Wellnessta

wellnessta

CES 2019 Show Guide

Introduction Remember when Femtech was a brand-new term nobody knew? It feels like we have been using this word forever, but it has been around for less than a decade! Yet the history of products, technologies, and services addressing health issues specific or prevalent to women started long ago, ages before this umbrella term was first used in 2016 to address this rapidly evolving market. Since then, this industry has had major plot twists, from Maven Clinic becoming the first unicorn in 2021 to venture capital infusions shaking up the game; the sector is sizzling hot! Femtech And let us give a thumbs-up to the growing acceptance and issues. It is no longer a niche but a booming market, with its size estimated at over $55 billion in 2022 and . de-stigmatization of women’s health expected to surpass $100 billion by 2030 Why is it important to me? I am a digital tech specialist coming from the Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning field with a rich background in building and successfully deploying voice recognition, AI cameras, and virtual assistant products catering to millions. Lately, I have shifted my focus, stepping into the intriguing world of Femtech and healthcare drawn by the promise of AI to simplify and enhance healthcare solutions, changing stagnant approaches to women’s healthcare through daring initiatives. With this article providing a thoughtful inquiry into how advanced technologies like LLMs shape modern healthcare and Femtech, I invite you to join me on this exciting journey. Together, we will take a look at how boosts the Femtech market and sift through the new directions and strategies reshaping this burgeoning sector. Our aim will be not only to learn about the tendencies of the industry but also to identify key patterns that could offer thrilling opportunities. And so, if you are curious like me about how novel technologies improve healthcare experiences for women and what strategic footholds exist in the Femtech market, let us dive in and explore. AI/ML Current trends and thrilling developments in Femtech In the last few years, the Femtech sector has been undergoing a transformative shift. Gone are the days when Femtech products predominantly focused on menstrual cycle tracking and fertility planning. Today, the industry is blossoming with more specialized solutions, from advanced home-testing kits to cutting-edge wearables. Technological advances have attracted a range of strong players in a multitude of niche markets, each aiming to revolutionize different aspects of women’s health. 1. From Basic Tracking to Comprehensive Health Solutions Take Sonio, a Paris-based Femtech firm. They recently received FDA clearance for their AI product, Sonio Detect, which aims to redefine prenatal ultrasounds. What sets Sonio apart is its manufacturer-independent tool that simplifies the screening process while raising its efficiency and accuracy, offering an easy-to-use yet powerful solution. San Francisco startup Mira is pioneering another monumental shift in Femtech by embedding lab technology into a handheld fertility monitor. With a user base exceeding 76,000, Mira’s advanced fluorescent detector goes beyond traditional ovulation kits. The technology allows for daily health checks and has accumulated an impressive amount of data — over 8.5 million hormone data points and analysis of more than 670,000 menstrual cycles. With AI-driven insights into hormone fluctuations, Mira is offering more personalized and accurate predictions than ever before, quite literally putting a mini hormone lab in the palms of its users. Recently, The Inc. placed Mira at number 437 on its 2023 list of fastest-growing private companies in the US, ranking it the highest among Femtech companies. More complex products that require significant medical research are also quickly gaining momentum. Teal Health exemplifies this with its recent $8.8 million seed funding round, backed by prominent investors like Emerson Collective and Serena Ventures. The funds aim to build a comprehensive platform, starting with the crucial issue of cervical cancer. women’s telemedicine 2. The Rise of Wearable Innovations Wearable technology is another frontier where Femtech is making significant strides. One famous example is Bloomlife, a clinically validated diagnostic device for pregnant women that allows future mothers to track contractions, giving them a better awareness of their progress. Movano Health has captured attention with its Evie Ring — a wearable gadget currently under examination by the FDA. Upon receiving FDA clearance, the Evie Ring will have the potential to set new standards in women’s health monitoring, offering an integrated, round-the-clock health monitoring and tracking solution right at the user’s fingertips. Ava, a fertility and pregnancy tracking bracelet with an accuracy rate of over 90%, has already been cleared by the FDA. Established in 2014, well before we even started using the term ‘Femtech,’ Ava is a prime example of a successful Femtech startup. Having attracted over $42 million in funding, the company reported to have helped over 70 thousand women in 36 countries to get pregnant by 2020. 3. The Expansion to Different Age Groups One of the noteworthy trends in Femtech recently is the surge in startups focusing on menopause. According to Female Insights, over 30% of companies in this sector were founded in the last three years alone. This uptick is accompanied by increasing diversity in the types of solutions being offered to tackle menopausal symptoms — from mobile apps that track hormones and symptoms and platforms facilitating user interaction and community building to consumer goods and therapeutic medications. According to Pubmed, by 2030, up to 1.2 billion women will be in or approaching menopause globally, with 47 million new women joining every year. By 2025, it is estimated that over 1 billion people worldwide—about 12% of the population—will be going through menopause. Financially, the menopause product market was valued at $15 billion in 2020 and is projected to skyrocket to $23 billion by 2028. These figures illustrate a maturing market with significant financial potential, underscoring why it has become a magnet for innovation and investment. An Irish startup, IdentifyHer, offers menopausal women sensor solutions. Controlled through a smartphone app, the sensor passively gathers information on menopause symptoms without interfering with the wearer's daily activities. The app also makes use of the data gathered to track progress and assess the effectiveness of lifestyle changes. The collected data is presented in periodic reports and can be used by medical professionals to diagnose and treat menopausal symptoms. AI-driven Midday is another customized menopause product developed by US-based startup Lisa Health that offers comprehensive management of the menopause journey. Midday’s solution, including a wearable device, an AI-based symptom tracking system, and a decision support tool for hormone therapy, uses advanced tracking to determine the menopause stage and anticipate symptoms. The app is used by doctors to manage the entire menopause process and provide decision support, while users are provided with a variety of therapeutic options and informational resources to give them personalized insights and get them ready for every stage of menopause. 4. Going Beyond Just Health Although Femtech is considered, first of all, a rising star in the Medtech industry, the possibilities of women-oriented digital technology products are not limited to healthcare alone. Recently, the term started to see new applications, one of which is Women’s Safety. Indian startup Shakti Wearables manufactures Shakti, a women’s defensive wearable device that increases women's safety in dangerous situations. When the wearer activates the button on the device, a small, non-lethal current is released, electrifying an attacker, while the internal insulation of the bangle keeps the wearer safe; this gives women a chance to flee their attackers and call for assistance. Additionally, Shakti sends the wearer's most important three contacts a WhatsApp message with their most recent live location. Another interesting personal safety app is being developed by Australian startup Safely, offering women peer-to-peer support in tense or frightening circumstances. With their contacts, users of the app can create private groups or circles for internal communication and location sharing. In case of emergency, users can also switch on the high-alert mode and notify each of their designated guardians. The app then uses live monitoring, records live video and audio, sends GPS updates, and saves all of this data to the cloud for later use as evidence. Additionally, users receive safety alerts from locations of interest to help them