Also known as the “Back to the Mat” campaign, a series of yoga classes will be held from 16 September 2023 to 31 October 2023 by a team of experienced yoga teachers in town. With the goal of raising HK$888,000 towards the end of the campaign, the funds will enable YAMA Foundation to deliver up to 1,800 accessible therapeutic yoga and expressive arts classes to different communities in Hong Kong, including people with disabilities and special needs, people living in poverty, and those who have been struggling with mental illnesses.

To kickstart the campaign, a Sun Salutation Marathon will take place on 16 September 2023 at the newly opened Quarryside community event space, where yoga enthusiasts will flow through a traditional yoga sequence in multiple cycles as a form of moving meditation. All are invited and by coming together, a more inclusive and compassionate society where individuals of all abilities would have access to the life-enhancing benefits of yoga can be co-created.

More details of the event can be found here: https://www.yamahk.org/backtothemat
To donate to YAMA Foundation, please visit this page: https://www.yamahk.org/en/donate-1

All aspects of “personal wellness” and “good” health have had a massive shake-up over the past few years – from what we eat to where we exercise – but if there is one lesson to be learned, it is the importance of taking good care of ourselves.

When working from home has become the new “normal” routine for many and with daily commutes having been replaced by endless emails and video meetings, many of us have been forced to use our homes as a central space for work, socializing, and entertainment over the past year. Yet, as we’ve seen from the rise of more personalised digital wellness experiences and indoor health remedies for people to explore, it’s apparent that self-care remains a high priority for many.

As we are constantly redefining ways to achieve better health – both physically and mentally, here are five self-care trends that we predict will gain more traction and hit bigger than ever in the year to come.

Alternative ways to show self-compassion and seek mental well-being

Mental well-being will continue to take centre stage in 2023. As we are all learning to slow down and to prioritize rest and relaxation while trying to seek for more self-awareness and compassion, creative outlets and alternative forms of healing will be on the rise.

From expressive arts therapies through music, movement, yoga, and even journaling to some more conventional ways of counselling, meditation, breathwork, sound healing, and recently, forest bathing (in Japanese, Shinrin Yoku) – you name it, they have it.

Mindful hobbies like pottery and ceramic making, Zentangle colouring, floral jamming, indigo dyeing, or even simply cooking for yourself at home have also become increasingly popular across the city.

Island hopping trips, setting out for a hike, or exposing yourself under the sun for a picnic are other forms of immersive experiences with our mother nature that provide us with a sense of comfort and enhance the ability of our bodies to heal.

Perhaps embracing a digital detox every once in a while may be all that we need in light of our search for some personal space and spiritual wellness. After all, thinking of happiness and taking self-care into our own hands may be as simple as learning to set personal boundaries while embracing the small sprinkles of joy in our daily lives.

Medical fitness: More personalized and scientific

Consumers are now seeking more “personalization” and “exclusivity” in their medical fitness journey. Medical gyms and anti-aging clinics that offer integrated health and nutrition programs for the community, beauty salons and spas that provide accessible IV drips for vitamins and hydration, and digital fitness studios that bring personalized gym routines home are only a few emerging trends to watch out for in 2023 in the wellness space.

In fact, as we have seen from the numerous periods of pandemic lockdowns, wearable medical devices to trace health metrics and our daily movements have continued to gain popularity. Big tech companies are launching new versions of fitness trackers with medical companies following to develop smart glasses and gloves for outpatients and the elderly. Consumers are also looking into buying new smart exercise equipment such as those created by the likes of Lululemon and Peloton to bridge the gap between their gym and at-home workouts. Sports massage guns for fitness recovery being all the rage in 2022 was just another proof.

To say the least, we all have a friend who believes that some form of AI fitness tracking, virtual coaching, or a subscription to meditation and mindfulness mobile apps like Headspace and Calm would help create a more effective and self-satisfying routine.

Wellness travelling

As restrictions across borders have gradually eased, people are starting to travel again – and they are looking for healthier ways to travel.

The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness tourism as “travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal well-being.” With so much uncertainty and chaos embedded in today’s world, we live in a century where people are more concerned than ever with their health and happiness.

Wellness travelling trips to recovery lounges, retreat centres, and wellness resorts are no longer seen as an indulgence or luxury but more of a tool for self-healing and improvement. Motivated by the ultimate desire to live a healthier life through immersing ourselves into some more enriching and authentic experiences, travelling in 2023 will surely mean rebooting your mind and body with newly opened hiking trails, pickleball courts, and even on paddleboards and skis.    

