A CUP OF TEA WITH THE EMPRESS – MICHELLE YIM
1. Many of us have grown up watching you in glamorous Chinese dramas, operas and series. You’re a busy woman! How do you manage such a crazy and stressful schedule?
I have been an actress for many years. Over time, I’ve learned how to thrive under pressure – stress management is no issue for me.
Perhaps this is a survival instinct honed over time, but I must say that my life now is nothing as stressful as it used to be when I first joined the industry. I was young, ambitious and dreamy –it was tough trying to get roles, trying to build up everything I have today.
Hong Kong is such a beautiful place; for a girl like me back then, it was my dream city. I came here, like many other aspiring young actors, seeking to become something. Like all long journeys, it was not an easy one – we actors/actresses often stay up late, filming until 3-4am and then resuming at 7am. It is expected that you must look fresh for the camera, stay healthy for the physically demanding roles and remember your script at the same time.
When I was filming The Legend of the Condor Heroes, one of my very first TV series, I read the whole set of the novel in one sitting. I spent as much time and effort as I could studying Huang Rong, my character – her thoughts, personality, emotions, allowing me to become her as best as I could. I believe that was my first “break-out” role, as some fans still remember her when they think of me.
My mantra for stress management is simple: Preparation. You prep and prep until there’s nothing to worry about – you’re then ready to face the spotlight, the cameras and the studio.
2. Talking about stress – Hong Kong is arguably one of the most stressful cities in the world. As you know we’ve had a spate of student suicides, not to mention the ones we have every year due to the high pressure, competitive society we live in. Do you have any thoughts on this?
In my opinion, family education is very important.
I feel that the responsibility to “succeed” should not be placed entirely on our youths. Children are like blank paper; their behavior is very much influenced by their family. They do what their parents, grandparents, siblings do. In our society, many adults prioritize their careers – leaving little time to spend with their children. While I understand that it is hard to survive in Hong Kong and earning money to live is important – we should not underestimate the importance of spending time with our children. There’s an assumption that our children will “naturally” pick up how things work around us, but this isn’t true. It may be difficult, but when there’s a will, there’s a way – we must organize time to spend with our youths, teaching them the ways of life. How to manage stress, how to socialize and how to live.
We all have tough times – adult and children. This is where our core family network steps in as support. As Asians, we are fortunate to have a very family oriented culture. We should remember that and appreciate the advantages of this tradition.
I was saddened to hear about all these student suicides on the news; such young lives – misunderstood and ending in tragedy. Life is so much more than the stress of being able to produce achievements. Trust me – I come from an industry where competition is rife. Many young men and women dream of becoming famous; but the path to fame is one that requires dedication, unrelenting drive and ambition.
Personally, one of my favorite things to do when I’m stressed – I would go and drive around the city. I love driving. Sometimes a drive lets me soak in all of the beautiful surroundings of Hong Kong – and I remember all the good things in life.
We need to appreciate the good things; especially with our children. The best family activity I love is to relax altogether – enjoying a family gathering or hobby. Family should provide you solace, love and support, no matter your difficulties.
Ageless beauty - this was just a few months ago.
3. So with a schedule that gives you only a few hour’s sleep per night, packs on tons of professional make up and irregular meals - how could you maintain your skin in such perfect condition? You’ve been doing this for years!
(Smiles) Ah, you youngsters normally have good looking, healthy bodies, even if you smoke, party all night and eat junk food. That’s the blessing of youth – I miss it!
Then you turn 30 and you start to feel different. Those long nights are harder on you; bad habits begin to wear you down.
I’m a long time believer of Chinese traditional medicine and its philosophies. I began drinking herbal teas when I reached 30, watching my sleep patterns and ensuring I balanced the “Ying Yang” in my body.
However, the most important element of a healthy body is a mental one: optimism. You will never be truly healthy if you constantly get dragged down by a sadness or darkness within you. Especially in this day and age, where depression is a major social issue, I really want to reiterate this – try your best to appreciate the beauty of life. Try to maintain a positive outlook always, don’t let the darkness get you, no matter what.
Believe me, there were times in my life where I was confronted with hardship and confusion… but I soldiered through it by focusing on the light; the happy things in life. It’s the strength of soul.
My close friends will tell you this; I am naturally always very happy and full of positive energy.
Truthfully, there are times that I struggle with insomnia, but I am at least happy. I try my best to ensure a restful sleep and find solutions for my insomnia, but more than anything – I focus on maintaining happiness and peace.
4. You’re most famous for being cast in the role of Empress, Empress Mother, Princess or ancient nobility of some kind. Directors often say that you have a distinct aura of grace, elegance and wisdom needed to bring these powerful female characters to life and to captivate the hearts of audiences. How do you do this?
Well, it all boils down to your attitude as a person. When you’re in your twenties – you don’t need to do much to be pretty. A pair of jeans, a nice T shirt and you’re naturally stunning. But grace is something else.
