Embracing Happiness and Health: Celebrate Global Wellness Day

Written by: Sabeeha Azmi

Photo by Fizkes on iStock

Annually, individuals worldwide come together on the second Saturday of June to honour and celebrate Global Wellness Day. This day symbolises the dedication to raising awareness and education on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and living well, and hopes to encourage individuals to make positive changes. In a fast-moving world, Global Wellness Day serves as a great reminder to slow down and prioritise well-being.

Belgin Aksoy, a Turkish businesswoman and wellness advocate, established Global Wellness Day in 2012. Aksoy imagined a day where individuals could give priority to their health and happiness, no matter where they were around the world. Her vision was to create a day that would inspire people to stop and consider their lifestyle choices and how they impact their well-being.

The slogan of Global Wellness Day is “one day can change your whole life”, which reflects the belief that even small changes can lead to positive and significant improvements in our well-being, contributing to enhancing our health and happiness. Each year a theme is established for Global Wellness Day, and in 2024 the theme is #MagentaNature which has individuals joining in on social media, highlighting their initiatives to better their health and well-being. This theme symbolises the importance of reconnecting with nature during a time when nature tourism has become a major trend in the travel industry (Berg, 2024). This day encourages and pushes everyone to adopt seven key steps toward creating a better, healthier, and happier life:

  1. Walk for an hour.
  2. Drink more water.
  3. Avoid using plastic bottles.
  4. Eat healthy food.
  5. Do a good deed.
  6. Have a family dinner.
  7. Go to bed by 10 pm.

Global Wellness Day is celebrated around the world in over 100 countries marked with various events and activities designed to promote well-being. Let’s take a look at how we can participate in this global movement and make a difference in our lives and community:

  1. Disconnect to Reconnect

As we are powered by and are living in a digital age, it is important to take some breaks from our screens. Global Wellness Day can be our opportunity to disconnect from technology for a bit and reconnect with loved ones, nature, and ourselves.

  1. Get Active

Physical activity is an essential part of our wellness. Whether it is walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing, let’s find an activity that we enjoy and commit to moving our bodies. Aiming for at least an hour of exercise can get our blood pumping and lift our spirits through movement.

  1. Nourish the Body

We must pay close attention to what we are feeding our bodies. Opt for the nutritious and delicious whole foods that can fuel our bodies and minds. Consider coming together with friends and family and preparing a healthy feast with fresh vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.

  1. Practice Mindfulness

Take some time out of the day to get some mindfulness and meditation in. These mental well-being practices can help reduce stress, improve our focus, and enhance our overall health. Even engaging in a few minutes of deep breathing or mindful reflection can invite significant differences into our lives.

  1. Join a Community Event

Some wonderful communities and organisations conduct events such as fitness camps, wellness workshops, meditation classes, and yoga sessions. Participating in these events can help boost our health and help us connect with like-minded individuals, building a sense of community and empowerment.

Remember Global Wellness Day is more than just a day – it is an initiative to encourage us to live better every day. Incorporating principles of wellness into our daily routines can create a healthier and happier world for ourselves as well as the generations to come. As we celebrate this day, let us keep in mind that wellness is a journey, not a destination. It is about making consistent and progressive positive changes that can enhance our physical, mental, and emotional health. So, let’s take a step towards wellness and join the global community in recognizing this day that is dedicated to our well-being. After all, one day can change your whole life!

References:

Global Wellness Day. (2024, June 8). Global Wellness Day. https://www.globalwellnessday.org/

Berg, R. (2024, June 3). Celebrating Global Wellness Day 2024 With Founder Belgin Aksoy. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronaberg/2024/06/01/celebrating-global-wellness-day-2024-with-founder-belgin-aksoy/

Global Wellness Day. (n.d.). https://www.health.gov.bb/event/87

Celebrating Global Wellness Day: Family Activities for Health and Happiness | Tutor Doctor. (2024, June 2). Tutor Doctor. Retrieved June 23, 2024, from https://www.tutordoctor.co.uk/blog/2024/june/celebrating-global-wellness-day-family-activities-for-health-and-happiness/

Cherylle. (2024, June 20). Global Wellness Day: 3 Practical Tips to Enhance Your Overall Health – Methodist College Kuala Lumpur. Methodist College Kuala Lumpur. https://mckl.edu.my/2024/06/07/global-wellness-day-3-easy-tips-for-better-health/Wellable. (2024, May 30). Practical Ways to Make Global Wellness Day Meaningful at Work. Wellable. https://www.wellable.co/blog/global-wellness-day-at-work/