Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
New Year’s resolutions are a great way to welcome January; right now, people are filled with hopeful optimism for the exciting new year. But let’s face it: sticking to resolutions takes more than motivation – you also need willpower, determination, and maybe even a change of perspective.
If you’ve ever failed to keep those yearly promises, you know that sometimes doing something – and sticking to it – can be difficult. So here are a few tips on how you can set yourself up for success in 2025!
Start Small With Realistic Goals
Instagram/Anytime Fitness
Everyone wants to achieve major goals, but things like that don’t happen overnight. Set yourself up for success by choosing resolutions that are achievable. Taking small but doable steps can increase morale and build up a habit that will make it easier to take things to the next level.
For example, those looking to take up a fitness resolution can choose to commit to regular workouts three times a week, rather than every day. Instead of promising to save 90% of your income, try budgeting to keep 50%. Baby steps are still steps and can take you a long way, slowly but very surely.
Be Specific
Instagram/Fully Booked
Adding metrics to your resolutions can turn vague promises into concrete action steps. This is why it’s so important to be more specific when setting goals or resolutions.
Quantify your goals so that you don’t just tell people you want to “read more books,” for example. Be specific and set the intention to read one to two books a month, or ten for the entire year. However, you choose to do so is totally fine, so long as it fits into your lifestyle and what you can achieve.
Add Instead of Remove
Instagram/Xocolat
Some people say that adding things into your life may be easier – and more enjoyable – than cutting things out. This new year, reflect on what you want to add into your life, rather than what you want to deprive yourself of. This allows you to broaden your horizons while still enjoying well-deserved comforts.
For example, those looking to prioritize their health can say they want to add more greens into their diet rather than doing away with dessert. Instead of avoiding bed rot completely, consider adding in 15 minutes of exercise daily. Indulgences don’t have to be taken away completely for you to achieve your goals.
Give Yourself Grace
Instagram/Hallie Bateman
The most important thing about resolutions is knowing that sometimes, you might fail at your first – or next – attempt. But know that this is completely normal and okay! Progress is never linear, and setbacks are to be expected. If you fail to reach your resolution, just try again and know that January isn’t the only time you have to start fresh.
Take this for example: one of the most difficult resolutions to keep is quitting a vice. But if you’re planning on staying sober or weaning yourself off of smoking, there may be days when you fall back into old habits. That doesn’t mean you should quit altogether; give yourself grace, be kind to yourself, and try again.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
Not all skin is the same. You’ve probably heard it before, but the skin on our children is much more delicate than the skin of an adult. In fact, the skin of a baby is only about 1/5th the thickness of a fully grown man or woman.
As might be expected, skin on the young is much more sensitive. It reacts quicker to stressors and is more prone to dryness caused by irritants or UV rays. This is why it’s so important to choose the right products for our kids. Make sure to choose items — such as those in our guide — that are specially tailored to care for your child’s sensitive skin.
A trusted brand in the Philippines and worldwide, Cetaphil positions its baby skincare line as one that parents can trust. Paediatrician-tested and gentle on skin, the aforementioned line is gentle, moisturizing, soothing, and hypoallergenic. There is a lotion, a two-in-one wash and shampoo, and an advanced protection cream that can be used on sensitive areas such as knees, cheeks, or chapped or chaffed skin.
The calendula-scented wash and shampoo are among the most popular products in this line. This two-in-one formula is non-comedogenic and tear-free, making it ideal for bath time with your tyke. It’s also proven to be gentle even on sensitive skin, making it a great option for parents who want to cleanse and protect their baby in the bath.
Did you know that this beloved sunscreen brand also has a kids’ formulation? La Roche Posay’s Anthelios Gentle Lotion for kids provides strong protection for the whole family, shielding its users from UVA/UVB rays. It is free from harmful ingredients such as fragrances, parabens, and the allergen oxybenzone.
A majority of those who’ve tried it appreciate the lotion not just for its moisturizing effects and sun protection but also for its lightweight formula and lack of white cast upon application.
Formulated by three mothers – one of whom graduated from Stanford Medical School, two of whom from Harvard Medical School – Evereden is a family-friendly brand that specializes in products for kids, teens, and moms.
From face wash, face cream, and bath needs, they have it all. Best of all, each product is specially formulated to accommodate the changing skin needs of your baby, child, or teen. Among their bestsellers is the Kids Multi-Vitamin Face Wash,which comes in three fun scents. There is Cool Peach, Fresh Pomelo, and Melon Juice, each of which is suitable for the sensitive skin of children aged 3 to 11. Rich in amino acids and Vitamin Bs, this face wash is perfect for parents looking to guide their children on how to build a skincare routine with age-appropriate products.
