January So offers an introspective look at the last year and shares her excitement on pending motherhood in 2024
It has been a year since Tatler cover stars January So and Aaron Chin articulated the significant changes they undertook on their journey to wellness. Following a holistic health retreat to Koh Samui to cleanse the body and mind, the dedicated vegans continue to walk the talk, focusing on achieving good health, particularly on the cusp of becoming parents for the first time.
We speak to So about their journey, thoughts reflections of the past year and their New Year’s resolutions.
Read more: Tatler’s guide to staying on track with your New Year’s resolutions
Have you been on any more health retreats in 2023—if yes, where to and what did you enjoy about it. If not, do you have wellness travel plans for 2024?
Since our transformative experience in Koh Samui, we haven’t embarked on a health retreat of that nature again. However, we’ve incorporated the essence of that retreat into our daily lives, emphasising balance, mindfulness and listening to what our bodies are constantly signalling to us. For 2024, we’re eyeing a wellness trip back to Japan. The blend of traditional onsen baths, zen meditation sessions, and the Japanese art of forest bathing is something we’re dying to go back to. We believe wellness isn’t just a momentary escape but a consistent practice, and that’s what we have embraced in our daily lives.

Above So and Chin make the most of enjoying periods of calm ahead of parenthood
Have you both successfully maintained intermittent fasting throughout the year, and is it still the 20:4 method, or have you discovered a different and more effective rhythm for yourselves?
Intermittent fasting has become less of a routine and more of a lifestyle for us. Yes, we’ve maintained it throughout the year, but we’ve also listened to our bodies and adjusted the 20:4 method as needed. There are days when a 16:8 rhythm suits our schedule and energy levels better. It’s about flexibility and finding what feels right for our bodies on any given day.
See also: 5 quotes on self-worth, mental health and manifesting confidence

Above Aaron Chin and January So at the Tatler GMT launch party
What were the noticeable benefits of changing your relationship with food in enhancing your daily health?
The most noticeable benefits have been in increased energy and mental clarity. There’s also a newfound appreciation for food as nourishment rather than just a source of pleasure. Aaron has started a new vegan food brand called Rasaya Wellness, working with his partners, certified medical doctors and licensed nutritionists to focus on crafting whole-foods plant-based meals that trace back to the ancient philosophy of “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. This simple shift in perspective has made our meals more intentional, which in turn has enhanced our overall daily health and wellbeing.

Above The couple enjoy reading in each other's company
Beyond food, what were some of the best habits you nurtured over the last year?
We’ve continued the habit of daily meditation and the occasional gratitude journaling. These practices ground us and provide a sense of calm amidst our busy lives. We’ve also avoided over-exercising and instead emphasised more on our sleep quality and routinely getting proper amounts of rest.
What advice would you impart to readers looking to get on the right track of wellness who are unsure where to start?
Start with small, attainable goals. Wellness isn’t an all-or-nothing game. Begin with simple changes like drinking more water, taking short walks, or even just prioritising sleep. Learn to meditate regularly if you could and find what brings you joy and incorporate that into your wellness journey. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.

Above So believes in practicing mindfulness and listening to what our bodies are constantly signalling to us
What are your resolutions for 2024?
Our most heartfelt resolution for 2024 is embarking on the incredible journey of parenthood. We’re focusing on becoming conscious, present parents who can instil the values of wellness and balance in our children from the earliest age. We believe that the best gift we can give our child is a foundation of love and health, and our resolution is to weave these principles into the fabric of our growing family.
As we prepare for this new chapter, we’re embracing the learning curve and the joyous challenges that come with it. It’s not just about being great parents, but also about growing alongside our child and continuing to nurture our own wellbeing so we can be the best versions of ourselves for them.
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Images: Courtesy of January So
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