In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, from working under tight deadlines to unintentionally falling into the trap of doomscrolling and late-night drinking, it’s only human to long for a day off to switch off and relax. While short trips are often considered a great way to de-stress and feel rejuvenated, not everyone can afford the luxury of taking a few days off for a long vacation. Instead, several holistic wellness options promise a relaxing day, a much-needed break for you to recharge your batteries.
In an interview with HT, Vikaas Gutguthia, founder and MD of Soulebratation, a holistic wellness center in Delhi, listed three alternative wellness options: puppy yoga, art therapy and sound therapy.
Puppy yoga
Imagine the fun of stretching with adorable puppies climbing on your back or playfully joining in with your yoga poses. Yoga has never been so fun, with puppies pouncing on your mat, wagging their tails while rubbing their bellies, or curling up in your lap during meditation.
Vikaas Gutgutia explained its benefits: “The practice combines the physical benefits of yoga—improved flexibility, balance, and core strength—with the proven stress-relieving benefits of interacting with animals. Time spent with puppies has been shown to lower cortisol levels and increase oxytocin, the “love hormone,” contributing to an overall sense of happiness and well-being. For beginners and seasoned yogis alike, the laughter and lightheartedness that comes with puppy yoga classes is therapeutic in itself.”
READ ALSO: 9 different types of meditation
Art therapy
Channel your inner Van Gogh and Picasso by letting off steam and bringing works of art to life. Just picking up a brush and letting the canvas paint your worries is so cathartic. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone who only doodles when they’re bored, art therapy has a lot to offer for everyone.
Vikas Gutgutia explained the ancient roots of art therapy. He said: “Art therapy offers a unique pathway to healing, turning 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 by using painting, drawing, sculpture or even non-traditional materials such as leaves and twigs to help people process their emotions and find clarity.’
He shared the benefits of art therapy:
- Stress Relief – Art helps to be more calm and relaxed.
- Mindfulness improves focus and helps the mind find clarity.
- Emotional Expression – Unspoken words are sometimes best expressed in art.
- Personal growth – the process of embodying something in life creates a sense of achievement. It fosters deeper understanding and builds emotional resilience.
READ ALSO: Transform your mental health with art therapy; 10 Powerful Actions to Ease Anxiety and Depression
The sound of healing
Sound therapy engages your senses, calming the mind and body with the soothing vibrations of various instruments.
Vikaas traced the history of sound healing and said, “Sound healing is an ancient practice with roots in cultures around the world. For centuries, Tibetan monks have used singing bowls during meditation, while Australian Aborigines have used the didgeridoo as a healing instrument.’
This practice has gained popularity nowadays with several health centers that offer sound therapy to calm and relax. Vikaas went on to explain how sound healing works: “The practice uses the vibrations of instruments such as gongs, gongs and tuning forks to create deep relaxation and harmony. These vibrations spread throughout the body, which is mostly water, helping to relieve tension and calm the nervous system. Resonance can even affect brain wave activity, shifting the mind from active states to calmer, meditative states, making it easier to manage stress and gain clarity.”
Also, because sound healing works on frequencies, it is very adaptive. Vikaas elaborated, “For example, certain frequencies can meet individual needs, such as reducing anxiety, improving concentration, or promoting restful sleep. Vibrations directed at the vagus nerve help regulate the stress response, while vibrations attuned to the heart chakra promote emotional balance and self. – love”.
He advised first-timers to keep an open mind, focusing on slow, deep breathing to increase the calming effect. Regular exercise can have long-term benefits, from improved mental clarity to greater emotional resilience.
Although he cautioned that sound therapy is not for everyone. He urged people with sensitivity to sound, tinnitus or sound epilepsy to approach with caution. Likewise, pregnant individuals, especially in the first trimester, as well as those with pacemakers or certain heart and nerve conditions, are advised to consult their health care professionals before participating.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
