Relax, revitalise and reset your senses with these healing trends from all corners of the globe
Whether it’s investing in your diet and fitness routine, using aromatherapy, or running a bath for ‘me time’, there’s no denying the power of wellness. Looking for new ways to unwind and recharge this holiday season? Even if you’re not jetting off, be inspired by far-flung destinations. From Indian sound healing to Japanese forest bathing, try these feel-good ideas to boost your wellbeing this summer…
FROM HAWAII
Eat mindfully
Following intuition is core to Hawaiian culture. ‘The Polynesians sailed and mapped the Pacific ocean through use of their senses,’ explains intuitive therapist Karuna Wiese. One way the Hawaiians channel this intuition is through intuitive eating, which involves listening to the body and its needs, and then eating a diet that supports it.
Try creating mindful eating habits. This means ditching TV dinners and sitting at the table so you can focus on your meal – distractions often lead to mindless munching and weight gain. Pay attention to the sight, smell, taste and texture of the food. You’ll soon tune in to your body’s cues that tell you how hungry or full you feel.
FROM USA
Workout with plants
Due to recycled air and high levels of Co2 in gyms and fitness studios, our exercise sessions are thwarted by polluted air. Lack of ventilation means we breathe in airborne particles – bacteria that lingers on mats and fitness equipment. Heavier breathing through the mouth, rather than your nose’s filtering system, may compromise lung health.
In the US, clean-breathing gyms have plant-adorned ‘living walls’ that release fresh air for an eco-friendly workout.
And you can get the benefits at home – place plants next to your yoga mat before a morning stretch.
FROM SWITZERLAND
Destress with sophrology
The Swiss relax with a practice that combines breathwork, gentle movements, meditation and visualisation techniques – it’s said to decrease stress and anxiety levels, as well as improve focus, sleep quality and mental wellbeing. ‘Sophrology is designed to bring you into the “alpha brainwave” state,’ says sophrologist Dominique Antiglio, founder of BeSophro (be-sophro.com). In this state, the body achieves full relaxation, yet the mind is clear. All it takes is 10 minutes of practice each day.
FROM SOUTH KOREA
Have a healing cuppa
Most of us will down one of the 95 million cups of coffee that are