plan their commute or travel safely. Expanding healthcare’s reach with new technologies The world of healthcare is rapidly evolving, especially when it comes to Femtech. This dynamic transformation is powered by modern innovative technologies that are reshaping how women engage with healthcare and how healthcare providers offer services tailored to them. 1. The Personalization Revolution Fueled by LLMs One of the most disruptive advancements in this domain is the rise of Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and GPT-4. Far from being a mere tech fad, LLMs are revolutionizing healthcare, with Femtech embracing this new technology. LLMs have the potential to serve as virtual nursing assistants, supporting busy doctors in responding to patients' basic queries about medications or health conditions. As you will see from the examples below, LLMs are proving to be instrumental in facilitating the creation of highly promising Femtech products, from personalized consulting products to innovative community engagement tools. One of the most intriguing examples of the implementation of this technology in Femtech is Soula, a Cyprus-based startup that provides women with support during pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood with its "AI-powered" assistant. Powered by Med-PaLM, an LLM developed by Google to generate answers to medical questions, the app is expected to be able to respond to inquiries about pregnancies and maternity issues and provide information on a range of health-related concerns. It will also be able to answer questions about diet, sleep, physical activity, and emotional self-care, as well as track fetal movement and kick frequency. Mexican startup Kuna utilizes an LLM-powered chatbot to give women a secure way to access information and advice on parenting and sexual health. The startup's , Kuna Chat, offers details on sex, reproduction, pregnancy, and parenthood. The startup also provides online consultations with experts for more complex or difficult questions. In this way, Kuna encourages sex education for the uneducated while offering trustworthy, practical, and concrete answers to users' queries. AI-powered chatbot 2. Cost-Effective Health Management An extraordinarily important aspect of building successful medical products is to make services affordable to the customer, reaching broader but less solvent user segments and geographies. In this vein, Femtech offers not only personalized but also cost-effective healthcare solutions. Apps often provide free basic versions, with premium services available through subscription fees. Quite obviously, the use of LLMs trained on medical data sets and specialized in specific product cases can provide a boost to the more affordable cost of the products themselves. For example, the Ava fertility bracelet mentioned in the previous section of this article costs around $249 in the U.S., and the accompanying app is free with the bracelet purchase. When considering that the average cost of infertility treatment in the U.S. is around $11,000—often not covered by basic healthcare plans—Femtech presents a more affordable starting point for many women. 3. Breaking Barriers in Remote and Rural Areas Digital technology in Femtech is also crucial for improving healthcare access in remote and rural areas, especially in low- or middle-income countries in Africa and Asia — two regions with the highest female populations. Femtech provides innovative solutions such as virtual prenatal visits and remote monitoring, to manage their health more cost-effectively, regardless of their location. empowering women One successful example of such a product is M♡THer – a virtual care product facilitating the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus by measuring blood glucose levels, blood pressure, weight, and more. GDM affects up to 20% of pregnant women, leading to various birth complications, and M♡THer, developed by the Australia E-Health Research Centre, has already benefited thousands of women in remote areas of the region. 4. A Multifaceted Approach to Chronic Diseases Femtech is not solely about reproductive health; it also targets female-specific chronic diseases through a mix of prevention, societal change, and technology. Mobile apps and wearable devices make it easier to manage and monitor conditions over time, a vital component of tackling chronic diseases that affect women disproportionately. To name an example of a health issue specific to women, it is estimated that 1 in 10 women have endometriosis – the growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus that can cause significant problems from pelvic pain to infertility. DotLab, a US-based medical diagnostics company, pioneers medical tests in this area, applying machine learning mechanisms to diagnose and assess this currently incurable disease. On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, Kheiron Medical Technologies, a UK Medtech startup, combines data science and radiology to help with the diagnosis of breast cancer, another terrible disease affecting predominantly women. According to published clinical trial results, the company’s breakthrough technology achieves previously unseen heights in malignancy detection in breast cancer screening. Applied Conclusions Recent years have shown rapid exponential growth in the number of Femtech companies and products, both through the use of innovative technologies and through the discovery of more and more new applications and solutions. With the Femtech market estimated to reach an imposing $100 billion globally by 2030, it is one of the areas of the modern technology economy that is expected to provide maximum lucrative opportunities for new bright ideas and prosperous businesses in the coming years. While deciding whether to follow this attractive route, aspiring Femtech entrepreneurs should consider the following market characteristics. While there are highly competitive niches in the Femtech market, specifically well-established fields like menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking, there are also areas that are more attractive for entry. Examples of such areas include app-controlled wearables and menopause management. The largest share of the global women’s health market surprisingly pertains to chronic women’s health conditions (forecast to reach $218 billion by 2027), and only 1 percent of existing Femtech companies address this area. Did you hear that? That is an opportunity knocking. AI and specifically Large Language Models can be a powerful boost for Femtech products as (a) with proper customization, LLMs assist in scaling the product or service itself and strengthen the core part of the product, and (b) they provide magnificent tools for community development, and the community is said to be the most important part of a product! Organic communities built around products are both a way of monetization and a tool that increases retention, helping build durable community-led growth. Taking into account the fact that the Femtech market is rapidly developing with a simultaneous increase in competition, and given the general market conditions (in particular, subscription applications revenues are currently declining; even if positive dynamics have remained in the Medtech segment, it has become more difficult to attract and retain users), companies need to be cost-efficient and provide a highly personalized, secure service to survive and rise above the competitors. A relevant and extremely effective tool employed by more and more technology startups for achieving these goals, again, is AI technologies. Whether it's addressing questions about menstrual health, pregnancy, or chronic conditions, LLMs can fill the information gap quickly and efficiently. Statistically, only 6% of Femtech companies used AI in 2021, mostly in diagnostics and data analytics, and while this share has seen stable growth over the years, there is enough room for new inspired ideas and success stories in this area. All in all, the advent of heralds an exciting era for Femtech entrepreneurs. LLMs have the potential to revolutionize user engagement and content delivery, supporting busy healthcare professionals by handling preliminary patient communication, serving as virtual nursing assistants or health advisors, and simply bringing a personalized touch to technology. With cutting-edge AI technologies charging Femtech products, humanity has the chance to drastically improve the efficiency of the entire healthcare system catering to women. Finally, there is a chance to overcome the millennia-old barriers plaguing this area of medicine, such as high costs, gender bias, stigmatization of women's health-related topics, and a lack of resources. Large Language Models Powered by the latest technological advancements, Femtech waits for its next hero — and it may be you!

