Latest news with #mindfulness
Malay Mail
16 hours ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Hong Kong Baptist University Showcases World-Leading Research in Digital Health & Systems Medicine at THE Global Sustainable Development Congress 2025
HKBU's "Well-being Zone" showcases interdisciplinary global health, with sessions like Tai Chi, Baduanjin, and Mindfulness Karate reflecting its "exercise is medicine" approach to holistic well-being. Interdisciplinary Movement & Mindfulness: Tai Chi, Baduanjin and Mindfulness Karate sessions demonstrated HKBU's "exercise is medicine" philosophy. Tai Chi, Baduanjin and Mindfulness Karate sessions demonstrated HKBU's "exercise is medicine" philosophy. Real-Time Digital Well-being Research: Participants had the unique opportunity to contribute live data for Professor Christy Cheung's pioneering studies, which explore how digital tools can effectively measure mindfulness and enhance overall well-being. Participants had the unique opportunity to contribute live data for Professor Christy Cheung's pioneering studies, which explore how digital tools can effectively measure mindfulness and enhance overall well-being. Expert-Led Talks: Distinguished HKBU academics presented cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. Topics included critical global health trends, advancements in mental well-being, and innovative applications of Chinese Medicine and AI in modern healthcare. Distinguished HKBU academics presented cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. Topics included critical global health trends, advancements in mental well-being, and innovative applications of Chinese Medicine and AI in modern healthcare. Reflection & Rejuvenation Spaces: Thoughtfully curated "chill-out" relaxation areas, massage corners and a juice bar provided spaces for participants to experience a reboot of the body and the mind. HKBU scholars presented cutting-edge research on global health and Chinese Medicine at GSDC 2025. ISTANBUL, TURKEY - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 June 2025 – Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) illuminated the path to global well-being as the Global Health Innovation Partner and sponsor of the Health and Wellbeing Track at the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2025, from June 16-19, 2025. At this gathering of over 5,000 global thought leaders, HKBU presented its comprehensive, interdisciplinary strategy for health and well-being, spearheaded by its Health & Drug Discovery research aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, HKBU's vision for health transformation drives from data to actionable insight. It comprehensively integrates mental and digital well-being, real-time analytics, and innovative interdisciplinary approaches. This includes blending traditional Chinese Medicine with cutting-edge sciences like chemical biology and data analytics, complemented by advancements in environmental, physical, and social sciences.A highlight of HKBU's presence was the 6,000-square-foot "Well-being Zone", thoughtfully designed to embody the principle that health is holistic and interconnected. This innovative Zone brought the concept of interdisciplinarity to a global audience by seamlessly integrating diverse fields, from martial arts and mindfulness to cutting-edge digital health monitoring:Highlighting HKBU's research strength in the transformative power of technology for global health,, emphasised, "HKBU's recent top-50 global ranking in databases, design automation, and artificial intelligence underscores our collaborative ethos. By integrating advanced AI methodologies with clinical, pharmaceutical and social-science expertise, we are optimising diagnostics, accelerating drug discovery and enhancing surgical assistance. This interdisciplinary approach reinforces Hong Kong's reputation as a global hub for cutting-edge research and higher education.", highlighted HKBU's strategic edge, "Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to lead East–West integration in digital health and systems medicine. HKBU combines the rigour of life sciences with robust Chinese Medicine research, underpinned by advanced data analytics. This powerful synergy enables us to tackle complex health disparities at biological, social, and environmental levels, and build resilient, equitable health systems to meet future global challenges."In addition to numerous insightful presentations and the interactive experiences, HKBU Provost Professor Martin Wong gave a keynote at the session entitled "Reframing Sustainability through the Lens of Chinese Heritage and Innovation" convened by the China Education Association for International also released theReport ( in collaboration with Elsevier. This report examines the development and evolving research landscape of Chinese Medicine and its growing influence on modern #HKBU The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Daily Mail