Mindful eating over dieting

Body diversity and social inclusion are common themes on the rise in this decade. As people are tuning in with their overall physical and mental well-being, ‘mindful eating’, a meditation concept which in Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s words mean to eat with awareness, to eat without distractions, and to savour each and every bite while being truly present, is yet another form of highly sought-after self-care.

There are many forms of diets out there – vegetarian, vegan, paleo, pescatarian, keto, and recently, circadian. The truth is, no single diet is best for everyone as what works for one may not work for another. But when it comes to eating with true harmony and nourishment for your body, mind, and soul, perhaps a thoughtful change in the how, what, where, and why you eat could be the sustainable way to go.

To be clear, on its own, mindful eating is not a diet. No radical detox cleanses, no elimination of certain food groups, no medical pills, and no quick fixes. Mindful eating simply invites us to be present while cooking or eating, allowing us to truly savour our food without any judgment, guilt, anxiety, or inner commentary. In embracing mindful eating, we are all encouraged to enjoy a sip of coffee and bites of meals while finding some inner peace of mind as at this very moment. Eat consciously and live consciously.

Skychology and work-life balance

Yes, as cliché as it sounds, it’s “sky-chology” – the psychology of looking up at the sky. All you need to do is to look up. Easy, simple, and it costs you nothing (except maybe some quality time of as short as one minute).

Initially proposed by positive psychology coach Paul Conway, the experience of simply looking up at the sky brings immense benefits to our well-being.  Results from Conway’s study revealed that looking up at the sky could be immediately calming and appeared to be a highly effective form of emotional self-regulation. Not only does this simple form of mindfulness exercise contribute to cultivating a greater sense of clarity and perspective, it also promotes a greater sense of connectedness and the feeling for one to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Looking at the sky, it seems, never gets old – suggesting we can experience its benefits at any time, and throughout our lives.

In connection with the long-standing emphasis of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, it seems that the extraordinary can often be found in the ordinary. Next time when you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, just look up at the sky, breathe deeply, notice what you see and feel, acknowledge your thoughts and emotions as they come and go – and just relax.

May 2023 be your year of restoration and growth.

It’s about the journey, not the destination.

Header image credits: AndreyPopov via Canva

Highly versatile to fit into your diet through almost every meal, look no further than this ultimate avocado toast guide to help you navigate through all the best avocado toasts we have tried in the city. A great loaf of sourdough bread is hard to bake but if you enjoy avocado toasts, it’s time to visit these places. Simple as that!

Fineprint — Multiple locations

Fineprint is one of the top all-day dining spots in Hong Kong which bakes its own buttery, fluffy, and crispy sourdough every day. When it comes to baking a perfect loaf of sourdough bread, an even and open interior is evidence of ample and robust fermentation, sufficient dough strength, and proper dough handling. Fineprint’s sourdough skilfully gathers all these qualities and is simply addictive to try! Their toast toppings are always generous and freshly sourced, making it one of the best Aussie cafes you can find in the city. Go for their signature avocado toast with basil, sea salt, and olive oil or top it up with some smoked salmon and tomato feta salad (aka Half N Half). Great value for money and definitely a shining café to chill!

Fineprint, multiple locations

Detour — Sai Ying Pun & Sheung Wan

Another Aussia café in town that is renowned for its avocado and egg toast (and probably sourdough in general) goes to Detour. Pairing up simple flavours with fresh ingredients, Detour offers a uniquely spiced avocado toast with its own za’atar and their ready-to-eat avocados are always creamy and rich. We also recommend its smoked salmon sourdough toast topped with housemade labneh and harissa or simply go for their cheesy toasties. Their sturdier sourdough is always nicely toasted and offers a stronger base for your every bite. Its emphasis on provenance also means the food in front of you is original, healthy and organically sourced. Be sure to drop by when you are around Western Island!

Sai Ying Pun: Shop A, G/F, On Lok House, 35-37 First St, Sai Ying Pun | +852 2759 1872

Sheung Wan: G/F, 379 Queen’s Rd Central, Sheung Wan | +852 3468 3600

Common Ground — Sheung Wan

Probably not the most well-known, this hidden haven in the neighbourhood of Sheung Wan is yet another spot to check out. Their unique combination of salted egg yolk with onsen egg definitely brings more joy to your average breakfast toast than you can ever imagine. Their sourdough, which is slightly tangy in taste and more on the thicker and crusty side, is surprisingly soft and savoury on the inside. If you are looking for a quiet cozy spot to just breathe, relax, journal a bit, and maybe to read a book, this is a little sanctuary for you to visit. 

