Calming DOWN

Some of us go through life like ducks—unruffled on the surface yet paddling furiously underneath. Others are easily triggered at seemingly inane things: slow walkers, loud chewers, people who call instead of text. The definition of calm, being tranquil or at peace, can be an elusive concept for those who are anything but. If you’re naturally high-strung or operate in a demanding or performance-driven environment, the very idea of finding and being calm can be agitating.
Cortisol, one of the body’s most important steroid hormones, is our in-built alarm system that’s triggered by stress. It helps to activate a flight or fight response, which sends a cascade of reactions through our bodies to protect us. However, prolonged exposure to stress and threats to our safety, both real or perceived, can wreak havoc on our bodies. According to Dr Robin Berzin, founder and CEO of Parsley Health in New York, it can seem like your nervous system doesn’t know the difference between a work deadline and a deadly predator. “You’re not running from a lion, you’re running from your inbox,” she says.
Failing to use our stress hormones constructively means this automatic influx of cortisol, adrenaline and all things anticalm work against us, explains Stephanie Leong, somatic depth therapist and founder of Soma Psyche Alchemy. Habitually stressing about career and relationships “without sufficient resources such as time, finances or support” mean that we often wind up “suppressing feelings from these stress hormones and as a result, this state of hyperarousal remains inside us”.
If your cortisol response is hyper-activated, resulting in feeling constantly ‘wired and tired’, it’s time to find a new baseline.
Denne historien er fra January/February 2023-utgaven av Vogue Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9500+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January/February 2023-utgaven av Vogue Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9500+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på

SOFT POWER
Marking 110 years of haute couture, Chanel's spring/summer 2025 collection strikes a delicate balance between Parisian heritage and soft allure.

The STORYTELLER
A decade in the making, Jemimah Wei's debut novel is a breathtaking triumph and a complicated ode to working-class Singapore.

Gleaming VEIN
Fashion’s failures’ often spark its greatest rebirths—from Marc Jacobs's early provocations to Alexander McQueenr’s setback and reinvention. In a culture obsessed with an elusive gold standard’, such moments can unexpectedly forge a path to a groundbreaking vision. This story unpacks how fashion doesn’t just survive failure—it often thrives on it, using disruption as a catalyst.

Golden Threads
Following the release of her single 'Medieval', a visual ode to traditional attire, Shazza discusses the power of dressing on her own terms, navigating expectations of perfection and the importance of cultural influence in her creative journey.

VENETIAN DREAM
Loro Piana's Resort 2025 collection captures the dreamy spirit of the Venetian lagoon through luxurious linens, silks and breezy silhouettes.

Woven CODES
Bottega Veneta's pre-autumn 2025 collection continues to define modern style, gracefully melding tactile artistry with thoughtful design.

A LEGEND, REBORN
At Charlotte Tilbury, pink is not just a colour, it's an institution. The woman of the hour and founder of her eponymous label speaks up on the ineffable, inimitable quality of her products in celebration of the new Pillow Talk Beauty Soulmates Collection.

Gemma
Four years on from her first Vogue Singapore cover, the newly minted Cartier ambassador delves into her role as Edna in Duke Johnson's romantic noir, the beauty of changing identities and going for gold in her latest creative ventures.

Star RHYTHM
Lensed here in Dior’s haute couture designs, Jisoo—global music phenomenon, captivating actress and the founder of her new label, Blissoo—discusses her career evolution with Amortage, the courage of fresh beginnings and her profound philosophy of cherishing happiness in the present moment.

PAT KRAAL
The former supermodel speaks to Vogue Singapore about her illustrative journey through fashion, redefining ageing with unapologetic radiance and empowering others to embrace their golden chapter.