17 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Relationship coach reveals common mistake that kills intimacy with your partner
An expert has identified a relationship mistake many people make that can 'erode intimacy' with one's partner. Katarina Polonská, an Oxford-educated relationship coach, said intimacy between two partners breaks down when one person holds back their 'honest truth'. In a TikTok video, the expert outlined five mistakes that she's made in previous relationships, adding that she refused to bring them into her marriage now. Katarina said: 'Maybe you're feeling something, maybe you're feeling a little bit off, maybe you're holding resentment, maybe you don't really trust them, maybe something's coming up for you that you don't really like about them. 'You're not telling them. [OR], if you're telling them, you're holding back the extent of which it's true for you, right?' The relationship coach, who is also trained in mindfulness and hypnotherapy, amongst other therapeutic practices, told viewers that they must stop holding back their truth, arguing that it 'is literally eroding intimacy'. She said: 'Stop holding back your truth. That is literally eroding intimacy because you're not giving them a fair chance to respond to your truth. 'Because maybe they would step up and actually meet you where you need to get met.' To ensure closeness in a romantic relationship, being open and honest with a partner is paramount, according to Katarina. The UK-based expert revealed four other mistakes that are bound to negatively affect a romantic relationship. While it's normal for the beginning of a relationship to be filled with excitement and passion, it is a mistake to assume that the whole relationship will be like that. Katarina said it is wrong to assume 'that love is somehow meant to be like this constant high'. She explained that the 'passion and romance' which fills the honeymoon period is simply not meant to continue. 'Secure relationships are steady, they're peaceful, they're honestly quite boring,' Katarina pointed out. 'They're not meant to be roller coasters of up and down.' In fact, if someone is chasing 'the really high highs and the really low lows' which characterise the first few months of a new relationship, it may indicate that the person needs to do some therapeutic work. Katarina said: 'You're going to have some core patterns there that are showing up that aren't the healthiest - and you're going to want to shift those.' The third mistake that can spell trouble for a romantic relationship is talking about it to friends and family about it. She said: 'Don't talk about your relationship to anyone other than a qualified professional.' The relationship expert explained that if you air 'all your concerns and how unhappy you are to your friends and family', you're likely to receive a wide range of opinions - 'none of them qualified, all of them projections'. Rather than being helpful, the perspectives of others can prevent someone from finding a way forward with their partner. Acknowledging that someone's friends and family will only want the best for them, Katarina nevertheless argued: 'You can't really take their advice because their advice isn't all that qualified. 'It's full of bias, it's very subjective - so keep your relationship private.' According to Katarina, it is wrong to assume that 'relationships have to be hard work.' While relationships require 'work' and 'effort', they're 'not meant to be heavy,' she explained. 'Your relationship is not meant to be a breeding ground for you struggling, having anxiety and insomnia, and second guessing.' Katarina added: 'Your relationship is meant to be a safe space where you feel peaceful.' The fifth and final mistake that too many people make in their romantic relationships is allowing their 'ego' to take over - something which is obvious if someone finds that they want to play games, for example. She said: 'If you find yourself wanting to be right, or having your ego be a little bit stubborn, or wanting to play games with them, or keep things to yourself - to somehow have more control in the dynamic - that's your ego running the show.' Katarina stressed that 'ego' has no place in a happy romantic relationship. 'You have to put your ego aside and allow yourself to be kind, to be generous, to be forgiving, if you want to ne happy and healthy in love,' she concluded. Fellow TikTokers were quick to share their opinions on Katarina's video, revealing which relationship mistakes they were guilty of. One appreciative person said: 'This is the first sound marriage advice I've seen on TikTok. 'Entitlement culture and unreasonable expectations from both men and women are making marriage impossible. 'Many relationships are already failing during the courting phase.' Another added: 'I'm on the right side of TikTok, many relationships have ended because partners went to their friends for advice, which was biased, and the funny part was that their friends were single'. While a third appeared pessimistic when they said: 'I don't think men can handle all the truth'.
BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
Mental health: 'A bit of a walk in open air is the best medicine'
I'm back with the latest in our 25in25 series - a chance to shine a spotlight on interesting people and places in our week I'm in Brinnington, a suburb of Stockport in Greater an area of open farmland, everything changed in the 1950s and 1960s when council housing developments transformed the natural amongst the high-rise flats, though, there are still nearly 400 acres (161 hectares) of woodland, waterways and natural beauty is set against the industrial backdrop of the Tame viaduct, known locally as the 16 arches. Sand martins and kingfishers nest in the river mill ponds and wetlands are visited by wildfowl including geese, herons, grebes, cormorants, coots and a variety of ducks. It is a truly serene place in which locals and visitors alike can walk, talk, stop and watch the world go the perfect location for weekly mindfulness walks led by Danny Drayson, from Age UK Stockport."A lot of people don't know about the area," he said."So it's my job to get people out of the flats and get walking."When asked why that was so important to him, he replied: "Because it benefits everybody."A bit of a walk in open air is the best medicine for anybody."For the past three years, Danny has been outside Hollow End flats every Monday morning ready to lead the walk, regardless of distractions like poor weather or bank thinks "there is no better way to start the week". 'Creating friendships' I joined a lovely bunch, some from Brinnington and others from further visitor, Jaqueline, said: "I was nervous to begin with but the people have been so friendly and lovely and I'd never been to this park before."As well as making the most of local open spaces and improving mental and physical health, Danny hopes the walks, which were set up in collaboration between Age UK Stockport and Life Leisure, will help create friendships. Jimmy Glindon has certainly been helped by the walks."I was well overweight - I wasn't going anywhere, I wasn't doing anything with my life," he said. "I was miserable, suffering with depression and anxiety."I'm not sure where my life would be [without the group] but it wouldn't be half as good as it is now."Anyone wanting to join in should head to Hollow End Towers on Northumberland Road at 10:30 BST on Mondays. If you would like to nominate someone to feature in 25in25 then email nwt@ with their details and why they deserve to be recognised. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Colon cancer has mysteriously exploded among young Americans. Now doctors have made a huge breakthrough
As doctors search for the cause of a mystery rise in colon cancers in young people, a new study has pinpointed two simple ways you can lower your risk. Eating within an eight-hour time window and practicing mindfulness was found to shed fat and reduce harmful inflammation in the gut linked to the disease. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes.
Fast Company
3 days ago
- Health
- Fast Company
The real reason wellness programs fail? No one uses them
Fast Company recently posed the question: 'Why isn't your workplace wellness program reducing stress?' The answer, as the article rightly pointed out, isn't about bad intentions—it's about bad execution. Most wellness initiatives are still treating symptoms, not causes. But we need to go even deeper. Workplace wellness isn't failing because it's frivolous. It's failing because employees aren't engaging with it. Stressed and burned out Corporate America spends an estimated $65 billion a year on wellness perks, from mindfulness apps to meditation pods yet 77% of employees still report feeling stressed, and 82% say they're at risk of burnout. In the largest academic study of U.S. programs, fewer than half of eligible employees ever engaged with the resources on offer (RAND Corporation). Digital-only benefits fare even worse: 'app sprawl' and discovery fatigue mean that most perks are forgotten before they're used. A meditation app buried in a browser tab can't move the needle on mental health, absenteeism, or retention. It's easy to blame employees for being disengaged, or to point fingers at toxic culture. But the truth is more subtle—and more solvable. Complexity kills engagement When HR teams assemble a buffet of stand-alone apps—financial coaching here, sleep tools there, therapy platforms somewhere else—every login is another cognitive task. Overwhelmed workers don't skip your yoga discount because they dislike yoga. They skip it because they don't remember where the link lives. At YuLife, we partnered with the University of Essex to study this problem. We found that bundling insurance, rewards, virtual care, and micro-challenges into one gamified experience radically changed engagement patterns: Users take healthy actions on 20 of 30 days, double the norm 54% return monthly, 50% engage daily Daily steps rose 13%, equivalent to adding 4.5 years of life expectancy Self-reported stress dropped 53%, productivity rose 57% Crucially, activity inside the app predicted use of other benefits. Those included 4× more Employee Assistance Program utilization, 2.4× more virtual GP visits, an 11.5% drop in absenteeism, and a 2.75% drop in turnover Engagement is the missing variable Wellness programs aren't underperforming because employees don't care. They're underperforming because the programs weren't designed with real behavioral engagement in mind. Three blockers we can eliminate today: Perk fragmentation Consolidate your well-being tools. If it takes more than two clicks or logins, it's too much. Build a single front door, ideally integrated where work already happens (Slack, Teams, a unified app). Slow-burn rewards Points that take months to redeem lose meaning. When users can swap earned 'coins' for gift cards the same week, engagement jumps 30% and rises again with leaderboards or friendly duels. One-size-fits-all content A new parent, a cyclist, and a burnt-out manager don't need the same nudges. Personalised AI-driven prompts that respond to user behaviour drive a 3x increase in healthy habits. Well-being is infrastructure, not a perk We often hear that wellness is 'hard to measure.' But that's usually a reflection of low engagement, not flawed strategy. At 20% adoption, noise drowns out signals. At 50%+, the ROI becomes clear, including a 5% drop in claims costs for employers integrating preventive data into group-risk underwriting. If fewer than half your people open the app, the program doesn't work. No matter how many perks you fund.
