Following her recovery from illness and the profound loss of her renowned actor husband, Louis Koo (Liao Qizhi), Hong Kong personality Amy Chan (Chan Man-yee) is now dedicating herself to promoting mental well-being and resilience. Through her established organization, the Happy Living Association, and her digital streaming channels, Chan is actively engaging the public, sharing personal growth techniques and advocating for practical stress management tools, particularly aromatherapy.
In a recent online livestream, Chan detailed her transition into a life coach, a journey driven by intense personal experiences that underscored life’s unpredictability. She emphasized that after witnessing her own health struggles and navigating tragedy, she felt compelled to help fellow Hongkongers develop coping mechanisms to overcome adversity and achieve personal growth.
Transforming Adversity into Advocacy
Chan’s proactive shift into well-being advocacy is rooted in a deep understanding of the unique pressures faced by residents in one of the world’s most demanding urban centers. She argues that while stress is an inevitable component of fast-paced Hong Kong life, the true challenge lies in the inability to effectively manage it.
“Experiencing pressure is not the problem; the issue arises when one doesn’t know how to decompress,” Chan remarked during the broadcast. She asserts that the foundations of stress resistance are self-love and the ability to intentionally relax. These practices, she believes, are crucial for sustaining long-term mental health in a high-octane environment.
Her interest in alternative therapies, particularly aromatherapy, was sparked by a poignant personal memory involving her late husband. She recalled how, during his battle with illness, he suffered from severe insomnia. Seeking a natural remedy, he tried an essential oil massage and was astonished to fall asleep within just three minutes. This success ignited Chan’s enduring commitment to studying and utilizing aromatherapy for health benefits, a pursuit she has deepened over several years.
The Science of Scent and Serenity
As a certified life coach, Chan now integrates these holistic methods into her workshops and online content. She uses the therapeutic power of essential oils not just for physical relaxation but as an aid for emotional regulation and improved sleep hygiene—critical factors for stress reduction.
The principles Chan promotes are increasingly supported by scientific research, which links the olfactory system directly to the brain’s limbic system, the center for emotions and memory. Certain aromas can trigger immediate relaxation responses, lowering heart rate and cortisol levels.
Key takeaways Chan promotes for reducing daily stress:
- Prioritize Self-Care: Dedicate intentional time each day for activities that foster inner peace.
- Aromatherapy Integration: Utilize calming essential oils (such as lavender or chamomile) during periods of high stress or before sleep.
- Mindfulness over Marathon: In a demanding city, taking short, conscious breaks is more effective than attempting massive, infrequent vacations.
Chan’s work with the Happy Living Association serves as a beacon for those navigating challenging times, transforming her personal sorrow and sickness into a powerful, positive mission. By sharing her journey and practical tools, she not only honors her past but actively builds a future where mental resilience is accessible to all. Her initiative underlines a growing public realization in Hong Kong: wellness is not a luxury, but a necessity for sustainable living.
