Mumbai: Long before self-care became a trending topic on social media, people around the world engaged in simple yet meaningful practices to nurture their well-being. While today’s self-care routines often focus on indulgences like spa treatments or luxury wellness products, traditional self-care rituals have always been about using natural, accessible resources to restore balance and improve overall health.
Every culture has unique approaches to self-care, rooted in history and tradition. From invigorating outdoor activities to mindful relaxation techniques, these practices offer profound benefits for physical and mental well-being. Let’s explore some of the most effective and culturally rich self-care rituals from around the world—ones that you can easily incorporate into your own routine.
Here are self-care practices from around the world that you must try:
Czechs have a deep love for hiking, and for good reason. The country boasts one of the most meticulously maintained trail networks in the world, thanks to the Czech Hiking Club, which has been marking and preserving trails since 1889.
Hiking through the Bohemian countryside offers a full-body workout while also providing mental clarity and stress relief.
How to try it: Grab a comfortable pair of walking shoes, a light backpack, and some essentials, such as water, snacks, and a map, and set off for a nature walk.
Even if you don’t have access to vast trails, a walk in your local park or a nearby nature reserve can offer similar benefits.
Shinrin Yoku, which translates to ‘forest bathing,’ is a Japanese practice centred around immersing oneself in nature. Unlike hiking, this is not about covering distance but about slowing down and using all your senses to experience the environment.
Research shows that spending peaceful time in green spaces can lower stress hormones, improve immunity, and enhance focus.
How to try it: Leave your phone at home or put it on aeroplane mode. Take slow, intentional steps through a park or wooded area, paying close attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you.
Find a comfortable spot to sit, breathe deeply, and simply observe nature without distraction.
In Russia, wellness is often associated with the banya, a traditional steam bath that has been a staple of health rituals for centuries. The extreme heat of the banya, sometimes exceeding 200°F (93°C), is believed to detoxify the body, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
The experience often includes a venik treatment, where a bundle of birch or oak leaves is used to gently stimulate the skin and enhance blood flow.
How to try it: If you have access to a sauna or steam room, take advantage of its benefits. Drink warm herbal tea before and after your session to stay hydrated.
If you don’t have a sauna nearby, try a DIY steam treatment by inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water infused with eucalyptus or mint.
More than just a coffee break, fika is a cherished Swedish tradition that emphasises slowing down and connecting with others. Whether in a workplace or at home, Swedes take time out of their day to enjoy coffee and pastries in the company of friends, colleagues, or loved ones. This ritual fosters relationships, promotes relaxation, and enhances productivity.
How to try it: Schedule a daily break where you step away from work or screens to enjoy a warm beverage and a small treat. Invite a friend, family member, or coworker to join, and focus on meaningful conversation rather than multitasking.
Persian culture has long embraced rose water for its therapeutic benefits. Known for its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties, rose water has been used in skincare, culinary traditions, and even spiritual rituals. It can soothe irritated skin, refresh the senses, and add a touch of luxury to daily routines.
How to try it: Add a splash of rose water to your tea, yoghurt, or desserts. For skincare, keep a bottle of pure rose water in the fridge and spritz your face for a cooling, hydrating effect—especially on hot days.
Laughter is often called the best medicine, and Hasya Yoga (laughter yoga) brings this concept to life. Developed in the 1990s by Dr Madan Kataria, this practice involves intentional laughter exercises, combined with deep breathing techniques. Even forced laughter can trigger the release of feel-good endorphins, reduce stress, and boost the immune system.
How to try it: Gather with friends or family and engage in lighthearted conversation or joke-telling. If you prefer a structured approach, search for online laughter yoga sessions or join a local laughter club.
The Finnish concept of Kalsarikänni (literally translated as ‘pantsdrunk’) embraces the simple pleasure of unwinding at home with a drink, snacks, and a cosy atmosphere. Unlike the curated aesthetics of hygge, Kalsarikänni is about embracing comfort without external pressure or expectations.
How to try it: Set aside an evening for pure relaxation—no obligations, no distractions. Put on your comfiest clothes, grab a snack and a beverage of your choice, and allow yourself to fully enjoy doing nothing.
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Around the world, different cultures have developed simple yet effective rituals that nurture both the body and mind. Whether you choose to go on a nature walk, take a laughter yoga session, or indulge in a slow coffee break, these practices remind us that taking care of ourselves is an essential part of a balanced life.
By incorporating even one of these global self-care traditions into your routine, you can experience improved well-being and a deeper appreciation for the small joys in life. So why not try a new self-care ritual today? The world has already inspired—you just need to make it your own!