Kids with a busy schedule will find it handy to have a face mist on the go. Whether they’re out playing with their friends, engaging in extracurriculars, or simply in the middle of a busy school day, they’ll be glad to cleanse, refresh, and rehydrate their skin on the go.
Introducing: Pipa’s Glow Go Mist, infused with green tea, niacinamide, and rose water, each of which is made to cleanse, hydrate, and nourish skin, respectively. This item is a great starter for kids just starting to get into or build their own skincare routine. It’s gentle on faces, made with safe ingredients, and handy for use anytime, anywhere.
Micellar water is an incredibly popular makeup must-have. Many women use it to remove makeup or dirt left on skin; it helps to clean pores, remove dead skin cells, and moisturize the face.
But did you know that Mustela’s organic no-rinse micellar water can also work on babies? Made of 99% naturally derived ingredients, this gentle cleanser can be used to rinse off baby’s face, feet, and bottom. It’s made with organic olive oil and aloe vera to ensure hydration for babies, teens, and adults. Bring it on the go, during trips, and have it handy whenever you — or one of your kids — need it most.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
What can we take from the wisdom of our ancestors? Author Michelle Bang dives deep into the traditions of her native South Korea and discovers the secrets that have been passed down from generation to generation. Through her travels and interactions with the community, Michelle reconnects with the customs that have shaped her years, ultimately recording all that she’s seen and heard in a new book entitled “Sun and Ssukgat: The Korean Art of Self-Care, Wellness, and Longevity.”
Today, The Beat Asia talks to the author and entrepreneur about what she’s learned and how these ideas have helped shape her philosophy and overall lifestyle.
When did you realize that you wanted to prioritize wellbeing?
“I was in Hong Kong, and I had just launched my dream social impact startup, melding all the things I was really passionate about, which were sustainable fashion and social impact. It experienced tremendous growth, we were winning a lot of awards and major contracts. I was very passionate about what I was doing – so passionate that I wasn’t taking care of myself. I was working around the clock, had a team around different time zones, and was just too busy to sleep, too busy to eat. In the middle of all that success, I landed in the emergency room for the first time in my life. It was very much like a night and day experience, you know, me ‘before the hospital’ and me ‘after the hospital.’”
”After I came home from the hospital, I was very ill constantly. I couldn't sit down for a meal without pain. And it was really taking over my life. I realized that this had been brewing for a long time; my body was screaming that I needed to do something to make it better. Ultimately, that experience led me down this path.”
How did you learn about the techniques that you published in your book?
A portrait of Michelle's father | Instagram/Michelle Jungmin Bang
“By way of background, I'm a Korean-American, so I represent an East-West upbringing. I also grew up in a world of East-West medicine because while my father is a U.S.-based doctor, he trained at the top medical school in Korea, which is Seoul National University’s College of Medicine.”
”He exposed me very early on to the practical and holistic applications of medicine, which I ended up realizing is very much deeply embedded within Korean culture. Later, I married into a traditional Chinese family that embodied these traditions which have been passed down generationally.”
“After my experience at the hospital, I began to take some steps to formalize this knowledge. I underwent training for two certifications: one for functional foods and another for holistic preventative care.”
I heard that your travels also inspired you to learn more about the culture.
Michelle visits a market in Hong Kong | Instagram/Michelle Jungmin Bang
“That’s true. South Korea is expected to top the longevity rates in 2030, but Hong Kong has been at the top alongside China, Japan, Singapore, and Macau for some time. I really wanted to go and see for myself what the data was saying.”
“In Asia, I began walking on the beach every morning and started encountering a lot of individuals who were doing very interesting things like cold water swimming in the open ocean. Some grandmothers were doing different activities that we typically reserve for younger people in the US, such as walking in public parks, hiking, and doing chin-ups on monkey bars. A lot of these older individuals are really strong, oftentimes with wrinkle-free skin, and I just started approaching them really curious about what they were doing. I asked about what they were eating, what they were doing to stay so vibrant.”
What is the difference between the Eastern and Western approach to health?
“During my training for Eastern medicine, I learned about the idea that we're connected to the environment and the universe. Now, I believe in an integrative approach. It's the idea that everything is interconnected.”
“ In Korea, there is the concept of jung, and it's very much attached to their wellness, that wellness is cemented by community. Jung is a Korean word that translates to deep relationships, kindness, compassion, and community. And it’s apparent in Eastern medicine that this kind of interconnectedness is present even in one’s body; that your brain and emotions can manifest into the physical.”
