Wellness Practices Around the World – 21 Self-Care Ideas
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re certainly not alone. Life is getting crazy these days. If you’re looking for ways to feel better, take a cue from this list of wellness practices around the world.
When the going gets tough, many people around the world take a hot bath. Or a long walk. Or try meditation. Self-care is all about doing what makes you feel good.
Read on for 21 self-care ideas practiced in different parts of the world to prioritize self-care and release all the negative energy.
The best part? These are simple and doable tasks that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Moreover, these wellness practices are excellent gift ideas you can pass on to a friend.
Table of Contents – 21 Wellness Practices around the World
Wellness practices for the mind and soul
Tips to practice self-care through food
Self-care ideas for health and body wellness
Self-care outdoors
Wellness practices for the mind and soul
Hygge – Denmark
The World Happiness Report states that Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world. On a hygge tour in Copenhagen, I learned the secrets to happiness in Denmark that will surely stay with me for a long, long time.
Hygge is a Danish word for comfort, warmth or 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.
To incorporate the hygge lifestyle in your life, appreciate the simple things in life. Spend time with your family, enjoy a cup of tea, or simply read a book indoors.
At home:
- To learn about the beautiful hygge lifestyle, refer The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living.
- Treat yourself to a cozy evening by lighting some blue lotus aromatherapy candles, a plush sherpa fleece throw blanket, a cup of Indo-Danish Trankebar tea.
- To enjoy the Danish culture, get this Hygge mug and Danish butter cookies.
Fika – Sweden
Fika with delicious cardamom buns in Stockholm.
Although most of us love a coffee break, Sweden has adopted this love for coffee on a cultural level and called it Fika. But fika is not just any other coffee break. It is a state of mind which reminds everyone to take a break and appreciate the good things in life.
All you need to do is have tea or coffee along with something sweet. You can either spend time alone or with your loved ones. The essential thing is that you take a break from all the hassle, relax, and have coffee.
Also, if you find yourself in Sweden, here is how to eat like a local in Sweden!
At home:
- Try out the delicious pastry and bread recipes (you must try the cinnamon buns) in Fika: The Art of the Swedish Coffee Break.
- For a real Swedish experience, grab this Arvid Norquist Classic Mellanrost and these Swedish pastries.
- Surprise a friend with a Starbucks gift card and suggest trying out fika!
Digital Detox – France
In France, the “right to disconnect” law allows France employees to avoid work emails outside working hours. The law came into effect in 2017 because of concerns about employee burnout. After work, you can just turn off your mobile and chill. How cool is that?
If a digital detox sounds good to you but you cannot resist checking your emails, try visiting a place where there’s no Wi-Fi. This floating hotel in Thailand, which has no electricity or Wi-Fi, is an excellent place to unplug and escape from the daily grind.
At home:
- Simply switch off the phone and indulge in these classic books about Paris that will transport you to the City of Love.
- For digital detox tips, check out the bestseller Digital Minimalism.
Power Naps – Japan
Japanese firms encourage their employees to take power naps at work. Studies show that these energizing naps boost productivity and improve work performance. And employees love it; they get to take a nap at work!
Twenty – minute naps during lunch hours top the list of wellness ideas. When you wake up from the power nap, you will feel alert and refreshed. It’s a little like the Spanish siesta, only you can do it at work.
At work or home:
- To make the most out of your power nap, shut out the world with this pure silk sleep mask, or relax with a power nap packable neck pillow .
- Using a sound sleep machine is a great way to doze off before you know it.
Meditation – India, Japan
Meditation is one of the widely accepted self-care ideas in the world. Unlike most passing trends, this relaxation tool is likely to stick around forever. Mental training has become so important that Headspace, which is a meditation app, has over 62 million users.
Studies show that meditation not only helps you alleviate stress, but it also improves sleep quality, relationships, productivity, and reduces pain and cardiovascular issues.
