A recession is looming; the weather is going crazy; and the milk is not safe to drink anymore. Amid these troubled, uncertain times, sometimes all you can do is look after yourself and stay well. I-S shows you how. By Belinda Wan, Nicholas Chia and Patrick Benjamin

Unless you’ve been hiding under the proverbial rock, it’s plain to see that the economic downturn we’re caught in now is impacting rich and poor, young and old, alike. People are worrying about their savings and livelihoods and wondering when things are going to get better. Add to that a climate that is out of whack, diminishing energy resources, and more tainted food products being discovered on our shelves everyday, and it’s a stressful time for everyone. So how can one cope with the anxiety, unhappiness and insecurity? And the host of physical ailments that come with these negative emotional states? And we mean besides drinking, smoking and partying yourself senseless. Yes there are ways, quite a few in fact, which we list here for you.

So you have no clue how to look after yourself, but you need to find ways to cope now. Here are some no-barrier-to-entry steps to wellness that will help you stay positive and well.

Pop a pill. Not the happy type, but the type that will really make you well. Invest in the diverse range of health supplements and vitamins from reputable health food stores such as GNC (#B1-51 CityLink Mall, 1 Raffles Link, 6238-8041) to beef up your health.

Run like hell. We don’t mean run away (even if you’re tempted to); but go for a run. Jogging is a great stress buster and burns up calories too. Plus, after a run your body also produces endorphins that give a wonderful post-exercise glow. I-Run is a Health Promotion Board (HPB) initiative for working adults that caters to different runners. Participants can choose from distances of three, five or seven kilometers. Log on to www.hpb.gov.sg for dates, timings and locations. Do get a decent pair running shoes so you don’t stress your knees though. The Running Lab (#01-47 Velocity @ Novena Square, 238 Thomson Rd., 6253-1998) stocks an extensive range of running shoes.

Breathe deeply. It’s the one thing you know you can still do. Buteyko Breathing Therapy devised by Russian physician Dr. Konstantin Pavlovich Buteyko uses breathing to overcome bad health. It trains people to consume less air and in so doing combat ailments like asthma, allergies, high blood pressure and stress related problems. Buteyko practitioners like Mr. Melvin Mok (melvin22m@yahoo.com, 9025-3389) can train you in the finer points of breathing smart.

Use herbs. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is great for restoring balance, both in the short and long term (so you can prepare for future crises). Explore the therapeutic effects this ancient therapy at the comprehensive Seven Eden Wellness Centre (2 Bukit Manis Rd., Sentosa, 6371-1483), or Eu Yan Sang Specialist TCM Centre @ Camden (#11-01/02 Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Blvd., 6732-0922), both of which have experienced TCM physicians.

Go Ayurvedic. Called “the science of life and the art of healing,” Ayurveda is more than hot oil dripping on your body; it’s a holistic healing system that, if you’re feeling rough, can set you straight. A good place to go to is MAYOORY Ayurvedic Spa (#05-11-13 Tekka Mall, Little India, 2 Serangoon Rd., 6737-5657), which offers signature treatments like mayoory abhyanga, chandramukhi, sanjeevani, shreeradhara and shirodhara, as well as rejunvenation and body therapies.

Sort out your spine. It is believed by some that the spine is a root to wellness. When your spine is right, the rest of your body falls in place; and if it isn’t, then you get aches, and pains and discomfort. Dr. Djainiaty Ng from Back Care Chiropractic (#07-06 Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Blvd., 6836-9827) works her magic with her ART (active release technique) that focuses on the tissue release of the muscles, tendons and ligaments to relieve your chronic pains.    

Work the rest of your bones. Put your musculoskeletal system in alignment at Singapore’s leading osteopaths at Osteopathic Health Care (#01-01/02 Neuros@ The Biopolis, 8 Biomedical Grove, 6464-2087) for an array of osteopathic solutions for various ailments, as well as therapies that cure allergies.

