One of the unique aspects of Global Wellness Day is its accessibility. Through various programmes and initiatives, it strives to reach individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location. The day's activities are designed to be inclusive and adaptable to different lifestyles, making wellness a goal towards which everyone can strive. Wellness, after all, is a human endeavour that touches all cultures, crosses all borders and calls on everyone to engage in introspection and see the value of self-care. The event therefore transcends borders, cultures, and backgrounds, uniting people around the world with a shared goal of living more intentionally, with more curiosity and in pursuit of more enlightening experiences. Naturally, we couldn’t be more onboard with that vision. 

The theme for this year’s Global Wellness Day is #DanceMagenta – an invitation to the world to ‘dance with your body, dance with your thoughts and dance with life.’ You don’t have to be a professional hot-stepper to enjoy the benefits of dance; which in essence, is just moving. Not only does movement as a form of exercise offer all kinds of physical benefits, movement of any kind and for any duration stimulates the production of endorphins, which are the body’s ‘happy hormones.’ It’s a great way to destress, connect with your body and find your flow. We challenge you to hit play on a randomly selected tune and simply respond to the rhythm in a way that makes sense for you.

To ‘dance with your thoughts, you could try some meditation or mindfulness. Take a moment to lay back and daydream – to see where your imagination takes you. It could be the key to unlocking your deepest desires and perhaps, a long forgotten dream that you haven’t yet had the courage to pursue. This is your sign to go there – to have the bravery to ask yourself what you would do if all the limitations you’ve placed on yourself just disappeared. You may be amazed at where your mind takes you. 

Finally, #DanceMagenta is about dancing with life and taking control of the rhythm of your life. Wherever you find yourself physically, mental and emotionally, is just where you’re meant to be. So revel in it, embrace it – the good and the bad, it’s all part of a beautiful dance. You can contribute to this movement for Global Wellness Day this year by uploading your #DanceMagenta videos to social media and jumping in on the conversation.

So, in celebration of the day, we thought we’d inspire you to do something towards creating the life you need and deserve. There’s no better day to do it. You could start by trying these 3 wellness practices that originate from different countries around the world.

Inemuri, or the practice of taking power naps, is a traditional Japanese custom that has gained recognition worldwide. In Japanese culture, napping is seen as a sign of dedication and hard work, an indicator that you’re willing to fully utilise your time to recharge and remain alert. 

Today, inemuri is widely accepted and even encouraged in workplaces and educational institutions, as it is believed to improve concentration and overall performance. The practice reflects the Japanese emphasis on balance and efficiency, recognising the importance of getting enough rest. Now isn’t that a refreshing alternative to seeing naps as a sign of laziness? We think so.

As a quintessentially French practice, flâneuring is the art of strolling or wandering aimlessly through random urban environments and simply observing the world around you. Rooted in 19th-century Parisian culture, it embodies a sense of leisure, curiosity, and appreciation for the beauty of the built environment. 

Flâneurs embrace the concept of being present and taking the time to truly experience their surroundings, often finding inspiration in the architecture, people, and ambiance of the city. This practice encourages a slower pace of life, fostering a connection with the people and places and allowing individuals to discover hidden gems, engage in introspection, and indulge in the simple pleasure of observation. As Tolkien puts it: “not all who wander are lost.”

The phrase, “l dolce far niente, is an Italian expression that can be loosely translated as "the sweetness of doing nothing.” The phrase speaks to the Italian art of relaxation and savouring moments of being idle and not really committing to doing anything at all. As a wellness philosophy, it embodies a cultural mindset that embraces leisure and appreciates the value of taking time to simply be. 

Italians understand the importance of embracing equilibrium, finding joy in moments of stillness and tranquility amidst the fast-paced modern world. Ask yourself what “doing nothing” looks like for you. Maybe it’s standing still and noticing what your five senses are experiencing. Maybe it’s sitting at a restaurant and people-watching. It could mean following a trail of ants or allowing your body to move without focusing on shape or form. 

However you choose to interpret it, Il dolce far niente welcomes you to escape from the hustle and bustle, step outside of the everyday pressure to be perpetually productive and find fulfillment in the simple act of being right here, right now.