11,501 ways to mark World Wellness Weekend

Intrigued by pilates? Keen to give aqua aerobics a go? Or fancy trying your hand at a strength and conditioning session? If you’re looking for an excuse to try a brand-new activity, make sure you’ve got 18th – 20th September marked clearly in your diary because World Wellness Weekend is coming.

What’s it all about?

World Wellness Weekend is all about giving people the opportunity to take part in fun and free activities to boost their health, fitness and general wellbeing. There are 11,501 venues across 187 countries offering free and inclusive activities, so wherever you are in the world, there’s something you can get involved in.

You can find wellness activities near you by searching the interactive map.

The five pillars of wellness

According to the organisers of World Wellness Weekend, there are five key elements that we should all strive to incorporate into our daily lives in order to live well:

1. Sleep and Creativity
Poor sleep weakens the immune system, it’s linked to heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes, and can have a huge impact on mental health. By getting into a good sleep hygiene routine, you’ll soon notice a positive knock-on effect, not just on your health, but in other areas of your life too, from productivity to creativity. This World Wellness Weekend, why not try some gentle yoga and meditation before bedtime to prepare your mind and body for better rest.

2. Nutrition and Immunity
The human body is a complex system that relies on a wide range of essential nutrients to function optimally. A balanced diet should blend carbohydrates, protein, fat and fibre with vitamins, minerals and plenty of water to keep the mind and body fuelled. So use this weekend to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with some healthy new recipes. Batch cook and freeze meals so you’ve always got something healthy ready for dinner, or prep your lunches for the week ahead so you’re not tempted to grab a salt and sugar loaded off-the-shelf option.

3. Movement and Vitality
According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is the fourth biggest killer, responsible for more than 5 million deaths across the world each year. We should all be aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week to help strengthen our heart, build strong bones and muscles, lower disease risk, and boost mental health. Find a fun new exercise class this weekend or simply get your shoes on and head out for a walk to kickstart a healthy new habit.

4. Mindfulness and Serenity
Modern life can be stressful and life is full of ups and downs. However, it is essential that we equip ourselves with the right tools to manage that pressure because long-term stress can have serious consequences for our cardiovascular health, immune system, digestive system and mental wellbeing. Setting aside a little time this weekend to pause and practise mindfulness can be an effective way to keep stress levels in check.

5. Purpose and Solidarity
Finding your “why” in life can be a hugely motivating factor to wake up and enjoy each new day to the fullest. Finding a purpose can also help individuals to build connections and reduce social isolation. So use this weekend to seek out volunteering opportunities in your local area and enjoy the mental health boost that comes from giving back.

Speak to the health experts

Will you try to tick off all five wellness pillars this weekend? Or do you need a little extra help and support to start your health and wellbeing journey? Speak to the health experts at YourGP and we’ll be happy to provide advice tailored to your individual needs.

Book an appointment at YourGP using our simple online booking system, by emailing reception@your.gp, or by calling us on 0131 556 2525 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.