The high mental health stigma in many Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities can make it difficult for individuals to seek help. Studies show that less than 9% of Asian Americans seek any type of mental health services or resources, while nearly 18% of the general population nationwide do.
With this barrier to mental health care, it’s important for employers to provide preventive digital tools like Calm to help AAPI employees address stress, anxiousness, and sleep issues on their own.
Calm resources to support AAPI employees
In recognition of this year’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Calm is highlighting the importance of self-care and the many forms it can take. We’ve curated a selection of sleep stories, soundscapes, music, movement, and breathing exercises featuring celebrated AAPI artists, narrators, and mindfulness experts.
These resources are designed to help AAPI employees discover and develop personal strategies for managing stress, anxiousness, sleep issues, and other mental health challenges before they escalate into more serious conditions.
Sleep Stories
- A Day in Da Nang – Anthony Phan
Listen to A Day in Da Nang to join narrator Anthony Phan in wandering the beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, and neon night markets of this coastal city in Vietnam.
Anthony Phan grew up in a Vietnamese American household. After graduating with a degree in biomedical science and a perfect 4.0 GPA, he followed his dream, forging a path as a voice actor.
- My First Tuk-Tuk Ride – Sura Siu
Ride along with Sura Siu on a journey to Bangkok that leads to a series of new adventures for a young traveler.
Sura Siu is a first-generation Asian American born and raised in New York City. While her parents are from Thailand, she’s of blended Asian heritage (Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese). Her passion is to breathe life into characters, stories, and the printed word.
Dailies
- Daily Move, Cultivating Confidence, with Mel Mah
Join yoga and mindfulness teacher Mel Mah for Daily Move Cultivating Confidence. The Daily Move is a short, guided movement session designed to help you feel the comfort, relief, and joy of movement. It’s a great way to integrate small mindfulness exercises into the workday to reconnect with your body and reduce stress.
Mel Mah has over 600 hours of teacher training, with certifications in Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga, and has been teaching since 2011. She’s also a former professional dancer who has worked for artists such as Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber, and Alicia Keys.
- Daily Jay, The Main Thing, with Jay Shetty
In The Main Thing on The Daily Jay, purpose coach Jay Shetty shares wisdom to support you in building a stable foundation. The Daily Jay are short programs designed to help listeners retreat to their inner sanctuary, create positive intentions, and take actionable steps to move toward their ideal life.
Jay Shetty is a global bestselling author, host of the #1 health-and-wellness podcast On Purpose, Chief Purpose Officer of Calm, co-founder of Joyo Tea, former monk, and purpose coach.
Music
- Rainy Lo Fi Sessions, with Sol Rising
Soundtrack your afternoon with this exclusive version of “The Lofi Sessions” by DJ and producer Sol Rising combined with Calm’s soothing rain soundscapes. The Rainy Lo Fi Sessions are perfect for studying, yoga, or simply decompressing.
Sol Rising began meditating at age four with a walking mantra technique. His original soundscapes evoke feelings of inspiration and bliss through an eclectic mix of electronic, mid-tempo, downtempo, chill-trap, ambient, and lo-fi music. A successful producer with 16 albums released, Sol Rising has been streamed more than 42 million times.
- Mel’s Movement Playlist, with Mel Mah
Join Mel for The Daily Move and then keep your flow going throughout the day with Mel’s Movement Playlist, a collection of vibey tracks curated by Calm.
Mindfulness
- Balloon Breath, narrated by Emiko Susilo
Emiko Susilo will guide you through a two-minute Balloon Breath exercise. Take a few deep breaths, fill your belly up like a balloon, and float into calm.
Emiko Susilo is an actor, singer, dancer, and cultural consultant. Born in Hawaii and raised in California, she speaks English, Indonesian/Malay, and Balinese fluently.
- Mindfulness Tools with the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy
Mindfulness Tools with U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy is a series of three-minute mindfulness exercises designed to help you deal with change and uncertainty, combat loneliness, get through a hectic day, and deal with negativity in the world.
Dr. Vivek H. Murthy is the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States and a renowned physician, researcher, entrepreneur, and author.
Going beyond this month of celebration
This May is a time to celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to American culture and society throughout history. It’s also an opportunity to commit to doing more to support Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their communities going forward. Together we can build understanding and create inclusive, equitable environments where AAPI people can thrive.
For more information on how Calm Business can provide mental health benefits to support your AAPI employees, connect with our Calm specialist today.
