Actress Ya Hui reveals why she's taking a pause from work and how it has helped her
Former Mediacorp artiste Ya Hui made the brave decision to take a break to give herself the mental space and energy to recalibrate and truly enjoy life.
Striking a balance in life may be as simple as carving out time regularly to indulge in an activity of your choice. Yahoo Shopping chats with personalities who share their passion for a sport or wellness activity they enjoy, which helps them take on the world with zeal. We hope this series will inspire you to find an interest that will add that sparkle to your life.
Ya Hui is a former Mediacorp artiste and a 6-time winner of the Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes, who recently embarked on a transformative journey by taking a much-needed pause. After being managed by an artist management agency for 16 years, she is embracing her newfound artistic independence and exploring new opportunities, such as musicals and overseas production opportunities. This bold decision allows her to connect with her audiences more personally and authentically.
Yahoo Life Singapore helps set you on your way to discovering your very own mindfulness journey with some product recommendations.
Yahoo Life Singapore: What is one sport, fitness or wellness activity you love, and how did you get started?
Ya Hui: That would be connecting with nature. I deeply love nature and find solace in spending time outdoors. Taking walks in nature parks allows me to immerse myself in the serene surroundings, taking in the sights, sounds, and fragrances. I engage all my senses, mindfully observing and appreciating the wonders of the natural world. This practice helps me ground myself and brings a sense of calm and gratitude to my days.
What are its benefits, and what do you love about it?
My ability to think clearly and perform better is greatly enhanced by pausing. As an actor, immersing oneself in the moment and being fully present is crucial. Without breaks and relaxation, tension can build up, hindering the ability to fully connect with a character or scene. By incorporating moments of pause, I can release any accumulated stress and enter a state of heightened focus and authenticity, leading to more compelling performances.
Featured in Pokka Coffee's “Let’s Pause, Let’s Pokka” campaign, she added: “I like to indulge in a cup of coffee as part of my mindful pause and I am thoroughly enjoying Pokka Coffee for its high-quality brew made with real coffee beans and real milk that yields a premium taste and an authentic aroma.”
How often do you indulge in it, and with whom?
I enjoy me-time. So I indulge in it alone most of the time. If not, with friends who appreciate nature as much as I do.
“Be comfortable with yourself as we need not follow others’ footsteps every single time.”Ya Hui on her brave decision to leave a 16-year career.
Was there any low point when you felt like giving up? How did you bounce back?
There were many moments like this. It’s always a struggle between continuing or giving up your dream as an actor. I always bounce back to prove I can do it no matter how tough. And, of course, having supportive friends willing to hear me out at any point in life plays an essential part.
What gear do you need or wear when engaging in the sport or wellness activity?
Water bottle, sports watch, insect repellent, cap, phone, good shoes and trekking pole.
Please share one thing you learnt from this wellness activity or what you wish others to discover.
Slow down, hear your breathing and follow your heartbeat.
As a well-known figure, how do you inject positivity into the public?
Create love and spread a smile.
“Having supportive friends who are willing to hear me out during any point in life plays a very important part.”Ya Hui on overcoming her moments of doubt
Could you share any insights you gained from pausing and indulging in nature?
Take your time to the destination. Immerse yourself in the surroundings: Slow down to watch the squirrels, listen to the birds chirping, or sit on a bench to rest if you're exhausted. Be comfortable with yourself as we need to avoid following in others' footsteps every single time.
What do you love most about yourself?
I don't do things with hidden agendas. I always believe being kind is how to live life, even when I'm on the losing end.
I always believe being kind is how to live life, even when I'm on the losing end.Ya Hui on being true to herself
What does your self-care routine like?
Sleep, watch movies, indulge in excellent food and go for facials.
Is there anything else you would like to share with Yahoo readers?
Life is tough. It’s difficult not to be affected by what others say, but we control our lives, so we must make our limited time on Earth good! Stay grounded and always choose to be kind.
What have you been up to recently, and what are your upcoming plans?
I'm filming a long-form drama which will debut on channel 8 on 27 July, at 7.30 pm, Mondays to Fridays. I plan to be involved in short films, movies, musicals and overseas productions.
It’s difficult not to be affected by what others say, but we control our lives, so we must make our limited time on Earth good!Ya Hui on staying grounded.
Thinking of living more mindfully like Ya Hui? Yahoo Life Singapore recommends some items to help set you on your way.
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Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
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More on Pokka Coffee’s “Let’s Pause, Let’s Pokka” campaign featuring former Mediacorp artiste Ya Hui.
There’s so much noise about pushing oneself, seizing the day and being the best versions of ourselves on social media. And this has led many to experience self-doubt, FOMO (fear of missing out), and mental breakdowns. Celebrities bear the brunt of it. After 16 years with Mediacorp, Ya Hui decided to pause her career to better care of her mental health and reset her career path.
Through Pokka Coffee's “Let’s Pause, Let’s Pokka” campaign, she hopes her personal story will motivate and permit those who wish to take a break when needed to do so. She advocates pausing during the day as something more attainable than quitting a job. Through her life story, she shares the importance of self-care and how it helped her to refresh her mind and stay present.
Mr Rex Macaskill, Group CEO, Pokka Pte Ltd, “The act of drinking coffee by yourself is simple and can be a powerful form of mental recharge if you are doing it right. Against the backdrop of a growing emphasis on mindfulness and wellness, the act of pausing when you need it grants us momentary solitude and privacy with our thoughts to find clarity in the chaos we encounter every day.”
“When we constantly engage in activities without breaks, we subject ourselves to chronic stress, mental fatigue, and decreased cognitive performance. Naturally, our brains and bodies require rest to recharge and maintain optimal functioning. Taking a pause is considered a form of rest. It helps reduce stress hormones, allows our minds to relax, promoting a sense of calm. In this state, our brains can process information, consolidate memories, and enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities,” explained Dr Zhao Yi Jing, Consultant, Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore Health Services.
Find out more at http://www.PokkaCoffeePause.com, where you can learn more about promotions, lucky draws, Pokka Coffee culinary creations, and roadshow details.
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