Beyond Wellness: How Femtech is Shaping the Future of Women's Healthcare

সুস্থতার বাইরে: কীভাবে ফেমটেক মহিলাদের স্বাস্থ্যসেবার ভবিষ্যত গঠন করছে

Beyond Wellness: Wie Femtech die Zukunft der Frauengesundheit gestaltet

Más allá del bienestar: cómo Femtech está dando forma al futuro de la atención médica de las mujeres

Au-delà du bien-être : comment Femtech façonne l'avenir des soins de santé des femmes

कल्याण से परे: कैसे फेमटेक महिलाओं के स्वास्थ्य देखभाल के भविष्य को आकार दे रहा है

ウェルネスを超えて: フェムテックが女性のヘルスケアの未来をどのように形作るか

웰니스를 넘어서: Femtech가 여성 건강 관리의 미래를 형성하는 방법

Além do bem-estar: como a Femtech está moldando o futuro da saúde feminina

За пределами здоровья: как Femtech формирует будущее женского здравоохранения

Wellness'ın Ötesinde: Femtech Kadın Sağlığı Hizmetlerinin Geleceğini Nasıl Şekillendiriyor?

Ngoài sức khỏe: Femtech đang định hình tương lai của ngành chăm sóc sức khỏe phụ nữ như thế nào