“In Western medicine, we are often treated for very specific causes, but in Eastern medicine, we often look at the root cause. This could mean looking into your personal history or what you’ve eaten.”
What did you find most interesting about your discoveries?
Haenyeo divers in Korea | Luciano Candisani
“It’s interesting because new science is actually only now catching up with the old wisdom. So, for example, the microbiome is becoming a really important concept in the field of wellness. Even just recently, a study was published on the fact that we have a microbiome in our brains. And we didn't know that before, but all of this knowledge is supported by the traditions of Korean Buddhist nuns or haenyeo female freedivers.”
“For example, for the Buddhist nuns, they practice what is called ‘temple food.’ They saute their food, or blanche it in order to retain the color and nutrients of their food. They add fermented condiments, which up the nutrition and help maintain friendly bacteria. They live mindfully and are very conscious of the ingredients they use.”
Why is this project so important to you?
Sun & Ssukgat | Courtesy of Michelle Bang
“I wanted to preserve this wisdom that I was starting to see fade away in the modern world. There’s social impact behind these messages because 70% of chronic illnesses are estimated by the World Health Organization to be preventable with lifestyle changes.”
“There is also plenty about our diet that people may not know about. In the US, we focus on three major crops: wheat, rice, and corn. But there's over 300,000 edible plants in the world, and so much of that is wasted.”
What does self-care mean to you?
“So often in the modern world, we're equating self-care to external beauty. But it's really about all the tiny little things that you can do to take care of yourself and your body. Self-care is calling a friend, taking a walk outside, eating fruit.”
“ Looking away from my computer is self-care for me. I’ll take deep breaths to de-stress, oxygenate my body, and energize myself. There are many little examples like that, that I feel like I used to discount, but are actually easy to do and really important.”
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
Picture this: it’s a special day (could be Valentine’s Day, your anniversary, birthday), and your partner gives you a bouquet of yellow roses. It could be one of your favorite flowers or could just be what your partner thought looked the prettiest out of the rest. They look like a romantic gift — until you find out that in Japan’s Hanakotoba, they could mean “jealousy or a fading love,” while in Victorian England Floriography, they mean “friendship and joy.”
So, you’re met with a misunderstanding. What did your partner mean by this? Do they know what those flowers mean?
Flowers have always carried hidden meanings, shaped friendships, love stories, and even caused heartbreaks across different cultures. In Japan, Hanakotoba flourished as a way to express emotions without words, while during the Victorian Era, Floriography became the secret language of lovers. With this in mind, do you think those two flower languages mean the same thing? What do your favorite flowers really mean, and could you have possibly been giving mixed signals since then?
Let’s explore the world of Hanakotoba and Floriography and learn the meanings of some common flowers — to make sure you’re choosing the right flowers in the future.
Hanakotoba, when directly translated, means “flower words.” It’s a language that gives symbolic meaning to flowers and their colors to make their emotions known in a subtle manner, especially in a society that values indirect communication. Without the use of words, people use flowers to confess their love, express gratitude and happiness, and even sorrow.
This can be seen in several aspects of Japanese culture, extending beyond personal relationships and influencing literature, art, poetry, and anime. For example, in one scene in the anime “Tokyo Ghoul,” flowers were used to signal the change in a character’s disposition. From white carnations, symbolizing purity, the flowers turn into red spider lilies. In Japanese culture and hanakotoba, a red spider lily means “never to meet again” and is referred to as the “flower of death.” Poetic, right?
Floriography, on the other hand, is a coded language where flowers and colors are given meaning. The use of this language coincided with a growing interest in botany during the 19th century, and Victorians used this in their flowers, plants, and floral arrangements to send messages, court potential brides, and romantic feelings that cannot be said aloud, due to strict social etiquette.
If you were wondering where the concept of bouquets came from, Victorian England was when it all started. Lovers would exchange carefully arranged bouquets called “talking bouquets,” “tussie-mussies,” or “nosegays” to send coded messages. A red rose means “passionate love,” but when you pair it with a basil, which means “hatred,” it could be an insult.
The two languages, despite being from different parts of the world, share one common thread: using flowers to express what words cannot.
Common Flowers in Bouquets and What They Mean in Hanakotoba and Floriography
Flowers are usually chosen for their beauty, but their meanings vary depending on cultural traditions. Here are some of the most common flowers found in romantic flower arrangements and bouquets — and what they symbolize in Hanakotoba (Japan) and Floriography (Victorian England).