You can tell a lot about a woman; regardless of age, by their attitude and mannerisms. Some people are “old souls” – they may be young, but their life experiences may be rich and their attitudes will reflect that. Age isn’t that big of an influence – it is your attitude, your experiences and the way you carry yourself. Of course, it’d be a little strange if at my age, I’m talking like an eighteen year old – or vice versa, but basically when you are truly yourself, your genuine self, it will shine through your smile.
That’s what grace is; your confidence and natural comfort in being who you really are. When a girl grows up and is secure with her own mind and body, people will be attracted to her by her charm and grace.
Well, who doesn’t like a good-looking man? (chuckles)
It’s the same for men. You don’t need to be a male model to be considered graceful, charming or handsome – just like it is for girls, it is important to be yourself. Whether it reflects in your style, your smile or your attitude, a genuinely secure person is an attractive one.
5. You must have heard this often: “Oh my God! You have an amazing figure. Seriously.” The magazines don’t stop reporting about it. Any secrets?
First thing’s first: Health.
As I mentioned earlier, I’m an avid follow of traditional Chinese medicine and its philosophy. I eat as healthy as I can, avoid bad habits and seek the best “Ying Yang” harmony within mind and body.
Regardless of gender, everyone ought to maintain good health and body condition.
Prevention and maintenance is better than treatment: I believe this is the core difference in Eastern and Western health systems.
If you always pay attention to your body and start correcting unhealthy habits when you are still well, you would never have to face critical problems.
Your body deserves your attention and priority: especially your internal organs.
As you age, it is inevitable your body gets weaker. So respect it – if you’re spending your younger years drinking, staying out late, eating unhealthy foods, you will pay for it when you turn 50.
You’ve got to stop when you know you have had enough.
I will however, reveal a little beauty secret of mine.
It’s to listen to your mother, drink whatever Chinese soup or herbal tea that she makes! I know many youngsters nowadays often refuse to drink these concoctions because they don’t taste very good. You are missing out! These soups are not only made with great effort and care, the recipes are often thousands of years old, with ancient Asian methodology behind it. All these years of research and knowledge doesn’t account for nothing – drink your soups!
I really love soup, if I were to pick my favourite, it would be green radish and carrot soup. It’s a light, healthy and nutritious soup – perfect for cold nights. So many young people these days neglect their vegetables; greens are important.
On top of all this, I practice chi-gong, yoga and stretching. I do this every day. Even if I’m feeling exhausted or lazy, stretching only takes a few minutes and is vital for maintaining your posture. Chi Gong helps me harmonize the flow of energy in my body. It keeps me youthful and at peace.
Oh and did I mention tea? I love tea! I’ve been drinking tea everyday since I was a girl. I love Chinese tea, flower tea, Pu-er tea, Tie-guan-yin, etc. I usually go to a Chinese tea house in the morning and if I have time – I try to enjoy a Western style afternoon tea. Drinking tea in the morning helps remove toxins in your body and after exercising, a cup of tea sooths your aches.
The only other beauty routine I have would be face masks. They are a life saver after a long day of being caked in TV studio make up.
You probably didn’t know this, but in Chinese operas, they actually tape your eye lids upwards for the famous “Chinese doll” appearance. At the end of the day, many of us get blinding headaches from having our skin tightened around the forehead for hours of filming!
So you can image, face masks are one of my important beauty routines to keep my skin from drying out. Do it as often as you can – whether you’re reading in bed, relaxing on the sofa or watching TV. It only takes ten to fifteen minutes a day but it’s worth it for your skin.
5. Any advice and tips for aspiring young actors and actresses out there?
If you aren’t well prepared, that one opportunity – that one big break, could just slip away.
It is crucial that you are willing to put in the effort to make it. This means being better than ordinary – especially in this industry, you need to be outstanding.
To become outstanding, you need to have the humility to be able to work extra hard – take extra work when others are lazy, always go the extra mile. Never stop improving, never stop learning. Even at my age now, I am still learning a lot every day and I love it. When you fall down, get up and try again. Do it until you’re an expert at the craft.
Keep your head grounded – don’t let ego get to you. So many have fallen to ego, the moment you think you’re everything, you’re going to stop learning. Listen and respect others – it is for your own sake and can help you on the way of self-improvement.
The media industry is one of the most competitive and demanding ones worldwide. If you want to make it big, you’re going to need to be prepared.
Michelle Yim's favorite: (Thank us for this when you're all ageless).
RECIPE FOR GREEN RADISH AND CARROTS WITH PORK BONE SOUP (青紅蘿蔔豬骨湯)
Ingredients (for 8 servings)
2 lb Green radishes, cut into chunks
1 lb Carrots, cut into chunks
1 tbsp Chinese north and south almond
1 tbsp Chinese south and south almond
Peel and cut the radish and carrots into chunks.
Clean the pork bones and blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water.
Add blanched bones, ginger, almond, and dried date to the boiling soup pot. Cook for 1/2 hour.
Add the carrots to the soup and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 hours. Season with salt to taste. Skim off the extra fat if preferred.
(Reference: http://yireservation.com/recipes/green-radish-and-carrots-with-pork-bone-soup/)
