In the Cantonese culture, the idea of “nourish life,” or “养生” (yang sheng in Chinese) is vital in our daily life. “养生” means listening to your body and taking preventative care, rather than waiting until you are fully sick. If my throat feels itchy, I drink beverages that sooth the throat instead of waiting until it develops into a cough. If I feel cold, I put on warmer clothes instead of waiting until I get a cold.
Because of the concept of “养生,” my family always cook for the season and based on family members’ condition. In the winter, we cook something that helps us stay hydrated. In the summer, we make food that helps the body get rid of excessive heat. Since this is food for the entire family, the food would always cater to the physical wellness needs of the entire family while also taking care of the person who might be sick at the moment.
Later, I realized I could apply the same concept of “养生” to my mental well-being. When my body reacts to stressors, I focus on ways to help myself handle them, whether through meditation, exercise, or other methods.
Similar to the idea of cooking for the family, some of these practices can also be done in groups or in community with others. Through meditating, exercising, drawing, celebrating together, we share each other’s joy, sadness, and concerns. We support each other in the ups and down and hold each other accountable to our emotional wellness.
That’s why I’m excited for Mental Health Around the World: Journey Through Your Emotions at 2–6 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, at the IMU Black Box Theater. This event is an opportunity to explore mental health practices from different cultures and discover new ways to care for ourselves and our communities. Additionally, we will have a Mental Health Awareness Walk at 1 PM in Hubbard Park, setting the tone for an afternoon of self-reflection and connection.
Hosted by Active Minds, the International Student Advisory Board, the UCS Student Advisory Board, NAMI on Campus, and Green Bandana, and supported by ISSS, UCS, and MISSE, this event is a chance to experience how different cultures approach emotional well-being.
Mental health is a journey, and culture shapes the way we navigate it. I invite you to join me in exploring the many ways we can nurture our emotions and support one another. Just like 养生, mental wellness isn’t just about responding to struggles — it’s about proactively caring for ourselves and each other.
I hope to see you there!