Giving flowers has always been an enduring gesture, but without knowing their meanings, you might be inadvertently sending the wrong message. A yellow rose might seem like a happy choice, but in Hanakotoba, it could mean your love is fading. A white lily may be a symbol of purity to one, but it can also mean that you’re grieving.
The meanings of flowers may have evolved over time, but combining Hanakotoba and floriography can still add a personalized touch to floral designs. Understanding these meanings can help create a more intentional gift for your partner, whether you’re choosing a bouquet for a romantic confession, a heartfelt apology, or a simple “thank you” gift.
So, how can you choose the perfect flowers for the right occasion? Here are some tips to make sure your bouquet says exactly what you mean.
Consider the Person You’re Giving and the Occasion.
For your significant other? Just stick to the classics: red roses and pink tulips.
For a friend? Sunflowers and yellow roses are your best bet.
For condolences? White lilies and chrysanthemums are what you should give.
Careful with the Colors!
Keep this in mind: red for romance, pink for platonic love, yellow shouldn’t be seen in romantic bouquets, and white for gratitude, but also mourning for some.
You Can Mix and Match, But Pay Attention to Flower Combinations
If one of the flowers could mean something uncomfortable, you can balance it out with other flowers or with greenery!
In Floriography, flower pairings add layers to the meaning of the flower arrangement. An example would be pairing red roses and white lilies, together, they mean love and purity — that’s perfect for weddings.
Flowers have always been more than beautiful decorations — they have served as messengers of words unsaid, strong feelings of love, sorrow, and even secrets. Through Hanakotoba and Victorian floriography, people have been able to express their feelings and get their words across.
By learning and considering the meanings of these flowers, your floral gifts become more thoughtful. Now, knowing these hidden meanings, what do you want your ideal bouquet to say?
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
When it comes to love, actions speak louder than words. It may be a universal language but the way people express it varies across cultures. Just take Asia, which has some of the world’s most unique love rituals deeply rooted in tradition and its diverse customs.
From unique courting practices to symbolic wedding rites, these traditions offer a glimpse into how love is celebrated across the continent. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or cultural enthusiast, here are some enchanting romance rituals from Asia that might just inspire your next grand romantic gesture.
Harana (The Philippines)
When Selena Gomez said, “I love you like a love song,” Filipinos know well how true that is as one of their long-standing courtship rituals is the “Harana.” In a country big on music and where singing is a "national pastime," it only makes sense that the best way to woo someone is by serenadingthem with heartfelt songs.
During a Harana, a suitor would usually come up to the woman’s house with a guitar (and backup singers if you want to gain more points for this performance) and stand outside — usually by her window — to sing her love songs. If the woman steps outside to listen or even sings along, then we can consider the courtship a success. If the windows or door remain closed, however, let’s just say the suitor will be walking home to a few heartbreak songs.
Merisik (Malaysia)
Photo from Website/grantcorban.com
“Knowing me, knowing you” as the song goes but in Malay culture, pursuing a serious relationship — and by serious we mean “marriage serious” — the very first step is attending a meeting called, “Merisik.”
The word means “spying” but it is really more like a surveying custom where the families of the couple learn more about each other’s backgrounds. Merisik is usually carried out by the young man’s parents or relatives who informally inquire about the girl’s agreement to the intended marriage and seek consent from her parents. We think it’s a reasonable practice considering marriage is serious business and getting to know one’s family is vital. After all, you’re not just marrying a person, you’re marrying into each other’s families, too.
The Ball Toss Tradition (Several Parts of Southeast Asia)
Photo from Website/ar.inspiredpencil.com
The Hmong people have a fascinating — and dare we say adorable courtship tradition involving a ball called, “Pov Pob.” During the New Year festivities, teenage boys and girls would stand in line and throw balls at each other while engaging in conversation.
It’s a fun way for singles to express their interest, get to know each other, and form bonds which may eventually lead to marriage. Talk about shooting your shot (literally)!
The Water-Pouring Ceremony (Thailand)
Photo from Website/Freepik.com
Also known as “Rod Nam Sang,” this rite is probably the most iconic part of a traditional Thai wedding. The act involves the newlyweds kneeling before their parents who then pour scented water over their hands from a conch. This is asacred act that symbolizes the couple’s gratitude and respect for their parents and demonstrates filial piety.
Afterward, each guest offers blessings and good wishes for the couple's bright future. There’s also a tradition that states that if the couple has unmarried older siblings, drinking the water from the conch can bring luck in finding a marriage partner.
