Sleep, silence and cold could be your next vacation goals

Has this year been particularly challenging? Do you really need a break from the crowds of big city life and tourist hotspots? There are destinations, and more specifically activities, that can amplify the beneficial effects of downtime on vacation, and the science proves it!

Here are three ideas for enjoying an original vacation while relaxing and recharging your batteries so that you come back completely refreshed.

Leave the sparkling seas for the icy waters

Summer often means swimming in the (fresh) sea. But while seawater offers many benefits for the skin, ice water has been shown to benefit various aspects of mental health. It is therefore perhaps worth turning to the Nordic countries for a summer getaway, particularly in Norway, where ice baths are numerous and their benefits recognized.

Take for example the now famous Wim Hof ​​Method, named after the Dutch “Iceman” who invented it. This technique promises a state of absolute well-being and plenitude. More precisely, it combines breathing and meditation exercises with ice baths to amplify the benefits.

Many scientific studies have attributed many virtues to cold water, or more broadly to cold, particularly for the immune system and sleep. More recently, researchers have suggested that ice baths could also alleviate certain symptoms of menopause. Interested? Head to Northern Europe, of course.

Try a silent retreat

Not talking and focusing on yourself, for a few days to a week, is the objective of the silent retreats which have become all the rage on social networks in 2023. They can be an excellent way to completely disconnect, and to forget his hectic daily life for the rest of the year.

Inspired by the ancient Buddhist meditation technique Vipassana, synonymous with introspection, silent retreats are becoming more common and are priced similar to traditional vacations. These retreats often involve staying in quiet, even isolated places, where silence is golden and where phones and computers are banned.

The goal is to refocus on yourself and give new meaning to your life. But don’t think you’ll give up all activity, as silent retreats often offer meditation-related hobbies. It all depends on which one you choose.

Book a Sleep-Focused Getaway

There are now many vacation packages dedicated entirely to sleep. The idea may seem strange, but this type of break is becoming more and more popular.

The hashtag #sleeptourism, which already has more than 50 million posts on TikTok, is proof of this, as is the growing offer of sleep-related stays offered by many hotels.

The main activity of course remains rest – and in ultra-high-tech luxury beds, please – but it is also about letting yourself be tempted by activities designed to refocus on yourself, such as meditation, yoga or massage.

But unlike previous experiences, these holidays – at the seaside or in big cities – are generally reserved for a wealthy clientele. – AFP Relaxnews