HOLLYWOOD’S HEALTHIEST TRENDS
Celebrity-approved paths to wellness
MANTRA MEDITATION
Whether it’s to reduce anxiety or to increase energy, there’s no denying meditation has become the go-to form of mental self-care. But when it comes to A-list devotees, there’s a certain form of meditation that’s in vogue – silent mantra meditation. With its roots in the Vedic or transcendental meditation, the practice involves the use of a mantra to help calm the mind. Stars like Tom Hanks, Katy Perry, Hugh Jackman and Oprah Winfrey have all raved about the wonders it’s done for their mental wellbeing. Join the A-list by taking a guided meditation on YouTube.
GO WITH YOUR GUT
The proof that our guts have a stronghold on our health just keeps getting stronger – they don’t call it the “second brain” for nothing. The gut microbiome has been shown to impact everything from the risk of cancer and depression, to energy levels and even skin appearance. Unsurprisingly, Goop founder
Gwyneth Paltrow has been on the gut bandwagon for some time, while Cara Delevingne nurtures her microbiome by guzzling probiotics, and both Kylie and Kendall Jenner enjoy ginger-infused shots to up their gut ante. Want to try it? A good first step is to stock up on gut-friendly foods, like probiotic yoghurt, miso, sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar and tempeh.
SO HOT RIGHT NOW!
While old-school Swedish saunas have been the standard for decades, the new infrared variety warms the body from the inside out. The oh-so-LA spa craze has been shown to be up to seven times more detoxifying than regular heat, and is said to help burn calories, boost the immune system and promote glowing skin. No wonder the Kardashians, Lady Gaga, Cindy Crawford, Selena Gomez and Jennifer Aniston all boast their own at-home infrared saunas! You can try them at salons nationwide or, if you’ve got cash to splash, have one installed at home.
TAKE THE WHEEL
Looking for a way to destress and decompress in the 24/7 digital era? Pottery is being hailed as “the new yoga” thanks to its mindfulness benefits, with Brad Pitt boasting his very own studio, where Leonardo DiCaprio does regular sculpting sessions! There are pottery courses and casual classes nationwide, and even kits where you can create and destress from the comfort of your own home.
GARDEN GODDESS
Being in nature and around greenery has been scientifically proven to aid the immune system, reduce blood pressure and improve sleep. A few of the green-fingered celebs getting down and dirty in their gardens include Julia Roberts, whose organic garden takes pride of place in her solar-powered Malibu home, Jake Gyllenhaal and Drew
Barrymore. If you’re a novice gardener, speak to the experts at your local gardening shop or search “garden” on nowtolove.co.nz.