs and precious revenue lost to China, Midwest farmers’ loyalty to the US president will be tested in 2026 midterms.

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Viral stories

Japan social worker opens ‘It is OK to be useless’ bar to relieve daily pressure

Fish Akiko grew up with a chauvinistic father; she is determined not to replicate her mother’s sacrifices.

Good Schools Guide

How outdoor classrooms are shaping young minds, from Denmark to Hong Kong

Malvern College and International College believe in the power of outdoor learning and growing in nature’s classroom to build curiosity and resilience.

Forest schools such as International College Hong Kong Hong Lok Yuen (ICHKHLY) offer manifold educational and mental benefits. Photo: Handout
China society

Opinion | How young Chinese learned to stop worrying and love themselves

Amid disillusionment and a stagnant economy, China’s young people are taking the initiative to embrace self-compassion and treat themselves well.

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People walk past an advertisement in the shopping area of Sanlitun in Beijing. Photo: EPA-EFE
Wellness

How to avoid financial stress this holiday season? Experts share tips

From budgeting to giving experiences, a therapist, finance app boss and retail guru share how to enjoy the holidays without racking up debt.

Wellness

Listening to music can lower dementia risk by nearly 40%, new study says

Research shows how listening to music can both lower dementia risk and improve cognitive areas like memory, attention and problem-solving.

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Wellness

She quit her corporate job to walk 5,700km alone across America

Jessica Guo became the first woman to hike a continuous route linking the Continental Divide Trail with the Great Divide Trail.

Jessica Guo quit her job to hike across America. Her trek ended on September 19, at the northern terminus of the Great Divide Trail, at the Kakwa Lake terminus marker for the 54th parallel in Kakwa Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada. Photo: Jessica Guo
Wellness

How does humming help you reduce stress? Expert tips on yogic breathing

Humming stimulates the vagus nerve and has other health benefits, and is the base of the yogic breathing technique ‘humming bee breath’.

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Yoga instructor Samrat Dasgupta demonstrates Bhramari pranayama – or humming bee breath – at the Prana Yoga studio in Hong Kong. Photo: Edmond So
Trending in China

Chinese woman with social anxiety feeds 120 stray cats with banquet leftovers

Woman has participated in wedding banquets about every 10 days in past 3 years, sometimes bringing home 30kg of untouched leftover food.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Opinion | After Tai Po fire, Hong Kong needs support, compassion – and answers

While the city waits for an inquiry to deliver findings, it also needs a renewed commitment to safety and oversight to rebuild public trust.

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