Have you noticed how all the so-called health and wellbeing magazines are actually just chock full of ads for different ‘health enhancing’ products? Yes, the health industry is big bucks and companies and marketers are after your money. Well, I’d like to offer you some tips on what’s going to be hot in health for 2020 and how you can stay on track to achieve your health goals this year, without blowing your budget.
Firstly, having access to health and fitness classes on the go is continuing to be a big trend. More and more people are turning to apps and online classes to get their health and fitness fix. I know because I’m one of them. Yes, considering my relatively remote location, I find it absolutely essential to do online classes. This is what keeps me motivated and inspired. You may not be comfortable with the idea of subscribing to an online fitness channel, especially if you don’t know the teachers or styles of yoga or fitness they prescribe. The good news is I have recently released some online classes that you can do in the comfort of your home. My goal for 2020 is to continue to create more classes for you, specifically to help you with maintaining a regular yoga practice at home.
Secondly, health retreats have always been popular, but in 2020, the number and variety of retreats on offer will continue to grow. From the most basic to the luxurious, there is something for every taste. Taking the plunge and committing to a retreat is a big step. If you want to immerse yourself but don’t want to spend a whole weekend away, The Centre of Ki will be offering a series of seasonal half-day retreats throughout the year. These four-hour workshops will give you an opportunity to practise yoga, meditate, eat healthy food and learn about various health topics without having to pack your bags. For the more adventurous, we have a late summer yoga retreat coming up in February. There are a couple of spaces still available, so get in touch if you’re interested.
Thirdly, ‘self-care’ is a concept you’ve no doubt heard about, and will continue to hear about in 2020. Basically, it means taking the time to care for yourself so that you are able to cope with life and be there for others when they need you. We know self-care is important, but do we make it a habit? Whatever you do, please make sure you take the time this year to look after yourself, and where possible, make it a daily habit. Here are some things that I do to rejuvenate myself:
Massage – there are so many different types, but I love shiatsu the most. When I can’t get a shiatsu, I like to visit Wonderful Massage in Nuriootpa for a head, neck and back treatment (Tip: ask for Nelson if he’s available).
Reading – there’s nothing like taking time to read a good book and there are so many wonderful stories to be read! Join the library network and get access to thousands of books for free! YES!! FREE!!! Also, maybe you would like to join the Yoga Book Club. Every three months we read a book with a health and wellbeing focus and then discuss it on a Sunday afternoon over a cup of tea.
Walking – whether it’s around the block or up a mountain, there’s nothing like going for a walk and being in nature. Get yourself a good pair of walking shoes and go for it.
Finally, more and more research is showing the importance of gut health for overall wellbeing. For those of us in the health industry, this is something we have known for a long time (and this was known even as far back as 2000 years ago in India, China and Japan). It’s great that the science is now there to back it up. It’s really all about keeping things simple. You don’t need to buy the latest ‘super food supplements’, or go on paleo or keto diets. A whole foods diet with a variety of whole grains, fresh vegetables, some good quality protein and natural fats is all you need. And did you know that the one key to great digestion is proper chewing? Yes, that’s right. Digestion starts in the mouth and we can do a lot to support the digestive system right there by chewing our food properly. Like I said, it’s pretty simple.
So there you have it! The health trends for 2020 and some low-cost tips that will help you stay on track this year. I’d love to hear about the things you do to stay healthy. Please join the discussion and share your thoughts and suggestions in comments below.
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