Cover Through her work, Rany Moran aims to help individuals navigate life's challenges and inspire positive transformations in their lives
Through her work, Rany Moran aims to help individuals navigate life's challenges and inspire positive transformations in their lives
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The life coach shares her stress-busting tips: from cognitive reframing to meditative breathing and a new, pocket-sized device designed to elevate moods holistically
In a world that never seems to slow down, a sense of calm can be difficult to come by. Through all of life’s ups and downs, we are all bound to feel overwhelmed at some point–whether it’s day-to-day stresses or a big life change.
But here's the paradox: stress doesn't always emerge from chaos or calamity.
“Sources of stress are infinite,” notes Rany Moran. “But the grand misconception about stress is that it is always the result of something negative. However, positive occurrences like giving birth or a new job can cause immense psychological pressure.”
Moran certainly knows a thing or two about dealing with stress. The life coach and psychological counsellor is a sought-after figure in the field of personal development, having tackled a wide variety of issues—including pandemic resilience, relationships, mental health and self-care—in coaching seminars, talks and industry events around the globe. Her goal? To help individuals navigate life's challenges and inspire positive transformations in their lives.
As a teenager, Moran was diagnosed with serotonin deficiency, which caused mood swings, depression and sleeplessness. Having dealt with it firsthand from such a young age, she certainly knows the importance of nurturing one’s mental health and coping with conditions such as anxiety and stress.
“When it comes to self-care, I’m not just talking about a day at the spa. There are simple, actionable measures that one can do daily to manage it all.” Below, Moran shares her expert tips on how to navigate stress like a pro.
1. Reframe your cognitive thinking
Though many don’t realise it, our thoughts often follow certain patterns that interpret the world around us. These mental frameworks are sometimes warped or based on false beliefs–which can lead to negative feelings and behaviours such as increased stress, nervousness or anger.
That’s where cognitive reframing or restructuring comes in. It is the process of shifting one’s mindset and replacing negative or flawed thought patterns in order to view a situation from a different perspective. One such technique to do so is by journaling or writing down negative thoughts as a healthy way to express your feelings and gain a new perspective. Moran also suggests others techniques such as practising gratitude, positive rationalisations and setting realistic expectations. She notes: “A simple shift in perspective can relieve one’s self-imposed stress or turn on problem-solving mode instead.”
2. Prioritise rest
Do not underestimate the power of sleep. Lack of sleep can serve as a catalyst for stress, triggering the body’s stress response system and causing cortisol levels—the main stress hormone—to rise. Sleep deprivation also impairs the cognitive functions, which can make one more irritable and less equipped to cope with life's challenges.
Besides establishing a healthy sleep routine every night, Moran also recommends the Pomodoro Technique. “Take a short five-minute break for every 25 minutes of high focus work, and longer breaks, typically 15 to 30 minutes, after four consecutive work intervals,” she explains. “This is an effective way to cope with anxiety and optimise productivity in any high-stress situations you may face.”
Above The Beem by Mudo Labs harnesses the powers of aromachology and acupressure to allow users to elevate their moods holistically
The Beem by Mudo Labs harnesses the powers of aromachology and acupressure to allow users to elevate their moods holistically
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3. Take a deep breath
Meditative breathing can do wonders to manage stress as it can calm the nervous system, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and reduce stress hormone levels in the blood. To take it one step further, Moran suggests incorporating scents through aromatherapy. “Your sense of smell is directly linked to the brain’s limbic system, which controls your emotions, memory and learning capabilities,” says Moran. “This is why inhaling essential oils extracted from natural botanicals with natural mood-boosting properties can help relieve stress and anxiety almost instantly.”
Above The key to The Beem's efficacy lies in its interchangeable cartridges–each containing a blend of natural Asian ingredients such as ginseng, moringa and rose to evoke a particular mood
The key to The Beem's efficacy lies in its interchangeable cartridges–each containing a blend of natural Asian ingredients such as ginseng, moringa and rose to evoke a particular mood
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Singapore-based wellness company Mudo Labs has harnessed the powers of aromachology–the science of scents–and acupressure to launch a revolutionary new product, The Beem. This pocket-sized device offers a users a simple and discreet way to elevate their moods holistically, thanks to its sleek, pen-shaped design with six interchangeable scent cartridges.
Developed by renowned scientists, psychologists, research institutes and an in-house R&D team, the cartridges contain a blend of natural Asian ingredients such as ginseng, moringa and rose—each one designed to evoke a mood. For instance, ‘Experience Rest’ contains tongkat ali known for its calming effects, while ‘Experience Confidence’ is said to offer “liquid courage without the booze”, thanks to the mood-enhancing properties of damiana. For those seeking a little TLC, there is 'Experience The Bond', which contains rose to elicit feelings of love and tenderness.
One uses The Beem by applying acupressure to the point above the cupid’s bow—which is said to restore focus and calm your mind—and inhaling the chosen essential oil blend deeply.
Above Rany Moran (left) with Mudo Labs CEO, Sophian Abdul Rahman (right)
Rany Moran (left) with Mudo Labs CEO, Sophian Abdul Rahman (right)
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The Beem comes at a time where workplace stress has reached an all-time high globally. According to the State of the Global Workplace 2023 Report, 44 percent of respondents in over 160 countries reported to have experienced stress–making it the second year in a row worker stress reached record levels. Young and remote workers in East Asia, in particular, saw extremely high levels of daily stress—approximately 60 percent—making them the most stressed-out workers in the world.
“We are constantly tired, stressed and overwhelmed by society’s ever increasing demands,” says Sophian Abdul Rahman, CEO of Mudo Labs.“By creating a device that is both functionally and emotionally-meaningful, Mudo Labs intends to create a safe space where our users can speak freely and manage their moods without feeling pressured or judged.”
Moran emphasises the importance of recognising that stress management is an ongoing challenge that requires time and effort. It's not about eliminating stress entirely, but learning how to navigate it with resilience and grace. “With conscious rest, detachment and mindfulness, it is possible to lead a mentally, physically and emotionally balanced life.”
The Beem by Mudo Labs is available online at www.mudolabs.com and at the brand’s pop-up store at Great World, #01-K108/K109. Prices start from $78 for The Beem and $15 for each cartridge.
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