How do the hip and happening faces of tomorrow de-stress?
Young, up-and-coming celebrities can get just as stressed as established stars.
While the former work themselves into a tizzy wondering when they will hit the big time, the latter worry sick about being dethroned by the young turks . . .
Whatever the age or reason, celebrities, like everyone else, are prone to tension and frazzled nerves. There is also no such thing as an age group when life becomes easier!
Curious, I decided to find out how beauty queens and models handle the pressure and what they do to chill out.
Levy Li Su Lin, 21
Miss Malaysia/Universe 2008/9
Levy Li, who took part in the Miss World finals in Vietnam in June, looks to the blue yonder whenever she feels stressed.
“I go to Pulau Redang, Pulau Kapas or Pulau Perhentian to scuba dive. I love swimming, snorkelling and frolicking in the sea so much that I must have been a mermaid in my past life.
“I love the sensation of descending 5m-20m to admire our beautiful coral gardens and view the fishes, turtles, rays and occasional sharks in their natural habitat.
“Malaysia has some of the world’s best dive sites but sadly few of us know of or appreciate the bounty at our doorsteps.
“Swimming is one of my beauty regimes. All my worries get washed away and I feel part of nature. However bad my mood, I always return from Terengganu feeling revived and alive and very much happier.
“By chance, during the Miss Malaysia/Universe finals, I was Miss Terengganu, which was perfect as I go there (to the Terengganu beaches) so often.
“Another way for me to relax is to sit under a shady coconut tree and read a book. Or I just look at the sea and horizon. Instantly I feel whole and renewed. You seldom see me frown, and I am usually hyperactive, bubbly and cheerful.”
Eloise Law, 24
Winner
I Want to be a Model (Season 1)
Eloise Law (above) has fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a model, so she relishes every moment of her career.
“I have been modeling for six years now. Due to the hectic schedule, I am prone to anxiety. I get pressured if I am running late for fitting, auditioning or can’t remember complicated moves. What’s worse is that I must always appear cool and relaxed when I am all knotted up inside!
“I stay home, practise yoga and listen to my favourite music. Once I am feeling at ease, I do my beauty rituals like applying mask, then relaxing for 20 minutes with mask on while listening to music.
“Then I will prepare some tasty desserts to share with my family. Or I catch up with old school friends for the latest news or gossip. If I have money, I go for retail therapy at the malls. It doesn’t matter if I end up not buying anything. If I see something I like, fine. If not, fine too!”
Finally, Law releases tension by singing out loud, usually within the safe confines of her bedroom!
Angie Seow Pei Ying, 18
Winner
I Want to be a Model (Season 2)
Angie Seow (below) is not the active sort and seldom sweats till she drops, preferring a more gentle approach when dealing with stress.
“My method of releasing tension is to do activities which are easy and comfortable.
“Not for me such sweaty or hectic activities as tennis. Yoga works for me, as I calm down when I meditate and concentrate on a mantra.
“If I do sports when I am stressed, I am bound to play badly. Then I just end up feeling more irritated or worse, so I don’t bother. The most I will do is jog, and even then, at a slow, steady pace.
“I like to take things easy as I feel more in control. When I am stressed, I like to surf the Net, check out interesting websites and learn something new.
“I also love movies and hanging out with friends! When surrounded by good pals, I feel good!
“Going to the mall with my gang always puts me in good spirits and makes me relaxed as we just wander around aimlessly.”
Justin Koh, 23
Model (right)
This strapping six-footer only built up his body in the last six months.
“When I am stressed, I work out strenuously in the gym! I am the sort who believes in a serious work-out. I lift as many weights and dumb bells as I can. I use all the machines available.
“As model I want to look my best because having a nice body is something I can achieve; not like being taller or fairer or having a sharper nose!
“I sweat as much as possible as I believe sweat cleans my pores and makes my skin glow and become smoother.
“Then I treat myself to a steam bath as a reward for my aching muscles! This relaxes my body and mind as I like the feeling of my skin perspiring, and I come out feeling slimmer too!”
Lim Yeow Chet, 23
Fighter/model
Popularly known as Chet, this 23-year-old (left) is a rare species as he is possibly the only model to fight professionally in the brutal muay thai boxing ring in Bangkok and Chiangmai!
“People always say I don’t look like a kickboxer but how does a kickboxer look like anyway?” grins Chet.
“Most think a model should not take up dangerous sports because the bruises and cuts may mar one’s face, but on the contrary, once you have reached a certain level, your immune system becomes better and your skin conditions itself and heals quickly.
“All the sweat makes the skin glow and, anyway, modern science can repair any damage these days.
“However, I must admit, I almost died twice!
“My heart stopped beating from over-training once, and, another time, an opponent punched my rib cage, which pressed against my lung.
“I still go to Bangkok to train once or twice a year. I almost took part in The Contender Asia but didn’t have time to train full-time.
“I eliminate tension by devoting half or an entire day to a training regimen. I know seven forms of martial arts, from taekwondo to to capioera. Hitting the sandbags, dummies and focus pads is a very effective way (to de-stress) for me.
“I have been fighting since a kid. Practising various forms of martial arts makes me a better person as I have become more disciplined and patient.
“It adds value to my personality, or at least I hope so! The grand finale would be a nice dinner, followed by karaoke!”
Daphne Iking, 29
MC/TV personality/actress
This glamorous mother always looks sleek and polished but juggling motherhood with a full-time job can take its toll. And when it all gets too much, Iking hits the road.
“I run! Not just jog, but serious running. I run 3km-5km several times a week. I am making a big effort as I am planning to take part in a marathon at the end of the year. I have always been a good runner so I think I will test my limits with the marathon and see if I can make it.”
If she does, Daphne will be the first female celebrity to succeed in this gruelling sport.
“I run near my house or the Botanic Gardens near Muzium Negara. I love the Botanic Gardens as the tracks are ideal and the environment is incredible, so serene and beautiful. All the fresh air and greenery work wonders for me and I feel rejuvenated after my run.
“I outrun and dump all my tensions there! I look back and see all my tensions and stresses lying on the ground behind me, ha-ha!”
Louisa Chong, 53
Actress
Louisa Chong is all of 53 but looks at least a decade younger. This mother of a 15-year-old boy is a couch potato, and proud of it!
“I deal with stress by resting and lying low at home. I enjoy cocooning in my house. Every actress I know suffers from this malady but we don’t need to advertise it. So we look great at functions, but you never know how we feel inside!
“I just take things easy by doing next to nothing! Sure this is an easy route and I don’t apologise for it. I listen to music and recover!
“It doesn’t even have to be soft or classical music! I don’t know why people assume it has to be operas or slow-moving tunes.
“I prefer happy, boppy songs that lift my spirits since slow, sentimental stuff can depress me! Fast-paced songs are better when I am feeling down. Soon I perk up and feel re-energised!
“Some think the spa is the answer. I like spa treatments and facials but staying put in the comfort of home is more effective.
“I don’t restrict myself to any remedy. I just do what I think is good for me at the moment. I recover fast, so that’s a blessing as it doesn’t give me time to wallow and moan!”
