Wellness habits you can start now - at no (or little) cost
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Wellness does not require expensive services; affordable and free options exist.
- Community-led wellness meetups for yoga and meditation are growing in popularity.
- Gardening offers significant physical and mental health benefits and can be pursued affordably through community gardens or allotments.
Pursuing wellness does not necessitate costly spa days or retreats. Experts and enthusiasts are highlighting accessible alternatives that benefit mind, body, and soul without straining finances. Community-driven wellness initiatives are emerging, offering free or low-cost gatherings. Yoga teacher Anastasiia Mirraslavska, for instance, organizes 'Sunday Reset' meetups in London parks, combining yoga and meditation. While some sessions have a small fee, many are free, aiming for simple and accessible experiences. Erica Correa in Liverpool is also fostering similar connections with her 'Soft Sunday' gatherings, focusing on intention over expense and viewing wellness as a series of life decisions.
I wanted to create a space where people could experience [yoga and meditation] in a simple and accessible way.
Gardening is another avenue for improved wellbeing, with research from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) indicating that daily gardening correlates with higher wellbeing and reduced stress. For those without private gardens, local councils offer affordable allotment rentals. Community gardens provide another accessible option, often welcoming volunteers and supplying tools, facilitating outdoor activity, social connection, and skill development. The charity Thrive emphasizes that community gardens offer more than just plant cultivation; they provide opportunities for engagement and connection within welcoming social groups, benefiting holistic health.
Everything about Soft Sunday is intention over expense. Wellness is more about the decisions that you make in life, how you protect your time.
Originally published by BBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.