GLOBAL WELLNESS DAY
The fundamental purpose of the day is to direct the thoughts of both individuals and society towards living well, to make peace with oneself, pause and focus on our wellbeing and free ourselves of bad habits and stresses.
Founded in 2012 by Belgin Aksoy, Global Wellness Day is an entirely not-for-profit day, an international social project dedicated to support the universally shared dream of living a healthier and better life. The purpose of Global Wellness Day is to ask the question, even if for just one day, “How can I live a healthier and better life?”, to direct the thoughts of both individuals and society towards “living well” and to raise awareness.
Global Wellness Day, which has turned into an international movement is celebrated only with complimentary activities by millions of people on the second Saturday of June every year in over 170 countries and in tens and thousands of locations around the world simultaneously.
Global Wellness Day (GWD) is set to mark its 13th annual celebration on 8 June 2024. Global Wellness Day has received the recognition of many presidents, mayors, schools, hospitals, associations, foundations, world-renowned athletes, business people, Hollywood stars and much more.
‘Magenta Nature’ is the heart of Global Wellness Day 2024. It revolves around the central idea of reconnecting with nature. We believe that a harmonious connection with the natural world is essential for overall well-being. To us, nature is not just a place; it’s an experience that nurtures physical, mental, and spiritual health. This year, as Global Wellness Day ambassadors, we invite people worldwide to live a life in harmony with nature.
The #MagentaNature philosophy is made up of four pillars:The four pillars of #MagentaNature
• Eat Natural: Embrace nourishing natural foods, celebrating the diverse gifts nature offers.
• Be in Nature: Immerse oneself in outdoor environments, allowing the senses to revel in nature's wonders.
• Protect Nature: Take conscious steps to reduce ecological footprint and preserve the environment.
• Be in Nature (Spiritual): Engage in spiritual practices fostering a deep connection with the natural world.
Belgin Aksoy commented: “Connecting with nature is not just an activity; it's a way of thinking. Those who choose to live well come to realise that connecting with nature is also a way of life
GWD in 2024 is not just a celebration; it is a call to action, an invitation for individuals to actively participate in their own well-being and contribute to a harmonious relationship with the world around us.
Together, let us embark on this transformative journey towards a healthier, more connected, and nature-centric existence.
#1 EAT NATURA: Immerse yourself in the nourishing embrace of natural foods. Make every meal a celebration of the diverse, wholesome gifts nature provides.
#2 BE IN NATURE: Step into the realm of the outdoors, whether that’s a forest, a park or a quiet corner of the garden. Allow yourself to be surrounded by nature and let the symphony of nature’s sounds become the backdrop to daily life.
#3 PROTECT NATURE: Become an environmental guardian and take conscious steps to reduce your ecological footprint, embrace sustainable practices and contribute to the planet’s wellbeing.
#4 BE IN NATURE (SPIRITUAL): Engage in spiritual practices that foster a deep connection with the natural world, whether this be meditation, mindful contemplation or simply taking moments of stillness in a natural setting.
Global Wellness Day was celebrated in tens and thousands of locations reaching millions with complimentary activities such as Dynamic Fitness class, wellness check-ups, yoga and Zumba sessions as well as fitness challenges in Tanzania, Latin, Afro, Flamenco dance workshops and Zumba in Belgium, Qigong, Reiki, sound healing and dance workshops in Malaysia, body flow yoga, healthy snacks, Zumba and relaxing massages in Morocco, meditative dance, gratitude journaling sessions, dance-exercise, aerobics, family aqua gym, beach yoga and meditation and fun run in Vietnam and much more.
Argentina once again honoured GWD by lighting the iconic Monumento del Sembrador in Villa Elisa.
The main aims of the day are:
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To recognize the value of our lives
To pause and think, even if for just one day of the year
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To be free from the stress of everyday city life and bad habits
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To make peace with ourselves
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To raise awareness about living well and increase motivation, not just for today, but for the remaining 364 days of the year
Global Wellness Day is a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle of life, we must pause, appreciate the beauty around us and prioritise ourselves and our well-being.
As the latest appointed Global Wellness Day Ambassador of Hong Kong, it is my absolute pleasure to invite you to join us on this journey.
Keep an eye out for wellness events happening worldwide on the 8th of June, via our social media channels, and enjoy the 'In Wellness Conversations' chats where I have the pleasure to interview global wellness professionals by asking them what wellness means, and how best we could incorporate it in our life.
In Wellness,
Francesca Canzano-Franklin
Global Wellness Day
Honk Kong Ambassador
Follow the hashtag #globalwellnessday #magentanature #gwd2024 to follow what happens around the globe on June 8, or local hashtag #gwdhk #gwdhk2024