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Since the start of the pandemic, lockdown, and covid turning the world upside down, many of us have sought new wellness rituals amid the uncertainty in the hope of navigating a better life.
What's so inspiring about learning new cultures, is discovering the idiosyncrasies of their daily customs that aim to reduce stress, and improve overall health and happiness. Some of which might even interest and suit one's needs.
So, come along, and become inspired on this tour of wellness rituals from around the globe, you might want to give a try!
In Morocco, the vast majority of its population follow the Islamic religion. Which not only consists of applying Koranic customs-- but also involves following wellness rituals for improved health. Some of which have also become increasingly popular around the world.
Fasting
Ramadan is a spiritual month for Muslims-- as it is the month which coincides with the time when Muhammad received his first revelation of the Qu' ran, the holy book of Islam. During this period, Muslims avoid drinking and eating during the day-- which is a practice called fasting. Muhammad not only just fasted during Ramadan, but also on Mondays, Thursdays, and the 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Islamic month.
Religious history aside, intermittent fasting has become an increasingly popular health ritual for many people. Evidence has shown that the types of food we eat and the times we eat directly impact our overall health.
Benefits such as delayed ageing, reduced inflammation, improved lipid profile such as cholesterol and triglycerides, among many others have been shown.
However, we advise anyone who'd like to try fasting to research more on the topic and consult their doctor first and foremost.
Eating dates
The prophet Muhammad advised eating 100 grams of dates per day, which is said to provide ample nutrition to expel stored toxins in the body-- known as "poison" in the Hadith. These have shown to provide vitamins, minerals, healthy carbohydrates, sugars and fibre. Moreover, they also improve cardiovascular health and combat fatigue. However, they are not recommended for people who have diabetes- due to their high sugar content.
>>> Discover our selection of villas in Morocco
Siesta
The siesta or the afternoon nap brings a break of calm and tranquillity in the midst of the daily hustle and bustle of life. If there is one thing that characterizes a good Spaniard, it is their love for a siesta. In the park, the underground station, or on the sofa, any place is great to enjoy a few minutes of rest. Integrating a few-minutes siesta in one's daily routine can provide multiple benefits. Studies have found that naps are more effective than caffeine itself in keeping us alert, which is why companies like the giant Google have established spaces where their workers can take a break and restart with full energy.
Studies show that napping boosts learning, cognitive skills, reasoning, memory, and concentration-- consequently favouring peoples' productivity.
>>> Discover our selection of villas in Spain
Since we are spending more time at home due to the pandemic, we also feel more pressure to keep ourselves always busy learning more skills, getting things done, and being more productive with our time. However, it's absolutely fine to occasionally make use of our time to wind down and enjoy the pleasure of just being in the present moment and do as one wishes.
"Il dolce far niente".
The "pleasure of doing nothing" is the phrase known in Italy as "il dolce far niente"-- and it's a philosophy deeply embedded in the Italian lifestyle-- which encourages people to unwind by taking the pleasure of doing nothing.
As the Christmas holidays unfold, it's also great to apply this philosophy and relax with family and friends. Or simply enjoy pleasurably idle activities such as an after-dinner drink, a nap under a tree, contemplating the landscape, lying on the sofa, listening to the sound of birds or having an evening stroll on the beach.
>>> Discover our selection of villas in Italy
Laughing yoga
Have you ever heard the phrase "laughter is the best medicine?" well, Indians have been following this advice through their Laughing yoga method.
Laughing yoga or laughing for no reason is a method that consists of learning to laugh willingly via a series of exercises and rituals. "Laughing Yoga" comes from the Sanskrit Hsya Yoga, a technique developed in 1995 by the general practitioner Dr Madan Kataria from Bombay, India.
Laughter brings a sense of well-being by releasing endorphins into the body. These hormones have analgesic properties and reduce the production of adrenaline and cortisol generated by stress. It acts on pain by improving the oxygenation of the brain and reducing muscular tension.
This beneficial therapy has been increasingly gaining popularity in the West. What's more, you don't need to watch a comedy show or someone around to tell you a joke, as one can find various laughing yoga tutorials online.
"Hara Hachi Bu", or "stop eating when 80 per cent full".
"Hara Hachi Bu" is a Japanese health method and mantra, which the longest-living-people on earth (in Okinawa, Japan) enunciate before eating their meals. This wellness ritual consists of a simple formula: eat until you are 80% full. This method has roots dating back to the teachings of Confucious--and results in a self-imposed reduction of calories in the daily diet.
Overeating has proven to force the digestive system to take longer to process foods and negatively impacts one's health. Whereas calory restriction, or avoiding to eat until one's full, inhibits free radicals in the blood-- therefore, preventing accelerated ageing and boosting one's overall well-being.
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