Families at the Farm in the City petting zoo in Seri Kembangan. While city life comes with its set of challenges, urbanites are also taking conscious efforts to be well, including spending time with their families. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
THAT urban living is demanding is a given. Long work commute, traffic congestion, air pollution and a higher cost of living all contribute to the stress families face as they juggle work and family, and find balance between hustling and relaxing.
Perhaps it is this lack of tranquility that makes urbanites more conscious about living healthier. After all, while we cannot change the environment, we can change how we respond to them.
Online wellness retailer Signature Market chief executive officer and co-founder Edwin Wang says his company's consumer trends show that urban people are particularly conscious when it comes to making healthy choices, be it choosing healthy snacks or buying aromatherapy items for a sense of calm at home.
He says new parents with at least one child are more aware and often pick healthier options.
"For many parents, getting their first kid is usually the turning point for their lifestyle change. They feed their infant with quality food, usually 100% organic, for at least the first 12 months and this choice often continues with the whole family," he says.
Because of this shift, he says, this choice-making trickles down to their kids too.
Wang says many urban parents adopt healthier food habits when they get their first child. — Photos: Signature Market
"Parents are always the main influencers for their children. Urban, modern parents are also more creative in getting healthy food to their kids. A creative mix of vegetables in different formats, like different ways of cooking or placing food in cute bento sets, can increase the kids' vegetable consumption."
Sales figures, he says, point to the collective consciousness to be healthy.
"Malaysian consumers are willing to pay 40% higher prices if something is healthier, and this acceptance of healthier options among Malaysians is higher pre- and post-Covid-19," he says.
"People realise that the ultimate wealth is health," Wang adds.
Small habits
Young, urban families are also very attuned to small, daily habits that will eventually deliver positive results. These include cooking at home and drinking more water.
RPG Commerce chief executive officer Melvin Chee says it is these habits that drive the sales of its cookware and water bottles.
"Cooking at home ensures that families can prepare nutritious meals since they are in charge of the ingredients and water bottles encourage hydration, an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle," he says.
Growing up, he says his family prioritises a holistic approach to well-being.
Chee says despite the challenges urban life poses, maintaining a healthy family life is achievable with the right approach.
"We are encouraged to communicate openly, to actively listen and to value each family member's thoughts and feelings. Physically, we engage in regular physical activities together, whether it's hikes, walks or fun workout sessions," he adds.
For Cuura Group managing director Sarah Shahnoor, spending uninterrupted time with her children, aged 14, seven and four, is extremely important.
"I impose time restriction and always stick to a strict balanced schedule for work and family. In the morning, I get them ready for school and at night, my time is 100% focused on them," she says.
"I take time to make sure they eat my home-cooked food at least once a day and we always pray together when we’re at home.
"I believe when a family is close, family members always strive to do everything together and this will help foster a sense of belonging. As parents, my husband and I also believe in the importance of sports in shaping our children's character. We ask them to take up one sport of their interest to focus on. My eldest son plays football and my seven-year-old daughter is into swimming," she says.
Wang, Chee, Sarah and Christy Ng Shoes founder and chief executive officer Christy Ng were panellists in a forum organised by Signature Market to discuss consumer trends.
For Sarah, segregating work and family time is important to achieve balance.
Finding balance
Chee says while urban living can be demanding, maintaining a healthy family life is achievable with the right approach.
"Create consistent daily routines that include time for work, relaxation, exercise, meals and family interaction. Predictability helps reduce stress," he says.
Family members should also encourage each other to engage in activities such as reading or taking up a hobby.
"Caring for your own individual well-being contributes to better family dynamics. Families can also unplug and designate tech-free times when they can focus on each other without distraction. Meaningful connections build stronger relationships," Chee adds.
Ng says regular exercise, a good diet and a healthy mindset are important for overall well-being.
On top of that, families should also spend time outdoors regularly, engaging in physical activities or simply enjoying nature. "Fresh air and sunlight have positive effects on mood and health. I think it’s important to have regular exercise and eat a well-balanced diet. Having a positive mindset is vital too. Stress will always be there in our day-to-day life, so it’s important to surround yourself with positivity and not let negative energy or thoughts drain you," Ng says.
When it comes to food, the emphasis should be on balanced meals, because a well-nourished body contributes to better mental and emotional well-being.
For Sarah, food is an important factor in healthy living.
"I always try to cut down on processed foods so my family members fuel their bodies right and are healthy," she says.
