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In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, from working on tight deadlines to unknowingly getting caught up in doomscrolling and late-night binge-watching, it’s only human to yearn for a day off to de-stress and relax. While short trips are often considered a great way to relieve stress and feel refreshed, not everyone has the luxury of taking several days off for a longer vacation. Instead, many holistic wellness options promise a relaxing day, a much-needed break to refresh you.
In an interview with HT, Vikas Gutgutia, founder and MD of Solebration, a holistic wellness center in Delhi, listed three alternative wellness options: puppy yoga, art therapy and sound therapy.
puppy yoga
Imagine how much fun it would be to stretch it out with adorable puppies riding on your back or playfully joining in on your yoga poses. Yoga has never been more fun, with puppies jumping on your mat, wagging their tails for belly rubs, or curling up in your lap during meditation.
Vikas Gutgutia explains its benefits, “This practice combines the physical benefits of yoga – improving flexibility, balance and core strength – with the proven stress-relieving benefits of interacting with animals. Time spent with puppies reduces cortisol levels and increases oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’, which promotes happiness and an overall feeling of well-being. For beginners and experienced yogis alike, the laughter and lightness that comes with a puppy yoga session is therapeutic in itself.
Also read: 9 different types of meditation
art therapy
Channel your inner Van Gogh and Picasso, let off steam and bring artistic creations to life. How cathartic it feels to just pick up a brush and let your worries go on canvas. Whether you’re an experienced artist or someone who simply doodles when bored, art therapy has a lot to offer everyone.
Vikas Gutgutia told about the ancient roots of art therapy. He said, “Art therapy offers a unique path to healing by transforming creative expression into a transformative experience. Since ancient times, art has been a tool for emotional release and self-discovery. Modern art therapy builds on this heritage, using painting, drawing, sculpture or unconventional materials such as leaves and twigs to help individuals process their emotions and achieve clarity.
He shared the benefits of art therapy:
- Stress Relief- Art helps a person to be more calm and relaxed.
- Mindfulness- It improves focus and helps the mind gain clarity.
- Emotional expression – Sometimes the unspoken words are better expressed in art.
- Personal development – The process of bringing something to life creates a sense of accomplishment. It develops deeper understanding and strengthens emotional resilience.
Also read: Transform your mental health with art therapy; 10 Powerful Activities to Reduce Anxiety, Depression
sound therapy
Sound therapy engages your senses, calming your mind and body with the soothing vibrations of various instruments.
Vikas traces the history of sound healing and says, “Sound healing is an ancient practice with roots in cultures around the world. For centuries, Tibetan monks have used singing bowls during meditation, while Aboriginal Australians have used the didgeridoo as a healing tool.
This practice has grown in contemporary times and many wellness centers are offering sound therapies to calm and relax. Vikas went on to explain how sound healing works, “The practice uses the vibrations of instruments like bells, gongs and tuning forks to create deep relaxation and harmony. These vibrations travel through the body, which is composed primarily of water, helping to relieve stress and calm the nervous system. Resonance can also affect brain wave activity, shifting the mind from an active state to a calm, meditative state, making it easier to manage stress and achieve clarity.
Also read: Find peace with sound therapy for anxiety relief
Additionally, since sound therapy works on frequencies, it is very adaptable. Vikas elaborated, “For example, specific frequencies can address individual needs, such as reducing anxiety, improving focus, or promoting restful sleep. Vibrations targeting the vagus nerve regulate stress responses. While the vibrations associated with the heart chakra promote emotional balance and self-love.”
He advised that first-time visitors should enter the session with an open mind, focusing on slow, deep breathing to enhance the calming effect. Regular sessions can have long-term benefits ranging from improved mental clarity to greater emotional resilience.
However he cautioned that sound therapy is not for everyone. He urged people suffering from sound sensitivity, tinnitus or noise-induced epilepsy to exercise caution. Similarly, pregnant individuals, especially in the first trimester, as well as those with pacemakers or certain heart and nerve problems are advised to consult health professionals before participating.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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