A new year inevitably means exploring new avenues for everything, so why not check out these emerging wellness trends.
Anita Rao Kashi
Pampering oneself or trying for some much needed rejuvenation inevitably points us in the direction of a spa. And it works for obvious reasons. Even in these uncertain pandemic times, there are plenty of ways to make sure the spa experience is safe and fulfilling. But what if it is no longer fulfilling? Here are some interesting new health and wellness trends that are worth a try. Some are quirky, some intense, but all of them entirely gratifying. Some even come with the added benefit of being altruistic.
Sound Massage
Drawing on ancient cultural practices and modern scientific research, sound massage uses a combination of sound and vibration to induce a state of deep relaxation. Singing bowls placed strategically on or beside your body are played to create a gentle vibration, designed to correct your harmonisation and balance. The vibrations are known to work out stored stress or tension, and draw the brain into a meditative state. Sound massage spas such as California-based Relax With Sound say it reduces anxiety, improves sense of well-being, and clarity of thought. All this with the safety of no contact.
Forest Bathing
Originating in the 1980s in Japan, forest bathing, or “shinrin-yoku” in Japanese, is the act of intentionally immersing oneself in nature. Despite the word bathing in its name, forest bathing does not have anything to do with water. Rather, it is a metaphor for the cleansing provided by the serene energy of nature, which can lead to reduced blood pressure and anxiety, among other things. The best thing is you can try forest bathing by yourself, no instruction needed. Although, if you would like some guidance, organisations like the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy have guides all over the world, and even conduct virtual sessions. So, the next time you take a walk in nature, find a moment to breathe it all in.
On the other hand, if silence, especially natural silence, is something you crave, then head to a place that is naturally quiet. US-based Quiet Parks International, a non-profit organisation, has begun designating spaces – in nature, in cities and in communities – that are naturally quiet and lists the benefits of to the mind and body of spending time in such surroundings.
Altruistic Retreats
Retreats are the ultimate gift of self-indulgence – and, let’s be real, sometimes we need them. But what if you could improve your wellbeing and someone else’s at the same time? Altruistic retreats are broadening our definition of wellness, taking the focus from ‘me’ to ‘we’. Your impact could be passive, such as having a portion of your retreat fee donated towards a charitable cause. Or, if you so choose, it could be more active like teaching underprivileged children, helping build houses, planting trees in under forested areas – the options are endless. Check out 109 World and Towards Mindful Travel.
Vegan Cosmetics
We’ve all heard of vegan diets, but vegan beauty? It might surprise you that many beauty and cosmetic products we use everyday actually make use of animal products, such as shellac (made from shells of certain beetles) in nail lacquer, or glycerine (animal fat) in lipsticks and blushes. Chances are, if you’re a vegan, it’s because you feel strongly about the ethics of consuming animal-based products. So why not take it further and commit to using vegan cosmetics too? New innovations now mean vegan cosmetics can be just as effective and long-lasting as regular ones. Popular brands like Elf and Bite now have vegan lines, while others like Inika and Cover FX do exclusive vegan cosmetics, so you can have all the same looks with none of the guilt.
Flexitarian diets No, this is not something new but important among health and wellness trends. It is a sensible take on how best to optimise. As the name indicates, the idea is to be flexible, but concentrate on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, and opt for plant-based proteins rather than animal-based. Eat least-processed food, reduce added sugar and choose the most natural form of foods, but from time to time add animal products and meat into the diet so as to get the best of everything. Go online and check out resources that work best for you.
