Shan
In this YY Women Series Shan gives us a glimpse as a busy cellist who also takes time for herself.
The YY Women Series focus on individual woman sharing their stories and the results of using our YY products.
5 mins read
Q: What do you do for your career? How did you get to where you are today?
Shan: I’m a multi-genre cellist and music educator. From concert halls to lawns, everywhere’s a stage as long as there is an audience! I also teach the cello full-time. It’s a long journey but I think it has been mapped out for me since young because my mother was a piano teacher. Naturally, I’ve been exposed to classical music since I was little!
What is your daily lifestyle like?
S: My day starts with a hearty breakfast (usually a yoghurt bowl, a slice of sourdough and definitely, coffee!) unless I have to teach at 8 am. Most of my days start at noon. As such, I tend to skip my other meals or have them really late as I have to teach about 4 to 5 students a day and also, there isn’t much I can eat while driving from place to place. My day ends at around 8 or 9pm each day. So this is my every day on repeat: Wake up- eat- drive- teach- home - unwind and sleep.
How do you spend your free time?
S: Cuddles with my cat, tend to my little urban garden and basically just slow down and take time for myself.O: Yoga has always been a big thing for me when it comes to de-stressing - I’ve been practising for almost 15 years. So it’s really nice to share that with a friend, running into Karmen in a locker room and seeing a friendly face –– that’s a great thing about Singapore.
What are your hobbies and how did you get into them? How do they help you destress?
S: I don’t think I’ve ever had the time to find out and pursue any hobbies, but I do find myself attracted to crafting! Like embroidery, painting and or just getting creative (with things not music-related!). I think they allow me to be in a headspace where I can focus on creating without having to think about work!
What is your menstruation like and how has it affected your life, physically and/or mentally?
S: I used to have hyperthyroidism in my university days, hence my menstrual flow was really light and it never really affected me much. However, upon recovery, I started experiencing very terrible cramps and irregular flows. I also get very bad mood swings and headaches. Usually, I would like to rest but since I’m self-employed, I can’t justify an income loss for the day just to lie in bed and feel sorry for myself. :( This definitely has a mental toll on me.
What remedies did you use to solve these problems before trying YY Period Care Routine?
S: My mother’s Taiwanese so she is a firm believer in the brown sugar ginger tea that’s usually available in cubes. It’s really nice but the effects are temporary. Likewise for the hot chocolate that I ALWAYS crave for. Especially the thick and rich kind! It’s basically just a warm cup of something in my tummy.
Shan with her mom and cat
How did you find out about our product? Does it help with the problems you have?
S: I saw it on Instagram and decided to give it a shot! No second thoughts - local homegrown brand, female branding and a chance to help with my period? Sign me up, please! I was intrigued by the heat pack at first, then I saw the tea! I have been looking for a heat pack for a while now. A lot of them require a microwave, but I don’t own one (I think it’s unhealthy although the most convenient thing ever). I could just steam this and It’ll work! The tea helps to regulate and prepare the body for the next cycle and I feel like it does help with regulating my flow and stabilising my emotions.
Share with us what you like most about YY Period Care Routine.
S: Well, for one it’s definitely much better since it has no sugar in it haha! I love the taste of the tea! It’s a nice kind of herbal. Perhaps it might be something that puts some people off but I LOVE it! It’s also packed in such pretty and convenient teabags. It’s really so easy and handy because all I need is hot water. Totally suited to my busy, on-the-go lifestyle.
