A little self-care goes a long way towards taking care of your mental and emotional health.
Life is endlessly demanding, but pampering yourself every now and then can help bring some relief. We’ve rounded up some places in and near Singapore where you can manage your stress levels and find your zen again.
(Also read: 10 Mindfulness Workshops to Try in Singapore)
Forrest Yoga at Exhale
Photo: Exhale
Contrary to the name Forrest Yoga has nothing to do with being in the great outdoors – it’s actually named after it’s founder Ana Forrest. But it does reap the theraputic benefits of communing with Mother Nature.
A hatha-based pratice with Native American healing elements, you will focus on your breath while nurturing a deeper awareness of the mind and body. Extended poses are held to release any tension and improve your mental clarity. Movements like the tiger breath technique are combined with specific exercises to build core strength or to release neck tension, both areas known to hold stuck energy.
Exhale is organising a #payitforward Community Class on Oct 27 with 100 per cent of proceeds going towards providing yoga to underserved communities in Singapore. All other times they hold a regular four-week introduction workshop ($195).
Address: 230A River Valley Road
Tel: 8156 1350
Soundscape meditation at Palm Ave Float Club
Photo: Palm Float Ave
When the silence of meditating proves deafening, try a soundscape meditation, a special event happening on Oct 11. The session features monaural beats and ambient sounds mixed by local DJ Jean Reiki, and Tibetan Singing Bowls by Amanda Ling, and the use of headphones and SubPac gear (audio technology that converts sound into high fidelity vibrations that you can feel). This soundscape meditation is said to help you focus better and enter a deeper state of relaxation.
On other days, Palm Ave Float Club offers 60- and 90-minute float sessions in individual tanks filled with 500-600kg of epsom salt which aids detoxification and help to soothe the mind, body and soul.
Address: 66 Kampong Bugis, #05-01
Tel: 9151 6004
Onsen at Ikeda Spa
Photo: Ikeda Spa
The Japanese know a thing or two about crafting a zen experience and visiting the onsen is the perfect immersion. The ritual-based tradition of bathing is particularly conducive for a deeper conversation with your other half as you both unwind in the Couple Hinoki Onsen filled with mineral-rich spa water or an antioxidant matcha bath (available Nov 1 to Dec 29).
Extend the relaxation further with a 30-minute matcha body scrub made with finely milled green tea leaves before a sleep-inducing 60-minute massage is administered – the perfect #fridate. $538 per couple.
Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #05-22 Clarke Quay Central
Tel: 6388 8080
(Also read: 10 Relaxing Massages in Singapore to Relieve Sore and Stiff Muscles)
Sip & Draw at Hotel Jen
Embrace your innner child at Hotel Jen’s Sip & Draw (Oct 20 to Dec 29) session led by illustrator Rachel Tan and her lovable Tinee Dino character. Held on alternate Saturdays (3-4pm) at Makan@Jen Terrace, the hour-long session is the perfect first step to putting aside everyday stresses and focus on creating a personalised hand drawn image of your very own. $38++, inclusive of free-flow juices, house wines or beers.
Address: 277 Orchard Road
Tel: 67088851
Escape to The Sanchaya
Photo: The Sanchaya
When you can’t take a long weekend away to relax and reset, a no-hassles escape can bring about balance. Head off to Bintan, and to the picture perfect setting of Sanchaya Sundays where the only agenda is to eat, relax, catch some sun and if you wish, indulge in a few spa treatments (guests receive a 20 per cent discount) like crystal healing, reiki or oxygen facials.
Held every third Sunday of the month (upcoming sessions are Oct 21, Nov 18 and Dec 16), the experience includes a DIY Bloody Mary and Pimms station, as well as free flow beer and rosé and a exhaustive spread of food.
Plus, if you don’t feel like catching the last ferry home, just check into one of their private villas or suites and return home renewed. From $225++ per person, inclusive of return transport from Bintan Ferry Terminal. Ferry tickets from $70 per person.
Gong Meditation at Ascend Yoga Therapy
For the uninitated, gong meditation (also known as a gong bath) might sound a little off-kilter. But this form of theraputic healing uses the sound and vibrations of gongs to relieve tension and quiet the mind. The session is simple; it starts with some pranayama (breathing exercises) before the meditation exercise begins. All this is done to the sound of gongs being struck.
While reactions vary – some emerge renewed, others emotional, while some just fall asleep – the gong’s ability to transport one to a theta stage of sleep brings about a feeling of calm and focus said to last up to 48 hours. From $36.61 per drop-in class.
Address: 82 Boat Quay (Level 3)
Tel: 92330671
(Also read: Feeling Stressed? Try Laughter Yoga at Home)
