Chinese actress Zhao Lusi recently revealed that she has been suffering from depression. While the 26-year-old young star's physical and psychological conditions have triggered public concerns over the past few days,MK sports her experience has also sparked a discussion on stress management and anxiety relief.
Managing stress and anxiety is a global issue. Yet in contemporary China, young individuals are exhibiting remarkable creativity and resilience in this aspect. From tai chi to "Laylive" concerts, by integrating traditional cultural practices with innovative activities, they are crafting unique pathways to mental well-being.
Young people are engaging in group practice of Baduanjin to promote health and well-being. Photo: VCG
Innovative stress-relief activities
A "Laylive" themed concert was held in East China's Shanghai on Monday. The emerging trend of a "Laylive" experience allows individuals to gather in livehouses, venues typically reserved for live music performances, to relax or even sleep. Equipped with comfortable sofas and cushions, and sometimes, even tents, these events provide a communal space for meditation, contemplation, and rest. Searching for "Laylive" events on social media brings up related activities from across the country.
At the same time, the rise of city treasure hunts has captivated many young Chinese. Participants conceal "treasures" in city locales, sharing clues via social media to guide others in the search. The game emphasizes the joy of the journey rather than the value of the gifts, creating a unique connection between players and their urban environment. The activity has evolved with creative twists, such as puzzles or themed rewards, further enhancing the experience.
Additionally, a live-action "cat-and-mouse" game has quickly gained popularity across China as a fun and social way for young people to relieve stress. The game, inspired by the childhood game of hide-and-seek, started on college campuses and has now spread to over 50 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Participants, divided into teams of "cats" and "mice," use mobile location-sharing apps to play in parks, plazas, and other outdoor spaces.
"Activities like these are a new form of social interaction. Through them, young people reduce their sense of loneliness and increase their sense of belonging. This type of social interaction also promotes the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, which help reduce stress and anxiety," Ma Jianwen, a registered counselor of the China Association for Mental Health, told the Global Times.
Activities such as the treasure hunts and "cat-and-mouse" games are particularly appealing because they combine physical exercise with social bonding in a relaxed and entertaining way, Ma noted.
People listen to traditional Chinese music performance at a music concert. Photo: VCG
Reconnecting with tradition
Amidst the hustle of urban life, many young people are seeking solace in traditional cultural practices. Weekends spent in mountain temples and Taoist monasteries offer immersive experiences in nature and ancient architecture. Activities such as early morning tai chi and Baduanjin, participating in tea ceremonies, enjoying vegetarian meals, and volunteering activities provide holistic nourishment for the mind and body.
"It is essentially an attempt to find a sense of calm and balance amidst the stresses of work and life. When someone retreats to the mountains for a period of quiet reflection, they return feeling re-energized. This is a proactive and positive way to adjust oneself, and it's a constructive approach," said Ma.
In a natural environment, one's mental and physical rhythm slows down. Within such a setting, the usual pressures of work and life are temporarily set aside, allowing the sources of stress to be put on hold. Additionally, the outdoor environment provides fresher air, which promotes better metabolism and has a positive impact on physical health, Ma added.
For those who can't get out of the city, institutions like Beijing's Baiyun Temple have introduced traditional promotional activities dedicated to traditional culture by organizing Baduanjin and tai chi group practices.
"(These activities) actually help us achieve a sense of harmony between body and mind. It can improve poor posture, enhance spinal stability, and help regulate and smoothen breathing. Additionally, it aids in improving concentration, leading to physical and mental relaxation and tranquility. All of this contributes to reducing stress, strengthening psychological resilience, and improving our ability to cope with pressure," said Ma.
While tai chi is already quite well-known, Baduanjin is a form of traditional Chinese Qigong practice. Also known as Eight Pieces of Brocade, Baduanjin uses special breathing and concentration techniques to improve both physical and mental well-being. In the past couple of years, this practice has conquered young Chinese people and a significant number of Baduanjin instructional videos have gained popularity on video sharing platforms such as Bilibili and China's major short-video platform Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.
Beyond tai chi or Baduanjin, Ma believes it's important to engage in a kind of physical activity that we find enjoyable, and possibly also seek an artistic outlet, whether it involves appreciating art or actively creating it. He also pointed out that it's essential to have at least one family member or friend with whom one can share one's innermost thoughts. Being able to talk openly and express feelings is crucial to mental health.
"When trying to express negative emotions, many people tend to focus solely on describing the events or situations they've encountered, without really expressing how they feel. My suggestion is that, if you have someone you trust, make an effort to share more of your emotions and feelings. Only by truly expressing your emotions can you effectively release the pressure and stress you may be carrying," said Ma.