Also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day, the Qixi Festival is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. The name means “Evening of Sevens Festival” and is deeply rooted in a popular Chinese folktale: the romantic legend of Zhinu and Niulang.
The folktale narrates the story of the goddess Zhinu, the seventh daughter of the Jade Emperor, who grew tired of her life in the celestial realm and came down to earth and fell for the mortal Niulang, a humble cowherd. When Zhinu’s mother, the goddess of Heaven, discovered their relationship, she separated the lovers by creating a vast celestial river between them which was later known as the Milky Way. Moved by the lovers’ forbidden romance, a flock of magpies formed a bridge over the river so that Niulang and Zhinu could meet, creating the “Magpie Bridge.” The goddess was touched and had a change of heart, eventually allowing the lovers to meet at the bridge once a year on the day the festival is celebrated for all of eternity (aww).
Chinese people would celebrate this day by stargazing and searching for stars Vega and Altair which represents the star-crossed lovers. Much like the Western romantic holiday, couples would exchange gifts, perform elaborate gestures, and spend the day with each other. The streets of Hong Kong are filled with activity too, from laser light shows to dance performances.
Like in any Chinese celebration, food plays a huge role. Qiaoguo, a sweet and crispy pastry with a sesame flavor, is a popular treat for the holiday. Other traditional dishes shared during this time are cloud noodles, sugar shaped like women and other characters from the legend,and dumplings.
If the number of successful K-Dramas has anything to say, it’s that South Korea takes romance very seriously. From love locks on a tower to romantic beliefs like seeing the first snowfall with someone means you’re meant to be together forever, South Korea knows how to tickle our romantic fancies.
One of their unique customs is called, “White Day,” which is celebrated a month after Valentine’s Day on Mar. 14, and is the so-called “Reverse Valentine’s Day.” On Feb. 14, men are usually the recipients of gifts like chocolates and sweets from women. A month later, they are encouraged to return these romantic gestures. Many celebrities, male K-Pop idol group members in particular, would usually post selfies with flowers or chocolates that thrill their female fans.
The celebration originated in the late 1970s when the Japanese candy industry introduced the concept of “Marshmallow Day,” which was meant to encourage men to return the romantic gestures of women who had given them gifts on Valentine’s Day. This concept quickly gained popularity and evolved into what is now known as “White Day.” The romantic holiday is also celebrated in Japan and China, and though not explicitly explained, is a nice representation of how relationships should be: an act of give and take.
ICYDK, South Korea also has a similar event to Valentine’s Day called “Pepero Day” where people engage in gifting or exchanging Pepero snacks, Lotte’s popular chocolate-covered pretzel stick. It’s celebrated every Nov. 11 because the numbered date resembles Pepero sticks in a pack (11/11). With how popular the gesture has become, it’s now the biggest annual marketing day for the confectionery company.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions — working, eating, sleeping, and then doing it all over again? You’re not alone. Many of us hit a point where life feels like a never-ending treadmill, and we start wondering if there’s more to it than just checking off boxes. If you do, you might need to find and discover your own “Ikigai.”
You’ve probably heard of the buzzword in social media or through your wisdom-filled friends, but what does it really mean?
As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what truly matters and set intentions for a more fulfilling life. In this article, we’ll be diving deeper into this Japanese concept and what experts have to say on how we can incorporate “ikigai” into our lives.
What is ‘Ikigai?’
Photo from Website/Visit Okinawa Japan
Roughly translated to “reason for being,” “Ikigai” is a Japanese concept that combines the two words: “iki,” which means life, and “gai,” which means reason or worth. For the Japanese, this word refers to something that brings value and joy to life: from your loved ones to hobbies and work — simply put, a reason to wake up in the morning.
In a book written by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life,” this word is referred to as logotherapy — a form of existential therapy founded on the premise that the primary motivational force of individuals is to “find meaning in life.”
If we go back even further, the term “ikigai” has been around for a long time, becoming a central theme in Japanese psychiatrist Mieko Kamiya’s 1966 book, titled “Ikigai-ni-Tsuite(On the Meaning of Life).” In her book, Kamiya gave a two-part definition of the term, stating that “ikigai” refers to a source of happiness, while “ikigai-kan” refers to the emotion that these sources give that makes one feel that life is worth living.
How to Find Your ‘Ikigai,’ According to Experts
Photo from Unsplash/Tetiana Shevereva
The word “ikigai” has seen numerous definitions, but how does one really find their own? According to García and Miralles, who wrote the aforementioned book after interviewing the centenarians in Ogimi, Okinawa, Japan’s “village of longevity," because many people reach the age of 100, there are ten rules to discover and live your ikigai.