At home:
- Learn more about meditation with these good reads: Buddha in Blue Jeans, Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation, and 10% Happier, Transcendental Meditation.
Tips to practice self-care through food
Long, social meals – Italy
Lunch in a vineyard on a Chianti Wine Tour in Tuscany.
It is true that no one does food quite like the Italians. But it is not just about the food, it is about the whole process of preparing food and eating it. Italians consider family meals as a great opportunity to spend time with their loved ones, talking and connecting with each other.
It’s the ultimate comfort food and a great self-care activity to slow down rapid thoughts and just relax.
At home:
- Enjoy dinner time with family and friends, in person or via videoconference.
- If you are craving Italian food, try your hand at the recipes given in these best seller cookbooks: The Easy Italian Cookbook, Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking, Pasta Grannies: The Secrets of Italy’s Best Home Cooks
Tea time – England
Practice self-care at home by taking time for tea. English wellness traditions do not include managing stress through food. But they believe that a cup of tea and small chats with friends and family can make changes to your emotional and mental health.
Simply make yourself a cup of tea and chat with your loved one.
- If you wish to make the perfect English tea at home, grab Downton Abbey organic scone mix, Devon clotted cream, English preserves and a English tea variety selection box.
- Oh, and this pretty tea set and tiered tray will set the perfect mood for an English tea!
Mate Tea – Argentina
Mate tea is a herbal tea popular in Argentina. A South American plant called yerba mate is the main ingredient of this caffeine-rich drink. Mate tea is served in a hollow gourd and drunk through a metal straw called bombilla.
Argentinians consider drinking mate tea as a social event where people gather to build friendships. Interestingly, mate tea is rich in antioxidants and can bring about health benefits like increased metabolism, improved digestion, and stronger immune system.
At home:
- To make a mate tea for yourself, grab a traditional mate cup, with filter and straw and organic yerba mate loose leaves.
Mediterranean Diet – Greece
Many health organizations and research studies reveal that Mediterranean diet is good for your health.
Mediterranean diet calls for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and plenty of olive oils. It promotes weight loss, prevents cognitive decline, and reduces the risk of other life-threatening health conditions.
Furthermore, the Mediterranean lifestyle prioritizes sharing meals with loved ones, and involves regular physical activity. Simply put, by following the Mediterranean lifestyle, you will be able to improve both your mental and physical health.
At home:
- To try out a few Mediterranean diet-inspired recipes, simply refer to the Complete Mediterranean Cookbook from America’s Test Kitchen or The 30-Minute Mediterranean Diet Cookbook.
Self-care ideas for health and body wellness
Hot Baths – Hungary, Italy, Iceland, Japan
Thermal waters at the Tuscany Spa Resort, Adler Spa Resort THERMAE
Thermal baths are a common wellness practice around the world. Hungary is a hotspot for thermal baths, as it has over 1000 hot springs. The best part is, the hot water not only gives off heavenly vibes, but it also contains different minerals. These minerals lower blood pressure, reduce joint pain, and promote overall health. In Japan, the hot springs are called onsen.
I was surprised to learn that there are thermal waters throughout Italy. The Tuscany Spa Resort called ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE is a fantastic place to relax in the thermal springs. Set in the hills of Southern Tuscany, this resort is an excellent place to soak up nature.
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland simply makes you feel like a goddess. The calm and tranquility one experiences here is out of this world. The spring here is a mix of freshwater and seawater, and contains silica that helps exfoliate and strengthen the skin.
At home:
While all these places seem ethereal, you can set up a relaxing, hot bath all by yourself at your home.
- Just get a lavender scented candle, a classic scented bar soap, bath salts, and a mineral body lotion.
- Finally, grab a spa bath pillow and relax.
- You will feel great as you slip into a cozy bathrobe and a pair of ultra-cozy spa slippers after a long soak in the tub.
Flower bath – Bali
Whatever your idea of relaxation is, you will never turn back once you experience the flower baths in Bali. They get creative with the types of flowers they use. Javanese flower baths are common in Bali.
