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| Young people turn to workshops as a way to find mental balance after academic and work-related pressures |
Relaxation
On a weekend afternoon, at a small café on Le Loi Street, more than ten young people gathered around a long table to participate in a scented candle-making workshop. Nguyen Minh Anh (22 years old), a final-year student in Hue, said she began attending “healing” workshops about a year ago after experiencing prolonged stress from her studies and pressures about the future.
“At first, I joined the workshop simply because many of my friends were joining it. After attending a few sessions, I genuinely felt more relaxed. Sometimes just sitting down to do a simple activity, without thinking about my phone, makes me feel much better,” shared Minh Anh.
The appeal of these workshops lies in the sense of mental relaxation they offer after long hours of studying or constant exposure to social media. For many young people, spending a few hours coloring pictures, making pottery, candles, or bracelets is enough to help them unwind.
Le Quoc Khanh (26 years old), working in freelance communications, also turned to “healing” experiences after a prolonged period of working under intense pressure. He once joined a two-day retreat program that combined relaxation activities with a short getaway in the outskirts of Hue City.
“There was a time when I was online almost all day long. I rely on my phone for work and even entertainment. Going on a retreat helped me slow down. There were mornings when I simply sat drinking tea and looking at trees, yet the feeling was completely different,” said Khanh.
Many young people today experience ongoing fatigue due to work pressure, the constant flow of information, and a lifestyle of constant connectivity. As a result, quiet spaces and relaxation-oriented activities are attracting increasing attention.
The rise of experience-based models
Alongside growing demand from young people, various business models associated with the concept of “healing” have emerged in Hue. Handicraft workshops, minimalist cafés, tea meditation evenings, and weekend retreats are beginning to attract a steady stream of customers.
Tran Ngoc Thao, owner of a workshop-and-café space in Hue City, said that the number of young customers has increased significantly over the past two years. Most of her customers are students and office workers.
“From my observation, many young people today are looking for a quiet place where they can rest their minds after studying or working. On weekends, our workshops tend to fill up earlier than before,” said Thao.
At her venue, activities such as scented candle making, picture coloring, journal writing, and handicraft workshops are organized regularly. Participation fees range from several dozen thousand to several hundred thousand VND per session. According to Thao, many young people are now willing to spend money on experiences that help them relax and unwind after the pressures of study and work.
Driven by this practical demand, many café owners in Hue have also started adding workshops and experiential activities to their offerings so as to create distinctive attractions. Some venues are designed around a calm atmosphere, with limited noise and a focus on creating a sense of comfort and relaxation for customers.