Stay active;don't retire – According to the book, people who stay active and work well into their old age stay passionate about life. Work, however, refers to something one loves to do.
Take it slow – Rushing through things is normal, but the authors suggest that it affects one’s quality of life. Take time to stop and appreciate the “now.”
Don’t fill your stomach – The secret to a long life is avoiding overeating. In the book, the authors suggested eating until you’re only 80% full.
Surround yourself with good friends – No man is an island, so having a great support system and having fun with them can enrich your life. The authors found this to be true as they discovered that Ogimi’s centenarians often found joy in spending time with others in their community centers and playing games.
Get in shape for your next birthday –Exercise, according to the centenarians they interviewed, is also a huge component for living long, as it contributes to happiness and, of course, physical health.
Smile –While it’s also good to acknowledge bad things, the authors encourage people to never forget what a privilege it is to be in a world full of possibilities.
Reconnect with nature – “Human beings are part of the natural world,” the book says. Hence, for the people of Ogimi, it is imperative to return to nature to help them recharge.
Give thanks – Whether to your ancestors, to nature, to your family, or friends, spending a moment to give your gratitude to them will increase your happiness, the book suggests.
Live in the moment – Make no regrets, instead make the most out of the present and make it something to remember.
Follow your ikigai– According to the authors, everyone has their own “ikigai,” a passion that keeps one going, and it’s our own mission to discover it.
Meanwhile, Tokyo-based neuroscientist Dr. Ken Mogi, in his book “The Little Book of Ikigai,” said that there are five pillars of “Ikigai,” which help in keeping one healthy and having a balanced state of mind.
Starting small – It is all about doing small things that make you happy, like taking your dog for a walk or having a good cup of coffee.
Releasing yourself – Be honest about your true self and accept what you are.
Harmony and sustainability – Being mindful of the impact of your actions towards others and thinking beyond one’s selfish needs to create harmony with other people and society as a whole.
The joy oflittle things – Have pleasurable and rewarding experiences embedded in your routine, like meditating, working out, or simply having a delightful breakfast every day.
Being in the here and now - According to Mogi, appreciating the present helps bring one’s inner child, and being in touch with your inner child can give one an avenue to be free, creative, and make the best out of every moment.
Overall, one’s “ikigai” does not need to be something grand, like being rich, famous, and having a lot of friends. It can be found in the little things in life — we just have to learn to appreciate them.
Want to know if you are living your "ikigai?" Take this quiz!
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
In 2024, Oxford announced “Brain Rot” as the word of the year, a term that encapsulates the cognitive decline associated with overconsumption of online material. In an era where digital content is at our fingertips 24/7, brain rot is a consequence of our screen-centric lives.
But what exactly is brain rot? Are you in danger of this phenomenon? How can you protect yourself from its effects? Below, we learn more about brain rot and how you can prevent it so you can keep your mind clear and your thoughts sharp.
Understanding "Brain Rot"
According to sources, "Brain Rot," sometimes written as "Brainrot," refers to the deterioration of one’s mental or intellectual faculties due to excessive consumption of trivial online content. It’s said to be prevalent among younger generations who spend hours on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), engaging with posts that offer minimal cognitive stimulation.
The term traces its roots back to 1854 in Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, where he critiqued the society’s intellectual decline. Brain rot reemerged in modern contexts around 2004, gaining traction in discussions about low-quality entertainment like video games and reality TV shows.
By 2007, "brain rot" became a common phrase on social media, particularly among younger generations like Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
How to Tell if You’re Experiencing Brain Rot
Do you often find yourself scrolling endlessly on social media? Do you constantly check your notifications? If you answered yes to these questions, you might be experiencing brain rot. Brain rot often manifests in subtle yet impactful ways. Recognizing the signs early can help you take the necessary steps to keep them from affecting your mental and emotional well-being.
Signs of Brain Rot to Watch Out For:
Shortened attention span – you find it difficult to focus on tasks and conversations for extended periods
Mental fatigue – you feel mentally drained even after minimal cognitive effort, often due to excessive screen time
Memory problems – you sometimes struggle to recall names and dates
Decreased motivation – you lose interest in activities that once brought you joy
Poor sleep quality – you experience insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
Increased irritability when offline – you feel restless when you’re away from screens
Compulsive social media checking – you constantly check for notifications or updates, even in inappropriate situations
Certain behaviors may also hint at the presence of brain rot. These include "Doomscrolling" or continuously scrolling through negative news, which can add to your feelings of anxiety; "Zombie Scrolling" or mindlessly browsing social media; and excessive gaming, or spending extended periods gaming, at the expense of real-life responsibilities and relationships.