The whole idea of flower bathing is not just exciting and relaxing, but it also provides medicinal benefits. For instance, dandelions help rejuvenate your skin, rose petals hydrate your skin, and lavender relieve stress.
If you’re dreaming of flower baths already, here’s the good news: you don’t need to jet-set to the other side of the world to increase feel-good hormones and energy.
At home:
- To recreate flower baths in Bali, get a package of dried rose petals, organic dried lavender flowers, frangipani bath salts, exotic natural soaps from Bali and frangipani essential oil from Bali.
- Add all these to warm water and just sink in!
- After the bath, apply frangipani body lotion.
Chocolate spa treatments – Vienna
When it comes to chocolate, this ingredient can be used to make a variety of dishes. But how does a chocolate spa treatment sound?
Chocolate is made from cocoa, and cocoa provides various medicinal benefits due to its antioxidant properties: improves heart health, reduces blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduces stress.
The Hotel Sacher in Vienna provides excellent chocolate treatments. If this sounds dreamy, consider adding a trip to Vienna on your Christmas wish-list, so that you can experience Christmas in Vienna.
At home:
- Start with a chocolate sugar body scrub, and a cocoa massage oil.
- Consider using the hot cocoa and shea body cream as it is nothing short of heavenly.
- To treat your skin with chocolate luxury, grab the spa chocolate body wrap, and get the Lindt dark chocolate truffles to eat when you are craving for chocolate.
Relaxing pedicure – Egypt
A pedicure is a great option to practice self-care at home. It is popular throughout the world, especially among women.
The word pedicure is derived from the Latin word “pes” which means foot, and “cura” which means care. Egyptians pay special attention to their feet and legs, and they all love a good pedicure. It is unquestionably a soothing experience that calms your mind and rejuvenates your feet.
And if you just had a long week, a pedicure is the surely best way to kickstart your weekend.
At home:
- To relieve stress and get pretty feet at the same time, get exfoliating foot peel masks and moisturize with L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream.
- Additionally, soak your feet in the tea tree oil foot soak with epsom salts for soft heels and olfactory results.
Replenish your skin with rosewater – Turkey
Rose water has crazy-good healthy benefits. Jam-packed with vitamins, rose water moisturizes your skin, makes you calm, and boosts your mood. It has both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Turkish women use rose water to regain moisture balance and get rid of irritated skin and acne. Rose water also strengthens skin cells due to its antioxidant properties.
If you’re feeling anxious about a deadline or simply want to slow down, rose water can help you feel uplifted and relaxed.
At home:
- You can use this rosewater hydrating face toner made from roses in Turkey!
- Or you can go with its travel size version to try it out first.
- Also, this rose nectar cream will keep your skin hydrated and glowing,
Hammams – Morocco
Morocco is a melting pot of cultures with a variety of wellness ideas that work beautifully for its people. A popular self care activity in Morocco is a visit to a hammam.
A hammam spa involves a steam room where the cleansing happens. Once your time in the steam room is over, you will be exfoliated and massaged. In short, hammass are excellent to cleanse and heal your mind, body, and soul.
At home:
- To experience Moroccan hammams at your home, all you need is this Hammam spa kit for face and body to kickstart the process. It includes a Moroccan black soap, organic Argan oil, face and body mask, an exfoliating glove, and a beautiful loofah.
Ayurvedic Oils – India
Wellness rituals in India are fascinating. One such self-care practice is the use of natural oils and herbs. This ritual has its roots in Ayurveda, and includes whole body massage with oils such as coconut, sesame, or olive. Ayurveda also promotes drinking lemon water, yoga, and thermal baths.
The natural oils keep hair moisturised and healthy. Most Indian women have long, thick, and gorgeous hair. Overall, an Ayurveda oil massage can leave you more energized and happier.
At home:
- Gently massage the oil into your scalp using Natural Indian Hair oil with Ayurvedic botanicals.