Common Ground, 19 Shing Wong St, Sheung Wan | +852 2818 8318

Rings Coffee — Kowloon City

An avocado rose so finely sliced and plated is simply irresistible. Located in Kowloon City, Rings Coffee is a speciality coffee shop that offers surprisingly good all-day breakfasts and brunch options to its customers on top of serving outstanding coffee. Locally owned and reasonably priced, Rings is one of those cosy coffee shops that’s worth a return visit (and one that would probably give you a photogenic picture of their avocado and egg toast to share on Instagram thereafter)!

Kowloon City: Rings Coffee – G/F, 8 Nga Tsin Long Rd, Kowloon City | +852 9798 3510

NOC Coffee — Multiple locations

The world of avocado toast toppings can be endless, but the basic ones that come with just some salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon never lose. Known for its spacious and bright interior, NOC Coffee is the emerging coffee chain in the city that manages to keep its brunch offerings simple and refined. Thinly sliced and generously served, the sea of avocado on your plate will guarantee you happiness and joy. A perfect coffee roaster that promises a satisfying breakfast!

NOC Coffee, multiple locations

APT. Coffee — Central & Wan Chai

High on the list are toasts from another minimalistic coffee shop – APT. Coffee. While their coffee is excellent to start with, APT.’s unique toast tailoring experience means you can customise your toasts differently on every visit. Apart from offering a wide variety of toppings, you can also pick the type of bread you want – keep it simple and plain or go for one with raisin and walnut depending on your mood of the day!  You can also choose the kind of spread you like and the handful mix of ingredients would almost always round out the flavours well. Try something different every time and be prepared to fuel yourself with some scrumptious goodness!

Central: 34 Cochrane St, Central | +852 3590 9629

Wan Chai: 2-12 Moon St, Wan Chai | +852 3619 4393

Cupping Room — Multiple locations

As one of the OGs in town when it comes to coffee shops, Cupping Room’s toasts are always consistent in quality. The variety of toppings they offer always puts customers in a difficult position of having to spend more time to pick and choose instead of savouring the food. The gigantic portion of smashed avocado toast stands out and speaks for itself, let alone how their bubbly sourdough bread and a pinch of flaky sea salt would give you a delicious kick!

Cupping Room, multiple locations

Elephant Grounds — Multiple locations

Another popular and easily accessible brunch spot in Hong Kong is Elephant Grounds. As a staple for the breakfast game in town, its thick-cut toasted sourdough can get a bit soft and squishy at times but its generous portion of avocado coupled with creamy sauce, mesclun salad on the side, and poached egg has kept many customers returning – a rich, refreshing, and well-balanced choice!

Elephant Grounds, multiple locations

Image credits: Ceris Wong

Yoga in Hong Kong has blossomed through the years. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a newbie who is simply trying to get your body moving, here are 10 yoga studios in Hong Kong we’ve found that would bring you amazing yoga classes from sun up to sun down.

Anahata Yoga — Central

As one of the very few yoga schools which brings India’s traditional authentic practice to Hong Kong, Anahata Yoga offers professional yoga training to beginners and advanced practitioners alike through its unique yoga lineage under the guidance of Dr. Yogananth Andiappan. Their yoga therapy series target the needs of those working in a bustling city, and the school’s dedication to spreading the benefits of yoga through a compassionate practice and its volunteer community has made it one of the most longstanding yoga schools in Hong Kong. Whether you are looking for a gentle flow with meditation to help set an intention for the day ahead or an energetic intensive practice, be prepared to be guided by experienced masters to explore the potentials of your body and the harmony of the soul.

20/F, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central | +852 2905 1822

Ikigai — Causeway Bay, Central

Ikigai, also known as “a reason for being” in Japanese, is a space dedicated for yogis to explore a variety of classes including Ashtanga, Yin-Yang, Meditation, Sound Healing & Therapy, and Breathwork. The team of knowledgeable instructors brings a welcoming energy and vivid presence to all students. The striking bright orange of its interior stands in stark contrast with one’s humble practice – and as one of the very few studios in Hong Kong that don’t offer mirrors in their classrooms, be prepared to focus solely on your own practice and immerse yourself with some mindful me-time.

Central: 7/F, On Lan Centre, 11-15 On Lan Street, Central | +852 9013 3701

Causeway Bay: 21-23/F, Art Piece Building, 3 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay | +852 9013 3701 (WhatsApp)

Serene Page Yoga & Wellness — Tsim Sha Tsui

As a relatively new yoga studio in Hong Kong, Serene Page Yoga & Wellness is a hidden homey studio in Tsim Sha Tsui which offers a quiet space for students to explore their own limits and to reconnect with their souls. With a professional and dedicated team of homegrown teachers, the studio offers a variety of classes including Hatha, Vinyasa, Active Stretching, Back Care, and Back Strengthening sessions to students of different levels. Brace yourself for a practice that is revitalising and challenging!