超越健康：Femtech 如何塑造女性医疗保健的未来

“The wellness industry has been booming” is a sentence that has been written over and over in the last few years. Let’s face it, wellness isn’t just booming, it’s here to stay, and is becoming a central part of people’s lives. Looking back, it’s not hard to see why. In a world where stress and burnout are all too common, people are turning to self-care and preventative health measures to stay healthy and happy. There are many things that make wellness trends so appealing. First, many of them emphasize a do-it-yourself kind of mentality, with practical hacks that are accessible and easy to apply. On the flip side, many wellness trends claim to give you tremendous results quickly. Many of them are either too optimistic or simply negligent. And the truth is, for some wellness trends, following hacks of online suggestions can mean gambling with your mental or physical health. But what is wellness, really? The term “Wellness” encompasses a holistic approach to health that addresses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. That means that wellness isn’t just about the absence of illness or about emotional stability. It is a state in which each one of these aspects of our lives is nurtured and healthy. Physical wellness includes exercise, proper nutrition, and getting enough sleep. Mental wellness includes stress management, mindfulness, and therapy. Emotional wellness includes self-care, self-compassion, and healthy relationships. Overall, wellness is a lifelong journey that involves making conscious choices and taking deliberate actions to improve and maintain good health. The wellness sector itself has seen significant growth in the past few years. According to , the global wellness economy was worth $4.5 trillion in 2018, and it's expected to grow by 5-10% annually. the Global Wellness Institute Separating the good from the bad Every year dozens of new wellness trends populate our social media feeds and spread like fire. Many of them can be very beneficial to our lives, are easy to follow, and can have a real impact on our well-being. Some of them just don’t work, and are even potentially dangerous. So how can you tell between a trend to try and a trend to ditch? When it comes to wellness trends, it can be tough to know which ones are worth your time and money. Here are a few tips to help you distinguish between beneficial and ineffective wellness trends: Scientific evidence: Try to look for solid evidence to support the claims being made. If there is little to no evidence, or the evidence is questionable, then it's best to approach it with caution. Personal experience: Everyone's body is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. Before trying a new wellness trend, it's important to consider your personal health and wellness goals. Does the trend align with those goals? Has it worked for others who have similar goals and health concerns? If the answer is yes, then it may be worth a try. Sustainability: Consider whether the wellness trend is sustainable over the long term. Is it something that you can realistically incorporate into your daily routine? Will it be costly or time-consuming? If the answer is no, then it may not be worth the effort. The credibility of the source: Is it a reputable health or wellness organization, or is it an individual or company with a vested interest in promoting the trend? If the source is not credible, then the trend may not be either. So whether you're a seasoned wellness guru or just getting started on your journey, we’re here to help separate the good and the bad and help you focus on the things that matter. From mindfulness to plant-based diets to the latest fitness crazes, there's always something new and exciting to discover in the world of wellness. So, let's get started and find out what 2023 has in store for us! Try: Sleep syncing “Sleep syncing” is rapidly becoming one of the most talked about wellness trends out there. The good news: there is a lot of evidence that shows that it can actually help your sleep and, as a result, improve your physical and mental health. Sleep syncing means adjusting your sleep cycle with your . Your circadian rhythm (eg, sleep-wake cycle) is your internal body clock that follows a 24-hour cycle. Influenced by light and dark, it controls hormone release such as melatonin and your digestive enzymes. circadian rhythm Essentially, the principle of sleep syncing is a regulated sleep-wake cycle over 24 hours in itself can tremendously improve your sleep. The other great thing about sleep syncing is that it’s a relatively easy habit to adopt, and can have an incredibly positive effect. Here are a few tips for syncing your sleep to your daily routine. Wake up at the same time every day Get exposed to sunlight in the morning Avoid caffeine after midday Avoid heavy meals 3-4 hours before bed Cut back on screens before bed Create a bedtime routine Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet Try: Cycle syncing This one is only relevant to those of us who menstruate. Similarly to sleep syncing, Cycle Syncing is the practice of adapting your daily activity: working out, eating habits, work schedule, social life, and physical intimacy, to your body’s natural monthly cycle. Specifically, it means understanding the four phases of the cycle - follicular, ovulation, luteal, and menstrual - and how each of them affects our physical and mental state. This one is another well-researched and proven trend. According to many women’s health experts, as our body is constantly fluctuating, so is our ability and motivation fluctuates. With this realization in mind, we understand that for most female bodies, doing the same activity at the same intensity every day is not exactly effective. Here is some information on each phase of the cycle, and what is recommended for that phase: During this phase, your estrogen is on the rise. Rest is key. Prioritize soft and relaxing activities rather than pushing yourself. Dring soothing tea, limit fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, and salty foods. Menstrual: Gradually restart your body. Keep exercises to hiking, light runs, or more flow-based yoga that works up a sweat. Try to incorporate foods that will metabolize estrogen, such as broccoli sprouts, kimchi, and sauerkraut. Follicular: Your testosterone and estrogen are peaking, so now is the time to maximize your potential. Try exercises high-intensity workouts or a spin class, and eat anti-inflammatory foods that support your liver, such as whole fruits, vegetables, and almonds. Ovulation: During this time, progesterone rises as testosterone and estrogen deplete, which means your body is preparing for another period cycle, and energy levels may be low. It’s a good idea to opt for strength training, pilates, and more intense versions of yoga. Eat foods that can help produce serotonin, such as leafy greens, quinoa, spinach, and dark chocolate. Luteal: Ditch:  ‘What I eat in a day’ videos If you’re a wellness enthusiast, your Instagram reels feed or Tiktok for you page must be filled with these videos: “an omelet, green juice, a matcha latte for breakfast. A gluten-free sandwich. Baked salmon for dinner. Etc. etc.”