This week there was a forward focus in my inbox ..
1. Wellness Trends:
There is a growing focus on future trends the closer we get to a new year, and I have been reading about ‘slow fitness’ and ‘slow living’ within the wellness industry. There is talk of a shift towards preventative health practices (which is nothing particularly new I would suggest), but heightened interest in personalized wellness routines and digital fitness tools, all aimed at supporting longer, and healthier lives. From the spa industry another interesting reflection, embracing wellness offerings that emphasise intentional, low-impact practices, with a particular focus on longevity. This convergence of slow living and longevity resonates with me, as it highlights the importance of balance over speed in achieving sustainable health. I see this myself in the growing interest in practices like Qigong. As a practitioner of both meditation and Qigong (a mindful movement meditation practice) I’m very drawn to the rich history and philosophy behind these traditions, both of which emphasize longevity through consistent, mindful practice.
You can read more here: Spa Executive and Vogue Business
2. Meditation and Sleep Quality in Students:
An article from Times of India discussed a study highlighting the positive effects of meditation on sleep quality in students. The research shows that students who engage in regular meditation experience improved sleep patterns and reduced stress, which is crucial for their overall mental health. Given that many students struggle with sleep issues, meditation is presented as an effective tool for fostering better mental well-being and academic performance. The piece emphasised meditation’s growing role in supporting mental health in young populations. *From a meditation teacher viewpoint – one of the most common feedback that I get from students who start a meditation practice, is the noticeable improvement in their sleep quality and quantity! I found this very useful when I offered meditation for VCE students, meeting at their homes (with parents) to explore meditation and meditative exercises as a support tool during such a busy and stressful year .. if nothing else, improved sleep would be highly beneficial. I am thinking perhaps I should offer these again. It is always so gratifying to support youth with these ‘life tools’.
You can read more here: Improving Sleep Quality
‘Meditation in the News’ is my attempt to build a regular habit of reading, digesting and sharing some of the (many) articles and press releases that I receive daily about meditation and meditation research. I hope you enjoy!