Mindfulness and meditation are having their moment in the health and wellness industry, and it’s no surprise. People are more stressed than ever thanks to increasing pressure at work, home and even social media (Tik Tok FOMO, anyone?). The good news is, there’s plenty of things you can do IRL and online to take care of your mental health, especially during Covid-19.
All kinds of exercise have been proven to lift your spirits, boost self-esteem, lower stress levels and improve sleep. But certain activities are more effective at improving mental health than others, such as yoga and meditation. Omm!
Stretch it out
Yoga is great for mental health because it helps you stay in the present and become more bodily aware. This type of ‘mindful movement’ is a proven stress-buster and improves concentration while calming down the nervous system. Some styles of yoga, like vinyasa, actually move with your breath to help you stretch, flow and find your zen.
Be still
Meditation is the practice of training the mind to be still for a period of time, which, for many, is harder than it sounds. But don’t despair—there are plenty of guided meditations and alternative sound therapies like gong baths that can help you disconnect completely and float away to a place of inner peace and relaxation.
Whether you have two minutes or two hours to spare, check in to these local wellness sanctuaries and studios to find your zen:
Phnom Penh Meditation Center
Situ’d in a bright breezy block in Toul Kork and led by local Cambodia teachers, come for their authentic meditation classes featuring Buddhist teachings. Loved by locals and tourists alike.
#1001, 10F, A105, Camko City, Phnom Penh, +855 1220 7104, meditationcambodia.org
Vagabond Temple
Find this perfectly posi’d meditation center for a bit of tranquil-tea in rolling green expanses in the coastal town of Kep. Train or try yoga and meditation retreats on for size, stretching from five nights to two months and take in a mix of Dharma talks, purification ceremonies, meditations and yoga sessions. Plus online resources and at-home videos to keep you going.
Road 33, Pepper Street 3, Kep, +855 08 8349 8196, info@vagabondtemple.com, vagabondtemple.com
Hariharalaya Retreat Centre
A spiritual desti for gurus and healers the world over, a trip to the conscious living retreat in the hippy-dippy commune of Rolous village means a total digital detox, silent mornings and stellar vegan eats. You’ll find what you need here. Omm!
Catch the centre’s founder and director, Joel Altman hosting a series of live online sessions about yoga, meditation and conscious living through Facebook.
Prasat Bakong (Temple), NR6, Krong, Siem Reap, hariharalaya.com
ManulifeMOVE has no association with any of the landmarks, dining venues, galleries or retailers included within this walking guide, selected by LUXE, and disclaims any liability as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
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