. The “What I eat in a day” reel (and the less common, but more stressful ‘what I drank in a day’ reel) is a 15 to 30-second compilation of what some wellness influencer claim they ate over the course of the day. The dishes featured in these videos are usually highly curated, beautifully shot, often organic, home-cooked, and seemingly very healthy. These videos, watched by millions, often promote unrealistic lifestyles and an unhealthy body image. The main problem is, they promote a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, an aspirational goal that, for many, simply isn’t reachable. Whether they show accurate documentation of a daily diet, or a highly curated one, another problem with these videos is the hyper-healthy image they present. While for many wellness influencers, curating a healthy, organic, home-cooked diet is their paid profession, not everybody can invest that time, money, and energy into their daily nutrition. This can lead to guilt and discourage people from creating their own healthy habits. Try:  Micro workouts Physical exercise is extremely important for our physical and mental well-being. Not only does it strengthen our body, but it improves our mood, helps with focus and motivation, and can also be a social activity and improve relationships. The problem is, in a fast pace society, many people find it hard to find the time and energy to maintain a workout routine. In a world where the awareness of the importance of physical exercise is growing, many feel the pressure to intensely work-out, which is often unsustainable. If you relate, micro workouts are the wellness trend for you. Micro workouts are quick, one-minute dances or fitness challenges you can often find on Tiktok or Instagram. Micro workouts remove the time barrier, and for some people also the money barrier, which prevents so many people from incorporating healthy and achievable work-out habits in their daily lives. These bite-size low-intensity workouts make it easier to add more movement into more moments throughout the day. Micro workouts can include a morning dance, a quick set of squats before lunch, and a 10-minute yoga session before bed to help you destress. These short fitness sessions can have a great impact on your physical health and add some necessary movement to your life. Try: Mini meditations When most of us think of meditation, we imagine a formal setting, with a mediator or a guide, where everyone is sitting quietly for at least 20 minutes, focusing on their breathing. In mindfulness meditation, when upsetting thoughts, sensations, or feelings interfere, as they always do, experienced meditators learn to notice them, let them pass by, and then return to paying attention to the breath. There is a lot of evidence for the benefits of mindfulness meditation. Studies suggest that meditating can improve heart health and mental health, boost immune response, lower stress, decrease blood pressure, improve healthy aging of cells, and much more. However, many people find it difficult, or sometimes intimidating, to incorporate a meditation practice into their lives. Similarly to micro-workouts, Mini-meditations involve learning how to be mindful but in shorter intervals. Using short and less demanding mindfulness exercises, you too can enjoy the benefits of mindfulness in your life. Here are some examples of bite-size mindfulness exercises: Take one or more deep breaths. Put your emotions into words. Choose one activity to do with mindful attention. Practice watching your thoughts pass by as if you were watching a parade. Recite a calming motto, mantra, or prayer. Ditch:  Soft Life Originating in the Nigerian influencer community, the term “soft life” or “soft era” describes living a life of enjoyment and comfort, while limiting stress. With millions of views and counting on TikTok, there’s no shortage of content depicting the stress-free popularized as the response to the hustle and “girlboss” culture of the 2010s. #softlife While the principles of soft life can be very positive: prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and criticism of work culture, it is often painting an unattainable, and even extravagant picture. Many “soft life” influencers showcase exotic locations, fine dining, luxury goods, and most of all, less work. Unfortunately, this version of soft life is privileged and seen as an ideal to aspire to, which can be harmful. Combined with the “quiet quitting” trend that started in 2021, the soft life influencers can often have a negative impact on viewers, by presenting privileged and often unattainable circumstances as achievable goals that are “the right way to live”. The right lesson to take from this trend is, small changes in our daily lives, an emphasis on self-care, and making intentional choices that take our wellness into consideration, is a good philosophy to have. In other words, living a soft life is subjective, and anyone can experience it differently according to their circumstances. The purpose should not be completely rejecting struggle, stress, or sadness because most of us can’t. Instead, it is to develop resilience, and a safe space for ourselves in the hectic world we live in. Try: Digital Detox The frequent use of technology in our daily lives has been linked to heightened attention-deficit symptoms, impaired emotional and social intelligence, technology addiction, social isolation, impaired brain development, and disrupted sleep in some cases. Most of us have felt it directly, and know how to identify the impact technology can have on our wellness. While technology isn’t inherently bad, if it interferes with your work, relationships, mental and physical health, or finances, it might be a good idea to try and regulate your usage. Digital detox is a trend that offers cutting down daily usage, to become conscious of its effects and get some relief. Strategies such as scheduling time away from screens throughout the day, adjusting your phone settings to limit certain apps, creating no-phone areas, or even downgrading your phone plan, can help limit your phone use and provide a much-needed mental relief. Read more about the importance of digital detox The lead image for this article was generated by HackerNoon's AI Image Generator via the prompt "people smiling in a garden"

