The fourth annual World Wellness Weekend is upon us! We asked Founder Jean-Guy de Gabriac to share his thoughts on wellness and why it matters now more than ever. Here’s what he shared.
Wellness Starts with “We”
People need wellness now more than ever—physical wellness, mental wellness, emotional wellness, and social wellness—and we need to strengthen our immune systems. We can do that by being more active and finding moments of calm each day, even if brief, to build resiliency.
Wellness does not start with “me,” but with “we.” We should become the artisans of healthier and more vibrant lifestyles. Wellness does not just help us to survive, it helps us to thrive. This is the goal of World Wellness Weekend that will be celebrated this weekend, September 19th to 20th. Those participating in the World Wellness Weekend are encouraged to take the Wellness Pledge and positively impact the lives of people near or far, through solidarity and a sense of purpose. The pledge encourages those to team up with a “wellness buddy” to ripple the benefits of enhanced wellbeing.
What professionals do in spas, beauty salons, and fitness clubs is essential for the wellbeing of humanity.
While [spa] businesses in some countries are reopening with restrictions (Asia and Europe), some are still in lockdown with the first wave of Covid-19 (Central and South America). and some are partly reopening and then closing again (USA and Australia). Through all of this confusion among governments’ agendas and fluctuating regulations, we can either do the best we can, in our respective countries, when it is allowed and safe to reopen, or we can show a united front in 100+ countries during the fourth World Wellness Weekend and share the same message.
Why Wellness Matters
It is safe for people to return to their favorite spas and beauty salons; it is essential to boost their vitality; it is vital to manage stress and pacify busy minds through serenity and resiliency, as the next wave to hit humanity may be loneliness, isolation, and depression. John Hopkins University announced that since March 2020, over 600,000 people have died because of complications from Covid-19—especially those with co-morbidity (such as obesity and diabetes). The World Health Organization estimates that each year, chronic diseases prematurely claim the lives of 32 million people (60 percent of all deaths). Because of cancer, strokes, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiac and pulmonary diseases, one person in the world dies prematurely every 0.9 seconds.
Spas & the Wellbeing of Humanity
Doctors and nurses are the first line of responders facing the coronavirus. Spas should be the second line of responders, helping people towards vibrant health, inspiring and empowering people towards the best version of themselves. It should be our duty to guide people to try new wellness activities, treatments and programs; to guide people to switch towards healthier lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases. Why are wellness professionals important? Because what professionals do in spas, beauty salons, and fitness clubs is essential for the wellbeing of humanity. In these times of uncertainty, the most important factor of your success is not location, but vocation. Your expertise matters. Your passion matters. Your connection with your team and local citizens matters.
Together, let’s make some noise about how important wellness is. Let’s make people sign up online and organize an urban run or host a yoga session in a park or on the beach. Let’s encourage people, professionals, and cities to post photos and videos that bring a smile from one ear to the other (even behind a mask). Let’s make them want to walk, run, hike, bike, dance—and to experience the joy of how great it feels to be well. Together let’s make a noise about wellness—not just #WellnessForAll, but also #WellnessByAll.
World Wellness Weekend Hospitality & Spa Support
Despite the many challenges related to Covid-19, wellness professionals and venues around the globe are actively preparing fun, free, and meaningful activities (both on-site and online) for World Wellness Weekend on Sept 19th to 20th. Here are a few examples of involvement:
•On a corporate level: The Taj group of hotels (50+ participating hotels), MSpa International (18 Anantara resorts in 11 countries), Mandara Spas (strong digital support).
•On a venue basis from the following groups: Accor, Corinthia, Four Seasons, GOCO Hospitality, Healing Hotels of the World, Hilton, Jumeirah, Kempinski, Mandarin Oriental, Marriott, Renaissance, Shangri-La, Six Senses, Waldorf Astoria, Westin, and WTS International.
•Some iconic venues: Kamalaya Koh Samui, Fiveelements, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Euphoria Retreat.
•Partnerships with major brands like Les Mills (World United) and Wanderlust (Milan)
•The planting of 600,000+ trees in Brazil.
• An online exhibition of “Arts & Wellness” with a Project Director of World Health Organization.
Learn more about how you can become involved in World Wellness Weekend.