Wellness practices around the world - from Iceland to China
Our health and wellness directly affect our mood and mental health. We all need to relax and get away from everyday routine sometimes. Some people take long walks, others spend minimum energy and dive deeper into their inner universe going through the process of reflection. If you want to try something new to feel better, take a look at our list of wellness practices around the world:
1) Iceland - thermal baths
An activity that comes from Iceland is extremely relaxing and healthy. Iceland is well-known for its nature – volcanic activity and cold glaciers that in tandem create natural hot springs. They are considered to have anti-aging affect and to be good at curing acne.
In case you are not in Iceland – not a problem! Visit some water slide park or spa – you will find thermal baths there!
2) Sweden - Fika
Are you a coffee or tea lover? Then trying fika is definitely for you! It’s not an ordinary coffee break but a state of mind that reminds everyone to take a break and appreciate even small things that happen in our lives.
You can cook cardamom buns using original recipe following the link: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020437-swedish-cardamom-buns
3
) Japan - Kintsugi
Kintsugi, translated as “golden joinery”, has long been practiced not only in Japan but worldwide. The main idea of this activity is that even from broken parts of something valuable we can create even more beautiful and unique pieces of art. Being repaired with a golden lacquer, the new pottery demonstrates us and honours its history. Instead of being thrown away, it is healed and reconstructed.
At some point or another, we all find ourselves feeling incomplete and “broken”. We often tend to concentrate on our flaws, imperfections, and failures. However, at the end of the day, each step that we take, each experience that we go through makes us stronger, wiser, and more connected to our true selves. Just like gold increases the value and beauty of pottery, all the fortunes and misfortunes lead us to our own unique wholeness.
4) Denmark - Hygge
The World Happiness Report states that Denmark is the second happiest country in the world. What is their secret? One of the things Denmark is famous for is hygge – a word for comfort, warmth, and goodness. If you want to re-energize yourself and connect with the surroundings, the cozy hygge vibes are sure to be a constant in your life. In order to fill your life with hygge vibe, try spending more time with your family, having breaks, and enjoying small things.
5) France - digital detox
In France employees are allowed to avoid work outside working hours – they don’t have to respond to emails and overwork. The law came into effect in 2017, when the government payed attention to a huge number of burnouts among employees.
Try such a work/digital detox. Experiencing the present moment without external distractions is incredibly valuable. If practiced regularly, this wellness technique will definitely change your life for the better!
6) Egypt - cupping therapy
Cupping therapy has become a popular medical massage technique that refreshes our body and gives strength to it. Cups are placed on skin, and heat is applied to create a vacuum that pulls bad toxins from the body.
7) South America - Mate tea
Originally coming from Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, yerba mate is herbal tea that’s made from the leaves of the llex paraguariensis plant. Nowadays this amazing herb is extremely popular around the world. It is commonly used as a replacement for coffee due to its long list of health benefits. Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, it boosts energy, can enhance physical performance, can protect against infections, may help you lose weight and boost your immune system.
8) China - acupuncture
One more technique that cleans your pores and refreshes your body is acupuncture. From reducing migraines and resolving digestive issues to minimizing anxiety and relieving emotional trauma. Millions of people rely on acupuncture to enhance their wellbeing.
Article by Anna Mikhova,
Unarthodox Element Blog Contributor