Wellness Trends to Try, and to Ditch, in 2023

In today's digital age, technology has transformed the way we live and work, leading to excessive use that can take a toll on our mental and physical health. However, wellness retreats provide a much-needed break from the "digital grind," offering an opportunity to disconnect, recharge, and prioritize mental and physical health. Wellness retreats are immersive experiences that focus on delivering a general sense of well-being and can be tailored to different needs and interests. They range from yoga and meditation retreats to wellness and spa retreats, located in secluded natural environments or bustling urban areas, and can last from a few days to several weeks. Retreats offer a range of activities, from mindfulness practices and fitness classes to healthy cooking workshops and spa treatments, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. They can also foster personal growth and connect individuals with like-minded people. There are wellness retreats offering everything between yoga and meditation, hot springs spa, wellness sailing cruises, and more. Choosing the right wellness retreat can be a daunting task, but it is important to research and select one that aligns with your goals and interests. Choosing the Right Wellness Retreat Personal preferences, such as location, duration, and budget, as well as the specific programs and activities offered at each retreat. Some retreats may focus more on physical fitness, while others may prioritize mental health and mindfulness practices. It's important to consider your goals and what you hope to achieve from the retreat. Additionally, it's a good idea to research the retreat's accommodations and amenities to ensure that they align with your comfort level and preferences. For example, some retreats may offer more basic accommodations, while others may provide luxury accommodations and spa treatments. It's also helpful to read reviews and testimonials from previous retreat participants to get a sense of their experiences and the overall quality of the retreat. This can give you a better idea of what to expect and whether the retreat is right for you. Popular Wellness Retreat Destinations I went ahead and asked multiple travel and wellness experts from HARO (Help a Reporter Out) and Qwoted, and this is what they had to say. A yoga retreat in Bali, where I spent a week practicing yoga, meditating, and exploring the island's beautiful natural landscapes. The retreat was led by knowledgeable and caring teachers who guided us through challenging but rewarding classes, and the daily schedule allowed plenty of time for relaxation and reflection. A weekend at a hot springs spa in California, where I soaked in healing mineral waters, enjoyed massages and other spa treatments, and indulged in healthy and delicious meals. The peaceful and serene surroundings made it easy to unwind and let go of stress and tension. -Lieu Dang, Marketing Manager at Ling App The Best Wellness Retreat is hands down The Haven Wellness Resort & Spa in Panama. Reason is because it has one of the nicest wellness retreats that I always recommend is in Boquete, Panama.  It’s a boutique spa complete with a yoga and meditation studio.  It’s a complete wellness center.  They only have a handful of rooms with a beautiful scenery.  I recommend the garden suite.  I have hosted several yoga retreats here. And the best Yoga retreat is Himalayan Institute in Honesdale. The beautiful grounds there give space for you to retreat within and deepen your practice.  My daughters and I have gone on personal yoga retreats her many times, and we always experience some type of growth and revelation in the sacred grounds. -Steph Ball-Mitchell from Online Yoga School My name is Val Streif, and I work for GetMyBoat, a boat rental marketplace with a mobile app. Think "Airbnb," but for boat rentals and charters. Our mission is to make all types of on-the-water experiences more accessible worldwide. Regarding wellness, boating might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but you'd be surprised at the therapeutic offerings available. Everything from this plant-based wellness sailing cruise to the Bahamas to stand-up paddleboard yoga classes, to spa and massages on a private yacht, there are many wonderful, relaxing ways to enjoy the water on your travels in 2023. You can find and book these experiences right on your phone with our app! -Val Streif from GetMyBoat My number one spot for relaxation is Bali, Indonesia - Bali has a thriving wellness culture, and it's no surprise that there are many yoga retreats on this Indonesian island. The beautiful scenery, including rice paddies, mountains, and beaches, make it an ideal place to practice yoga and meditation. There are many world-class retreat centers in Bali, such as the Yoga Barn, Radiantly Alive, and Soulshine Bali. -Sam Helmy from PointsPanda Conclusion Wellness retreats offer a much-needed break from the demands of modern life and can provide an opportunity to prioritize mental and physical health. By disconnecting from technology and engaging in mindfulness practices, physical activity, and healthy eating, participants can improve their overall well-being and gain a fresh perspective on life. When choosing a retreat, it's important to consider factors such as the type of retreat, location, duration, price, and accommodations to ensure a positive experience.

