How Kim Chiu deals with physical, emotional struggles

Kim Chiu —PHOTO BY MARINEL CRUZ

“Do not cultivate hate and anger,” said actress Kim Chiu when asked what for her is the most effective way to overcome any emotional struggle.

Kim, whose 12-year relationship with actor Xian Lim ended a few months back, has this advice for women struggling to find confidence again after going through difficult times.

“Huwag lang magtatanim ng sama ng loob. That’s the No. 1 rule for me. Just get rid of that burden. For example, if you consider someone an enemy, you naturally don’t want to be near that person. You would try to avoid him or her. You are only punishing yourself, so you might as well throw all the negativity away and just live in the moment.” the actress pointed out.

Kim said she learned this lesson by observing her own father. “He has no enemies. Ang sarap ng buhay niya. He is just happy most of the time. He is already 65, but he doesn’t look it,” she added.

Kim talked about how to best deal with aging, too. “It doesn’t worry me because this happens to everyone, anyway. We cannot stop it. We can either ignore aging and let it happen naturally, or we can try to delay it. There are many ways to do that, so just pick one that suits you. In the end, it is all about self care and self love,” said Kim during her launch as the ambassador of skin care brand Brilliant Skin’s new product, the collagen drink Hello Melo.

“If you know that you look good, you become more confident to meet people. If you’re confident, you become a lot friendlier. This then leads to an improved mental state,” Kim said, adding that a happy disposition also helps delay aging.

Working out is also a good way to keep your body from aging fast. “You need to keep moving. Brisk walking and running keeps skin from drying up. You will look fresh after you’re able to release all the toxins from your body,” added the 34-year-old actress.

READ: Kim Chiu wants past relationship with Xian Lim to be put to rest

Triathlete

Kim, who is now a triathlete, said she first tried running as a way to battle her asthma attacks. “I often had to catch my breath whenever I had to dance in ‘ASAP.’ Whenever this happened, people would make me do oxygen therapy backstage. There was even a time when I passed out because I insisted on finishing a dance routine.

“So, I asked myself, ‘What do I have to do to get stronger?’ I joined a marathon first. After that, I tried biking. When I discovered that I liked it, too, I joined a duathlon. After that, I tried triathlon and realized, ‘Ang saya pala dito!’ There’s camaraderie in my biking and running groups. The people there don’t treat me like a celebrity, but they would encourage me by saying, ‘Kaya mo ‘yan! Go lang!’ It’s really a community that I enjoy being a part of,” she said. “I have young-looking mommies as gym buddies, too. They’re awesome! I want to be like them when I’m in my 50s.”

Kim said she rarely experiences asthma attacks nowadays. “Working out really helped. During the pandemic, people were saying that the COVID-19 virus targets people with asthma. That’s why I ran some more,” she said.

Kim said another way to de-stress is to go on solo trips once in a while. “I go to the beach or stay at my rest house. I don’t bring my phone or watch TV shows or the news. I stay there for three to five days,” said the star of the romantic comedy series “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim.”

Listen to your body

“I listen to my body. It tells me what it wants to eat, what I should buy myself as a reward, or who I should hang out with. Treat yourself once in a while—go for a facial, nail care, or hair treatment. Since we work hard, let’s not deprive ourselves,” she added.

Kim said it’s also important to have a strong support system. “Aside from the members of ‘Ang Beki,’ (Angelica Panganiban and Bela Padilla), the people I work with in ‘It’s Showtime!’ really help me emotionally. I know that I have to go to the set every day, so I have to be happy,” she began.

“I have a family there. We have a mom, Tyang Amy (Perez) and a dad, Sir Ogie (Alcasid). I have siblings, Vhong (Navarro), Darren (Espanto), Ryan (Bang), Kuya Jugs (Jugeta), Ate Karylle. We’re so close that if one is going through something, we will notice and make sure to ask how he or she is doing. That is something I’m thankful for, aside from my actual family, of course.”