See a shrink. Get over the stigma that says you’re a loser if you see a counselor or a psychologist. Talking to a professional can help you deal with fear, anger and stress, which even in good times, is not a bad thing. A comprehensive list of professionals can be found online at www.singaporepsychologicalsociety.org/directory.cfm and www.sac-counsel.org.sg. 

Go organic. It’s good for you and you’ll be supporting businesses that don’t contribute to the climate crisis. Four Seasons Market (The Natural and Organic Grocer) (#B2-07 Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, 6836-1855) stocks a comprehensive selection of organic products—from frozen poultry, to ice-cream, canned food, fruits and veg, chocolate, pet food, baby food; and even toiletries and skincare products. At Jones The Grocer (#01-12 Tanglin Village, 9 Dempsey Rd., 6476-1512) you can pick up some funky, healthy juices, like the organic pressed carrot juice, prepared by the guys behind Wild Bunch & Co. Organic Shot Bar (which used to be located at Holland Village). For eating out, check out Ci Yan Organic Vegetarian Health Food (8 Smith St., 6225-9026), which offers delicious organic dishes like brown rice sets, fried vermicelli and organic desserts.

Physical exercise is a great way to deal with stress and anxiety. And we need that now more than ever. These are some fun and interesting ways to work out that will help you stay positive.

Shake your booty. We don’t mean discoing the night away in a club. But signing up at a dance school like Studio Wu (#02-01 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 6223-4722), a premier dance institution that specializes in hip hop, breakdance and jazz, or Bollybeatz (#01-03/04 Claymore Point, 8 Claymore Hill, 8198-8457, www.bollybeatz.com) that teaches Bollywood dancing which, contrary to popular belief, does not involve prancing en mass around flowering trees. Instead, expect highly frenetic and sensuous dance moves that will surely put you in a good mood.     

Do a sun salute. Everybody knows yoga relaxes your body—and your mind and spirit. The low-impact nature of yoga increases flexibility, eases stiff joints, and rejuvenates. Stretch yourself at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape (#06-05 Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd., 6735-2163) that offers hatha and ashtanga yoga.

Hit the water. It’ll feel like you’re taking a break. Wakeboarding is a great option in Singapore, with several water sports places offering it. We recommend the pros at Extreme Sports & Marketing (www.extreme.com.sg, 6344-8813); a day out with them on the water, rushing along at 18-24 miles an hour, and falling in no doubt, will put a large grin on your face.

Go dragonboating. Hugely popular in Singapore right now, this is highly synchronized team sport that will build up your strength, fitness and stamina, and help you meet new buddies. If you want to try this out, contact the People’s Association Water-Venture at Kallang (www.water-venture.org.sg, 6296-6683).

When the going gets tough, the tough get going, right? Tough nuts cope best with uncertainty by setting challenging goals so they stay focused and in control. If you’re one of these, here are some more things you can do to keep yourself going.

Take up hot yoga. This strenuous form of yoga will kick your butt so hard, watching your stocks go down the toilet will seem like a minor irritant. Sweat it out in the heated studios of Bikram Yoga City Hall (#02-14 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6339-6639), the only yoga studio here with the official authorization of Bikram Yoga College of India; or Absolute Yoga Singapore (#02-01 Valley Point Shopping Centre, 491 River Valley Rd., 6732-6007; 2/F, 157A Telok Ayer St., 6223-8254).

Put your fists up. Just got laid off and want to vent? Kickboxing is a healthy outlet for stress and pent-up anger, as well a way to stay fit. Get your high kicks at Ch’i Life Studio (#02-13 Orchard Hotel Shopping Arcade, 442 Orchard Rd., 6735-8812). Not to be confused with kickboxing, Muay Thai or Thai boxing allows kicks below the belt (literally) which you might find extremely satisfying. Learn how to do this at Fight G (41C North Canal Rd., 6438-5788), where you will be well padded so you can kick and punch to your heart’s content. Another form of martial arts to try is Kali Majapahit (Filipino martial arts) at Ni Tien Martial Arts School (14 Yan Kit Rd., 9118-2032). The Kali system taught by the school is a fusion of several Filipino martial arts that will help boost your energy levels, focus, and mental and physical strength.