Escape the Digital Grind: How Wellness Retreats Offer a Refreshing Break

With the consistently developing prevalence of shrewd innovation, it's nothing unexpected that this kind of innovation is being involved increasingly more in compulsion recuperation and psychological wellness treatment. You can utilize savvy innovation to help individuals recuperating from fixation keep focused and help those with emotional wellness conditions in dealing with their condition. In this article, we'll take a gander at a portion of the manners in which that smart innovation is being utilized in addiction centers like . Native American Addiction Center Here is the rundown. To Increment Public Information About Recuperation Places You might advance offices for habit recovery utilizing innovation. You might use innovation to change the way that numerous people don't have any idea where to go for dependence treatment. Psychological wellness treatment offices can contact people who need help by utilizing designated notices with the help of a medication recovery promoting firm. To contact a bigger crowd, they may likewise promote their administrations by means of virtual entertainment sites, applications, and stages. With this, more individuals will actually want to acquire the help they require and begin along the way to recuperation. This is essential, particularly in this day and age where individuals depend vigorously on the web for nearly everything. By doing this, it is ensured that everybody approaches the data they require. Concerning and Treatment Furthermore, treatment and recuperation programs themselves can utilize state-of-the-art innovation. There are a few techniques for doing this. To follow progress, use applications and sites, reproduce certifiable circumstances with augmented reality, and get support, user chatbots are the absolute most famous procedures. Applications, all things considered, can be utilized in programs for recuperating from compulsion. A portion of the more notable ones are pressure-easing journaling applications like The Very Beginning, rest following applications like Rest Cycle, and care contemplation applications like Headspace or Quiet, which assist with peopling keep even-tempered over the course of the day. To Connect Those Looking for Recuperation with Those in Comparable Circumstances Brilliant innovation may likewise be utilized to connect those in recuperation with different people going through a comparable encounter. Through gatherings, support gatherings, and web-based entertainment destinations, you might accomplish this. For individuals who are new to recuperation and looking for the motivation they expect to traverse the difficult times and remain focused, this kind of association might be massively helpful. With this, people going through habit treatment could feel less alone and alone as they leave on their mending interaction. This will make it workable for them to get help at whatever point they do, which is critical for engaging infections like medication abuse or psychological wellness issues like misery. Supporting Others in Remaining focused Individuals should follow their treatment plan to completely recuperate. By giving them the devices and assets they should be considered responsible, savvy innovation might assist people with remaining on track. Using wellness trackers is one technique for doing this. These contraptions, which track movement levels, pulses, rest cycles, and different things, are worn around the wrist or appended to garments. Specialists can all the more precisely choose the proper course of treatment with the utilization of this information, as well as assess how well a patient is answering their program. Keeps up With Patient Records By logging information, innovation can likewise screen patients. This is invaluable for both the patient and the clinical office. The quantity of continuous days an individual has gone to gatherings or treatment meetings, for example, could be followed by a treatment office. Data of this nature is essential for deciding how well individuals are advancing through their recuperation program and whether they need extra help. Innovation can likewise be utilized to follow an individual's days level-headed and the quantity of gatherings they go to every day, which is useful for the people who are simply beginning in recuperation since it shows that achievement is conceivable with reliable exertion. To Permit Relatives To Speak With Their Friends and family For those recuperating from habit, correspondence with relatives is essential. By giving relatives admittance to data about their cherished one's treatment plan, savvy innovation can work with this correspondence. A few offices give a site page where family members can sign in and mind their cherished one's advancement, the sort of treatment they are getting, and some other pertinent subtleties. Subsequently, relatives can encounter a feeling of contribution in the mending system and realize that their cherished one is never alone while getting care. With regard to recuperating from enslavement, savvy innovation offers a few benefits. With the utilization of innovation, individuals might stay on target, help support from those going through comparative conditions, and keep up with records for worked on tolerant consideration. Innovation empowers families to stay in contact with their friends and family and participate in the recuperating system. Hence, anybody chasing after compulsion treatment should utilize every one of the apparatuses available to them, including current innovation.

How Technology Is Disrupting Mental Wellness in Recovery Centers

I meditate in my office. I have a tea corner. I grow plants. To my current coworkers, I am very conscious about my mental well-being while at work. However, I did not always consider the office a place where I could practice mindfulness and take an active role in my mental well-being. Taking days is just the tip of the iceberg. I am sharing 10 practical ways to embrace mindfulness, focus on wellness, and maintain your mental well-being while in the office. mental health 1. Create a morning ritual for the office Instead of diving straight into piles of paperwork or emails after the morning rush hour, take a moment to ease into your workday focused and relaxed. For example, my morning ritual consists of watering my plants, brewing a fresh cup of loose-leaf tea, and reading a short devotional. I sip my tea, listen to peaceful gospel or classical music as I eat breakfast, and prioritize my to-do list. A simple morning ritual when you arrive in the office is the perfect way to control how you start your workday. 2. Stretch or do Desk Yoga and rest your eyes When working primarily behind a computer screen, our bodies build up tension. Shoulders. Neck. Legs. Eyes. The stress and stiffness can even lead to pain. Try these desk stretches or desk yoga poses when you are starting to feel tense or just need a boost of energy. Don’t forget to relax your eyes by following the 20–20–20 rule. 3. Take shorter breaks more often Working hard is a psychological cost, especially when working on tedious or complex tasks. You will get tired, lose your ability to think creatively and start making more mistakes without taking breaks. Many fool ourselves into thinking we are too busy to take breaks. We aren’t. Breaks are necessary to improve attention, increase energy, and retain information. Try using the Pomodoro Method to increase your productivity by working on one task for 25- minutes and taking a 5-minute non-work-related break. Pivot between focused working periods and short breaks. Every 4th cycle, take a 20–30 minute break. 4. Be realistic about your to-do list If you are like me, you may have the tendency to overfill your to-do list and find yourself dissatisfied or overwhelmed by the number of items remaining that will spill over into the next day. If left unchecked, this can become a vicious cycle of feeling like you are playing catch-up more often than not. By utilizing the Pomodoro Method I mentioned earlier, you will learn how long specific tasks will take you to complete. After learning this intel about yourself, you can effectively schedule the tasks you prioritized during your morning routine between meetings. 5. Stop multitasking! In a nutshell, multitasking is not just inefficient but also stressful! Switching your focus back and forth from one task and its objectives to another can cost you up to 40% productivity time. Coupled with your to-do list (see above), this can lead you back down the path into the vicious cycle of feeling like you are continuously playing catch up. 6. Find time to meditate or breathe The beauty of meditation is this. You can literally meditate anywhere, almost at any time. Learning to meditate is simple: just breathe and pay attention to the rhythm of your breath. An easy way to get started with meditation or breathwork in the office is by creating a sign that reads “Meditation in Progress” and placing it on your office door or your cubicle. Set aside 1 minute or even 5–10 minutes to yourself. Take a moment to note how you are currently feeling, without judgment, and then just breathe. One of my favorite apps for guided meditations is Headspace. 7. Leave work at work In a previous job, during the busier seasons, I found myself often unable to fall asleep because my mind was racing about what I needed to accomplish at work. I even had the occasional vivid dream about work! I ultimately decided I needed to create better barriers between my work life and home life. My first step was removing emails from my phone. Not all of us are fortunate to have a job where your boss is okay with waiting for your reply until the next working day. If this is your current situation, you can still create barriers between work and home life by making rules about when, where, and how you are willing to work while at home. For instance, no working in the bedroom. Another is no working from 6 to 8 PM, and all work ceases by 10 PM. 8. Make your office your home away from home While creating boundaries for work outside of the office, it is equally important to create an environment in which we are comfortable while at work. Therefore, you should not be afraid to show your personality and add personal touches to make your office feel more like a home away from home. I have plenty of plants in my office, a painting, pictures of my spouse and me, and an accent lamp. Bring elements into your office that will contribute to your happiness, creativity, focus, and relaxation. 9. Volunteer to coordinate quarterly wellness activities I currently work in an office that hosts quarterly wellness activities for employees in the various departments we work closely with. One quarter we took a morning stroll outside. In another quarter, we painted during lunch. Quarterly wellness activities for the office are a great way to get to know your coworkers and a fantastic way to start introducing wellness into your office culture. 10. Talk to your boss about mental health Talking to your boss about your mental health or even utilizing a mental health day can be difficult. However, it can also be one of the most important conversations you will have during your career with your boss. Also published on Teamblind’s blog

