We’re always looking for new ways to make ourselves feel good.
That can mean different things for different people, for some it may be a physical thing, for others a mental one, but for most it’s both.
As much as getting the sweat pouring and blood pumping can help us banish bad thoughts, we’re not always in the mood for something as high intensity as hitting the gym or going for a long run.
So we’ve compiled a list of the wellness trends Team Society has tried and loved recently, the ones that have really left us feeling fulfilled.
Set aside some time to put yourself first this week and give them a go.
Wild swimming
We are lucky in the north-east to have a huge expanse of coastline, creating a haven for wild swimming.
On calm days, wild swimming has been proven to improve cardiovascular health, boost dopamine levels and relieve inflammation.
If you do head out wild swimming, make sure to do it safely.
Where to do it? Some of the best wild swimming spots in the north-east are Balmedie Beach, Collieston and Linn Falls.
Horsebox sauna
What better way to warm up after a chilly dip in the sea than with a trip to the sauna?
Saunas usually sit between 60C and 90C and have a number of health benefits attached to them.
These range from detoxification and relieving joint pain to skin rejuvenation, stress relief and even better sleep.
There are of course saunas in many gyms and spas across the north-east, but there’s something a bit more special about being in a converted horsebox right by the sea.
Where to do it? Driftwood sauna at Stonehaven Paddle Boarding.
Reformer Pilates
Reformer Pilates is great not only for keeping fit, but for getting to know your body better as a woman.
This specific branch of Pilates is unique in its introduction of resistance using a special machine.
Whether you are a young woman, pregnant, post-pregnancy or menopausal, the exercises can be adapted to suit your changing body.
Where to do it? ReformPhysio & Pilates in Cults and The Pilates Hut in Banchory.
Floatation Therapy
Floatation Therapy invites you into a tank which is filled with roughly 10 inches of skin temperature water filled with over 500kg of Epsom Salt.
The high level of salt makes the water buoyant, allowing the body to float effortlessly.
When one of Team Society tried it out, they said: “It felt like I was a galaxy away from all the stresses and strains of every day life.
“In fact, it was probably one of the most relaxing experiences of my life.”
Where to do it? Meraki Health in Aberdeen and Urban Wellness Hub in Bridge of Don.
Retreats
Retreats come in many different forms. In a general sense, a retreat is when an individual withdraws from the regular routine of daily life.
Many people use them to practice mindfulness and use them as an opportunity to reconnect with themselves, whether that be through individual meditation.
Most retreats are guided by instructors so that you can make the most of them.
Where to do it? Mindfulness Energy offers a range of retreats near Aberdeen.
Hot yoga and Pilates
Although inducing more sweat than usual during exercise doesn’t sound like much fun, there are a number of additional benefits to doing yoga and Pilates in a warm environment.
Rooms can be heated up to around 40C, meaning it can help you burn calories, reduce blood sugar and deepen stretches more than you would in a regular session.
Hot yoga and Pilates sessions are suitable for a wide range of ages, so everyone can give it a go.
Where to do it? Try hot Pilates at CalmSpace in Ellon and hot yoga at Hot Yoga in Bridge of Don or Original Hot Yoga in Aberdeen.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a touch therapy based on the idea that different points on the feet, lower leg, hands, face or ears correspond with others.
Applying varying levels of pressure to these areas with skilled hands is said to help ease stress, relieve tension and encourage relaxation – among many other benefits.
For women, it is believed reflexology can be particularly helpful in regulating hormones and periods of change such as menstruation and pregnancy.
Where to do it? Aberdeen Wellness and Reflexology in Chapleton, Shifting Stones in Maryculter and more.
Holistic therapy
Holistic therapy is an umbrella term used to describe therapies and practices that focus on a persons overall physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing, rather than individual symptoms.
Examples of this could include meditation, breathwork, stress management or even floatation therapy.
The idea behind it is to promote general wellbeing as the key to good health.
Where to do it? The Rosemount Centre in Aberdeen, Urban Wellness Hub in Bridge of Don, Holistic Therapy Rebalance in Aberdeen and more.
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