Climb a rock. You’ll get a different perspective on things. Physically and mentally demanding, rock climbing builds strength, endurance, agility and inner equilibrium. Scale rock walls at the National Rock Climbing Center at SAFRA Yishun Country Club (60 Yishun Ave 4., 6377-9889).

Become vegetarian. We mean it. Give up steaks, burgers and fried bacon. You’ll feel better, and so will our poor planet. But it is a big decision, so take your time. To help you see what you’re getting into, try The Whole Earth Vegetarian Restaurant (593 Geylang Rd., 6841-3319) that serves Thai and Peranakan vegetarian food. At Genesis Vegetarian Health Food Restaurant (1 Lorong Telok, 6438-7118), you can try tasty vegetarian (and organic) dishes like steamed wonton, bak kut teh and chicken rice. You can also purchase organic fruit juice, tidbits, cookies and toothpaste here.

“I don’t exercise at all—period. The only exercise I do is counting numbers and jumping to conclusions, which I think is probably unhealthy. But I do try to keep calm at work no matter how insane it gets. And I try to remember to drink more water, and stick some fruits and veggies in my diet. Does that count?”—Chris Lee, financial analyst

“Weekends are spent on ‘retail therapy’ (read: Shopping)—we have to do our best for the weak economy. If by ‘healthy activities’ you mean exercising, this word is taboo to me, so I guess only other engaging thing I do is to hit the snooze button.”—Yolanda Wong, counseller

“My husband and I try to maintain an active lifestyle whenever we can, with no fixed timing or dates. We go cycling, jog around the neighborhood, take walks with the dog, swim, go hiking at Bukit Timah Hill and take walks around reservoirs.”—Jolin Ho, recruiter

“I like doing some skipping or hip hop just to work up a sweat and top it off with a yogurt fruit mix. That’s how I maintain my healthy lifestyle.”—Erwayne Jang, student

Floss your teeth—This might sound bizarre, but recent studies have shown that there is an obvious correlation between a longer life expectancy and teeth flossing. Beats us—but a strong possibility could be that people who floss tend to be more health-conscious than their counterparts who don’t.

Quit smoking—As all smokers (and non-smokers) know, smoking is detrimental to your health and the environment—and also sets you back a fair bit financially. Stub it out for good, become a beacon of health, and save enough money to tide you over the recession too.

Hit the pitch—Many Singapore schools let the public use their fields for free on the weekend. So get a team together, bring a ball and have a good time. For more information on your nearest pitch, log on to www.ssc.gov.sg.   

Try out tai chi and qi gong—Hordes of people (not just the elderly) have subscribed to the repertoire of exercises derived from tai chi and qi gong. Rise early and join the free sessions to experience the benefits of these ancient traditions. Check out your nearest neighborhood community centers for the latest schedules. 

Bike it—With park connectors sprouting all over the island, it won’t be long before you can explore the entire island by bicycle. This mode of transport is not only environmentally friendly but also gives your body a good cardio-vascular workout. Log on to www.nparks.gov.sg for park connector locations.

Join a mass workout—Hour-long workout sessions are held at various locations weekly, much like the Great Singapore Work Out. Watching large groups of Singaporeans work out might depress rather than cheer you up, but, hey, it’s free. Fitness@Work events are at public venues like the National Library, and anyone can join. Led by fitness instructors, they comprise body combat, cardio kick, body balance, and aerobic exercises. Log on to www.hpb.gov.sg for more information.

Laugh out loud—Laugh the blues away in Laughter Exercise. This is laughter as yoga, where people gather in a park every weekly for a laughing session, led by a trainer. Besides being a natural anti-depressant, laughing releases endorphins that make you feel good and tingly all over. Log onto www.nparks.gov.sg for more information.