- Move your fingers in circular motions, and continue massaging for about 10 minutes.
- Allow the oil to sit on your scalp for one hour before you wash it off.
Red wine spa treatments – Chile
While we all love a fun wine night, women in Chile love to use wine for something else: to enjoy a relaxing spa. Studies have shown that wine baths improve blood circulation.
Women in Chile also blend red grapes into a smooth paste to create face masks. The red grapes are filled with vitamin C and other antioxidants. The antioxidants help skin repair itself, giving way to glowing and healthy skin. They can even protect your skin from radiations that cause wrinkles. I tried this fabulous wellness practice in Porto, Portugal, another red wine capital of the world.
At home:
- As crushing red grapes to prepare wine seems contrary to logic for an immediate result, grab this Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub that has grape seeds in it!
- After applying the scrub, you can use the Caudalie Vine Body Butter to nourish the skin.
Self-care outdoors
Mountain retreats – Switzerland
Mountain retreats are undoubtedly the best when you want a perfect balance between relaxing and exciting. With astounding views and outdoor adventure, Switzerland is definitely every hiker’s dream, and it is one of the safest countries in the world!
Mountain getaways are not just about reaching the top of the mountains, but it is about the memories made along the path. The Swiss hike a lot, and their ways to practice self-care include a lot of nature retreats.
A similar self-care practice is common in in Norway. It has beautiful scenic cliffs, and is one of the happiest places on earth.
At home:
- When the idea of going on mountain retreats spark your travel bug, grab this Osprey Daypack, a pair of waterproof hiking boots, along with these cushioned hiking socks before you set off for the big adventure.
Nature Escapes – Canada
Even though we all love to explore a new metropolis, heading on a natural vacation is the best way to unplug and relax. And Canada is a beautiful country that offers numerous options to escape from the daily grind.
Canadians take special care to go on weekend getaways to de-stress and relax. During cold weather, we set up campfires and eat dishes that make us feel warm and cozy. One such dish from Quebec is called poutine, which is made of french fries, gravy and cheese curds.
At home:
- If you can’t make it to Canada, do not fret. The key here is to connect with nature, whether it is breathing in the fresh mountain air, or chilling in the backyard garden.
- Get this Adirondack chair, Hudson’s Bay polar fleece, and this functional picnic backpack, and head out for a picnic by the lake.
Forest bathing – Japan
If you haven’t heard of forest bathing, it simply means spending time under the canopy of trees. Although it sounds pretty basic, the experience it invokes is the real deal. This self-care idea, known as Shinrin-yoku, originated in Japan.
Ontario in Canada has this orchid forest, which is something straight out of a fairy tale. With scenic hiking trails and beautiful orchids, all you have to do is turn off your phone, and take in all that nature has to offer. Take long breaths and look around.
Forest bathing, if done right, is sure to amaze you and you will go back for more.
At home:
- Take these waterproof hiking boots, cushioned hiking socks, Osprey Daypack with you on a trip to the forest.
Cycling – The Netherlands
Relaxing doesn’t have to be pricey. Sometimes a simple and accessible physical activity such as cycling can help us de-stress and take a break from all the hassle.
The Netherlands is one of the most cycle-friendly countries in the world. Interestingly, statistics say that there are more bicycles than inhabitants! The reason is cycling is the main mode of transportation the Dutch rely on.
Regular cycling will help reduce stress hormones, and improve the quality of sleep by synchronizing the circadian rhythm.
At home:
- Kick start your cycling habits with this cycling jersey, women’s bike shorts and riding shoes. Once you experience the joy this activity brings, you will surely embrace the cycle lifestyle.
Which one of these wellness practices are you going to try?
More Information:
Suggested Reading:
Pin it:
You may also like:
Stay Healthy While Traveling: 25 Essential Items You Need
This Dreamy Tuscany Spa Resort is the Ultimate Place to Relax
I Bathed in Wine at this Luxury Spa in Porto, Portugal
