Belgin Aksoy, founder of the Global Wellbess Day (GWD) initiative, says that more than 100 countries and 4,000 locations will take part in the one-day event this year.
Now in its sixth year, GWD was set up to highlight the importance of wellness to a wider audience, with the motto of “one day can change your whole life”.
During the day – 10 June 2017 – complimentary wellness activities, ranging from zumba, yoga and pilates to ballet and hiking, will be organised on a huge scale across the globe.
The physical activities are supported by workshops related to wellness, covering topics such as nutrition, happiness and mindfulness.
Originating in Turkey – where the event was organised as a national scheme for the first three years – GWD “went global” in 2015 and has since secured government support in a number of countries, including India, the US, Canada, Ireland and Mexico.
"As GWD family, we are thrilled that Global Wellness Day is garnering such support worldwide,” Belgin Aksoy said. “Our ambassadors have done such an amazing job that this year we are able to expand our focus to include the goals of spreading a message of happiness, kindness, gratitude and mindfulness.
“We are also seeing an emphasis on the happiness and health of children, which continues to give me hope for the future.”
Those taking part in this year’s event include hotel and resort group Mandarin Oriental, which is planning to organise “Digital Wellness” events worldwide, encouraging people to put down their phones for a period of time and focus on their personal wellness.
Guests at Mandarin’s Oriental hotels will be prompted to disengage from and re-evaluate their relationship with technology by taking part in activity sessions, such as Tai Chi lessons.
“We love celebrating a day dedicated to personal wellness. It is a great reminder to slow down and prioritise our own wellbeing," said Jeremy McCarthy, group director of spa & wellness, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “Tai Chi is a wonderful activity to offset the adverse effects of technology. Slow, intentional movement brings us into the present moment and reconnects the mind and the body.”
Global Wellness Day is a not-for-profit initiative that is free and open to the general public. In 2016, ISPA awarded Global Wellness Day with the Innovate Award in Philanthropic Initiatives Category.