Knowing these signs and being on the lookout for them can help you combat brain rot and reclaim mental clarity.
Take digital detoxes: Disconnecting from digital devices can help reset the mind and reduce mental fatigue.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help promote brain health by increasing blood flow and reducing stress.
Set meetups with friends: Engaging in face-to-face interactions can boost emotional well-being.
Read books: Dedicating time to reading can improve concentration and expand critical thinking skills.
Spend time in nature: Visit parks for quick walks. Exposure to natural environments has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
Learn new skills: Challenge your brain with new activities that can enhance cognitive function.
Engage in creative hobbies: Pursuing creative endeavors can stimulate the mind and give you an outlet for expression.
Get adequate sleep: Quality sleep is important for memory consolidation.
Maintain a balanced diet: Proper nutrition supports overall brain health and function.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
2025 is here, and with it comes a fresh wave of energy to tackle our goals and dreams. It’s always a good idea to start the year with something to strive for. The tradition of having a New Year’s resolution is a way for us to reflect on where we are at the moment and the new changes we should aspire toward in the forthcoming months.
But as the weeks roll on, life can often get the best of us and it’s easy for that initial spark to fade, leaving us unmotivated and stuck. The good news is motivation isn’t just an event or movement that happens at the start of the year, but is actually a skill you can cultivate!
We sat down with sports psychologist Kenneth Roy V. Aranas, RPm, RPsy, and talked about what motivation is — what fuels it and what hinders us from achieving the goals we set for ourselves. Whether you’re striving for personal growth, career milestones, or healthier habits, keep reading to discover the keys to maintaining your momentum.
Motivation As Your “Why?”
A dictionary-based definition tells us that motivation is a psychological force that initiates behavior. The word is derived from the Latin word “motivus” which means “a moving cause.” It goes without saying that motivation is an internal phenomenon that makes us act toward a particular aim.
There are several other definitions for it, but it all boils down to one thing, which Kenneth simplified, “Motivation is basically your ‘Why?’ It’s yourdrive, which is the basis for a lot of our behavior.”
We often come across this term when setting up goals for the new year. Everyone welcomes January with renewed energy and excitement, hoping to achieve things that will change the course of their lives. For the most part, there are several theories in psychology that try to pinpoint people’s basic motivations, but Kenneth explained that it mostly depends on one’s context and situation.
“At different stages of life, we need different things. In the earlier stages, we’re motivated a lot by care or being taken care of. As we grow older, we start to become more social. So, the needs change. Now, we go to school, we need to get good grades, and we need to learn and interact with people. As we grow even older, our motivations change again. You start to connect with people, so you need to establish yourself. You need to create your identity. So what fuels motivation? It really depends on the person and we can look at it from where you are in life. What’s important to you or necessary for you at this stage of your life.”
Our needs fuel our motivations. If you’re striving for a healthier lifestyle, it drives you to set fitness goals — to go to the gym
more often or add more to your daily step count. If one is striving to get promoted, they might decide to take up a master’s degree or to take up more leadership roles in the office. The things we want to achieve stoke the flames of our drive and kickstart our momentum.
Now that we know what fuels it, we also need to be aware of what hinders it. Motivation is like a muscle and just like toning one’s body, it requires time and effort to train. Setting up goals is easy enough especially when you know your “Whys” well. But is it enough to simply just set goals?
Kenneth answered, “We have to be very realistic about the goals, especially now we're in an age of instants. A lot of people want instant gratification, and if they can't get it, they’re like ‘I don't want to do it anymore.’ There are people who give up easily if they don’t achieve a goal.”
Let’s take a look at fitness goals. A lot of people set objectives like losing weight or gaining more muscle. They’re often energized in the first few weeks, sticking to their workout routines but later on, the motivation begins to fade, and they lose interest in keeping up with their exercise sessions.
This brings us to the first enemy of motivation: Time. People often set lofty goals that are meant to be achieved over time. Change doesn’t happen overnight. Your six-pack won’t magically appear after a few days of doing crunches.
The passage of time also means things are constantly happening which pushes us to shift our priorities. When priorities change, so does our drive. If you’ve set up a daily step count of 10,000 steps a day while working full time in front of a computer, it may make it feel unachievable as you won’t have time to complete it.
