People of Asian or Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent, who make up about 7% of the US population today, are the fastest growing population in the country. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, beginning May 1, is a time to celebrate their heritage, traditions, and immeasurable contributions made in all parts of society and culture.
It’s also important to recognize the growing discrimination AAPI people are experiencing and the barriers to care they face. Studies show that less than 9% of Asian Americans seek any kind of mental health services or resources, compared to nearly 18% of the general population.
Calm resources to support AAPI employees
To help support the mental well-being of AAPI employees and their families, we’ve curated a selection of Calm resources featuring Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander stories, narrators, authors, and mindfulness experts.
These resources are designed to help AAPI people discover and develop personal strategies for managing stress, anxiousness, sleep issues, and other mental health challenges before they escalate into more serious conditions.
Dailies
- Daily Move: You Are Resilient, Movement
With movement on your side, you can always bounce back. Celebrate your resilience with dancer, filmmaker, and yoga instructor Mel Mah. 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: Ritual for Presence, Wisdom
Small, consistent routines can help us connect more deeply to the present and make a big impact on our daily lives. Jay helps you consciously embrace each moment. 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.
Sleep Stories
- Herdsman and the Celestial Weaver
Drift off into dreams with this reimagining of a classic Chinese folktale that recounts the love story of two celestial bodies, a story widely celebrated in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese festivals.
The story is narrated by Lily Du, a Chinese-American comedian and writer who got her start improvising at The Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in New York and across the country with her touring company. - Women of Water
Savor the four seasons of stunning Jeju Island where you’ll experience the magic of South Korean female free-divers. The story is told by British actress Lourdes Faberes, best known for her role as Pollution in the television series Good Omens.
Kids’ Content
- See, Hear, Feel, Kids’ Meditation
If you have a case of the blahs, you’ve come to the right place! Discover new things around you with an adventure through your senses. The meditation is narrated by Emiko Susilo, a Hawaiian-born voice actor, writer, singer, dancer and gamelan musician.
Music
- Jay’s Mindful Morning Music
Start your day with Daily Jay, some deep breaths, and this collection of relaxing tracks from multiple artists, courtesy of Jay Shetty.
Going beyond this month of celebration
This May, take a moment to celebrate or learn about the contributions of AAPI people in the workplace, in your neighborhood, city, or society at large. Learning about the history, traditions, and contributions of AAPI individuals and communities can help dismantle harmful stereotypes and open ourselves to new perspectives.