Room 101, Kam Hing Building, 20 Hillwood Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 9426 4115

Flowga Studio — Central

If you are looking for a dynamic and burning yoga class, Flowga is the place to go! Specialising in offering infrared hot yoga sessions, be prepared to stretch and flow with an intense session where you will be led to sweat and dance like nobody’s watching! Their slower candlelit yoga classes, encapsulated in a warm space with wood flooring, are also definitely fun and engaging classes to try.

Unit F, 1/F, Winner Building, 37 D’Aguilar St, Central | +852 9129 1366

Yoga Bagel — Sheung Wan

Locally owned and curated by Wing Yu, Yoga Bagel is a boutique studio in Sheung Wan that brings positivity and sunshine to the neighbourhood. Offering dynamic stretching classes and full body yoga flows with a cap of at most 10 students per class, the studio draws a community of different ages together and encourages all its students to create their own sunshine. Through sunshine and shade, don’t forget to pamper yourself with some good vibes at the studio!

3/F, 59 Wing Lok St, Sheung Wan | +852 9298 1851

Studio La Lune — Central

As one of the first yoga studios in Hong Kong that focuses solely on women and their wellbeing, Studio La Lune creates an exclusive safe space for women to come together and to embrace their feminine energy through specialised classes such as Yoga for Menstrual Health, Strong is the New Sexy, Sisterhood circles, and Pre-natal Yoga plus Post-natal Yoga. The boutique studio also offers aerial yoga stretches, sound healing sessions, and movement classes for students of different levels to try out. Get ready to release your energy and inner stress by checking one of their classes out.

4/F, Kai Kwong House, 13 Wyndham St, Central | +852 9226 8464

Be Earth — Central

Located at the heart of Central, the sun-drenched space of Be Earth offers you another form of calming and uplifting experience. Co-founded by Hong Kong model Elva Ni, Be Earth’s beautiful plant-based presence with an emphasis on sustainable living is a warm haven to yogis. The studio offers a variety of classes – from breathwork and subtly gentle yoga classes to some dynamic and energetic ones – you name it, they have it. The studio also brings in Forrest Yoga, Mandala Flows, and different functional workshops from time to time, so be sure to check their latest schedule out.

2/F & 7/F, On Building, 162 Queen’s Rd Central, Central | +852 2833 5323

YogaUP — Discovery Bay

An eco-chic yoga studio with a stunning 180-degree ocean view, YogaUP has a serene space in Discovery Bay that elevates your practice to another level. Opened by Hong Kong yogi Ngai Chau-kei, the studio is a secret sanctuary of peace and wellness encouraging students to get away from all disturbances in life and to explore themselves through their practice. Offering yoga retreats, teacher training programmes, and classes like Hot 26+2 and other forms of Hatha and Vinyasa Flows, students are invited to challenge themselves through a comprehensive and relaxing practice.

Unit 7, 1/F, Block 2, North Plaza, Discovery Bay | +852 6805 4996

SUKHA Yoga & Wellness — Central

Founded by Katherine Lee in 2017, SUKHA is another yoga studio in the heart of Central which offers yoga classes to students of mixed levels. With classes aiming to help you build a stronger core and to develop flexibility with control and precision, the studio encourages a mindful and open practice for all those who would want to lead a healthy and fit lifestyle. Make sure you greet Honey during your visit as well, the cute studio puppy therapist, who will surely bring joy to your practice!

Flat A, 11/F, Winning Centre, 46 & 48 Wyndham St, Central | +852 9011 4133

I’m a Yogi — Causeway Bay, Quarry Bay

With branches in Quarry Bay and Causeway Bay, I’m a Yogi is another boutique studio that offers a variety of mat yoga classes, wheel classes, and aerial yoga sessions. Bringing a team of young yogi enthusiasts together, it is a joyful studio that encourages students to find peace and calmness from within while trying to maximise their potential by realising their respective body conditions and paying respect to it. Believing that yoga is for all ages and for all sizes, the studio also offers teacher training programmes for aerial yoga and wheel yoga apart from a standard mat yoga training. Relax and unwind by trying one of their lessons out.

Quarry Bay: Room 308, Westlands Centre, Quarry Bay | +852 7075 9076

Causeway Bay: Flat A, 4/F, Po Ming Building, 2-5 Foo Ming St, Causeway Bay | +852 9389 7690

Header image credits: SUKHA Yoga & Wellness