Kenneth reminded us, “A key part of motivation issetting smaller goalsfor yourselfto make sure that you're achieving small steps every day or in increments.”
Another enemy we should be aware of is social comparison. Kenneth explicated that comparing yourself to others “puts you back mentally.” When we see others progressing faster or more successfully than us, it makes us wonder what we’re doing and fosters self-doubt.
“There are a lot of things that people don't realize when it comes to things like fitness, for example. There’s a lot of time and effort that is required in order to actually achieve that goal. If you go to the gym, there will definitely be people progressing at different rates.
So, it's not really a matter of comparing yourself to them but where do you want to be?”
“Every day is an opportunity to learn something new, and just because you're not making significant progress daily doesn't mean you're not progressing. It doesn't mean that you're not getting a little bit better. Small progress is still progress.”
Keys To Staying Motivated
Practicality is key in sustaining that driving force that pushes us closer to our goals. We’re listing down helpful practices that will help keep you motivated all year round.
Make SMART Goals
Kenneth stated that motivation is a “very individual experience” that deals with the goals we set for ourselves. There is no specific theory that provides a step-by-step procedure for sustaining our momentum, but the psychologist expressed that we need to be practical
when setting up our goals — making sure that they’re Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
“It’s actually a blueprint for setting goals that can be achieved [SMART approach]. A lot of people set these big, lofty goals, but they tend to forget the smaller [goals] — more achievable ones that can actually help boost your motivation,” he explained.
“If there are days where it feels like you didn't accomplish anything, maybe that's because the goals that you set for the day are too difficult. So, a more practical solution would be to set a smaller goal for yourself today.”
Intention is also a big factor when setting up goals. As motivation is our “why,” it’s important to understand the core of that “why” and determine its layers, so you can better recalibrate your objectives and achieve them within a reasonable time frame.
Practice Mindfulness
This movement encourages people to be present in the now. Mindfulness is all about focusing on what’s going on in your life right now without worrying about the future or obsessing over the past.
This practice helps us be more laser-focused on what we hope to attain. Looking too much into the future or our action’s consequences fosters hypothetical scenarios that tend to slow down our progress. These are things that haven’t — or might never even happen. So why worry? Ever heard of the saying, “We’ll cross the bridge when we get there?” It’s the same for setting up goals.
“I think that mentally we need to remind ourselves that at the end of the day, we are ultimately in control of our actions. We need to practice focusing on what we can do right now rather than focusing on the ‘What Ifs.’”
Reward Yourself
You deserve it! Every hard work should be rewarded and recognized. Rewards are key to sustaining motivation because nothing drives a person more than the promise of something good. Why do you think people are motivated to buy holiday drinks at Starbucks? It’s to collect the stickers for the reward, namely the limited-edition planner.
When we celebrate our wins, it brings a sense of accomplishment which in turn makes us feel energized to keep going, to keep making progress.
However, we also have to make sure not to overdo it, otherwise it loses its meaning. Kenneth raised the importance of diversifying the rewards and warned that getting used to them may lead you to skew your results.
In a fitness goal, for example, if you put more steps into your daily count for the day, your mind may reason that walking a little bit more would count as going to the gym for that day. Although you're still getting the exercise that you're looking for, it's not the same thing.
“You'll try to find a shortcut,” Kenneth explained. “Which will not always be beneficial to you in the long run. So, don't forget to reward yourself, while also mixing up the rewards.”
Be Resolute This 2025
Having a New Year’s resolution is a great way to welcome the new year as it gives you purpose and sets you off toward a better future — more specifically, a better version of yourself.
But the psychologist reminded us about the whole point of the tradition, and how it shouldn’t be our only goal for the year.
“We need to remind ourselves of the deeper impact of what a resolution is,” he said. “Taking a look at the word, it’s a much heavier thing to be resolute — to stand by principle on something that you will make a change. That you are committed to something. So, you need to really embody that.”
He also pointed out how priorities change over the course of a year and that we should be able to adjust our goals as necessary. We need to be mindful and ask what’s important in our lives right now to set attainable goals and have checkpoints throughout the year.
“You need to mentally prepare yourself to make change because it’s not something that happens overnight. If you get demotivated in February then you need to recognize that maybe I set this goal a little bit too high. Maybe we can change it into something that's a little bit more doable. Small goals matter for you to be able to say to yourself, ‘Okay, I achieved this small one, maybe we can step it up a little bit.’ You need to consistently challenge yourself.”
For counseling and mental wellness inquiries, you can get in touch with Kenneth via Instagram.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