10 Ways to Promote Wellness in the Workplace

This Slogging thread by Akasha Rose, Limarc Ambalina, Lavinia Osbourne and Michiel Mulders occurred in slogging's official #amas channel, and has been edited for readability. Akasha Rose Aug 24, 2021, 7:00 PM Let's welcome Lavinia Osbourne, the award-winning host and founder of Women in Blockchain Talks, an award-winning networking and educational platform that shines a spotlight on dynamic women in the Blockchain ecosystem. In her work, Lavinia aims to attract both non-technical as well as technically skilled women into this exciting and innovative space. Even though the WiBT community is female-led and orientated, the community is open to ALL genders. With her background in financial wellness, Lavinia brings with her a desire to uplift individuals financially, professionally, and personally, giving those in her community a new way of thinking about their money, career and life opportunities. Women in Blockchain Talks as a "social impact" company, and with their diversity and inclusivity campaign - " - as a vehicle to drive change, Lavinia is on a mission to decrease the gender gap as well as increase diversity in the Blockchain, Tech, and Entrepreneurship sphere. This AMA will be open for the next 48 hours. Please keep your questions and replies in this thread! 50k Women into Blockchain by 2023" Limarc Ambalina Aug 25, 2021, 3:18 AM Hi Lavinia! Thanks for joining us 🤗 1 Limarc Ambalina Aug 25, 2021, 3:19 AM Do you think NFTs are just the next crypto/blockchain buzzword that will soon die out or are they here to stay? Lavinia Osbourne Aug 25, 2021, 8:57 AM They are 100% here to stay! As a user on twitter recently said... "Imagine dialling back time and collect all the first-gen Pokemon cards, the Runescape party hats, vintage cars, the first/early art pieces from the greatest artists, That's literally what we can do right now with NFTs. The whole collector niche is being reset - digital.” I couldn't agree more... Also, as someone who focuses and amplifies the importance of diversity, I believe they are a pathway to bringing in and attracting more women into the scene. This is never a bad thing! :) https://cointelegraph.com/news/nfts-can-be-a-good-pathway-to-draw-women-into-crypto-says-lavinia-osbourne/amp Lavinia Osbourne Aug 25, 2021, 8:58 AM Akasha Rose would you believe that I wrote a response to Limarc Ambalina nearly 3hrs ago but did not press enter :woman-facepalming:😜:woman-facepalming:😜:woman-facepalming:😜:woman-facepalming: 🔥 1 💚 1 Akasha Rose Aug 25, 2021, 8:58 AM Who have been your favourite guests on your podcast? Are there any episodes you recommend we listen to and why? Lavinia Osbourne Aug 25, 2021, 9:07 AM I loved my interview with Anthony Day from IBM. The way he breaks down Blockchain and its uses was just mind-blowing for me. I have to say there is a different scope and feel when interviewing men which I love bringing to the WiBT community. Remember, we are female-led and female-focused but opne to ALL genders. I really enjoyed my podcast with WiBT's community engagement manager, Quinn Button. And finally, interviewing my old school friend and Grammy award-winning Musician, Imogen Heap, who has been a long time advocate of Blockchain was awesome. :) All these podcast episodes can be found on Spotify, Apple and Google as well as other podcast platforms. http://womeninblockchaintalks.libsyn.com/website :slogging-slack-blogging: 1 Michiel Mulders Aug 25, 2021, 9:43 AM Do you think fractionalized NFTs will become a major success? Do you think we will see other forms of NFT ownership or constructions? Lavinia Osbourne Aug 25, 2021, 9:51 AM Yes I do. Nfts are very community orientated so it makes sense for a group of people to come together and invest in these sort of assets together, in a legally binding way. It is for this reason that the idea and premise behind property tokenisation is so popular. We are right at the beginning of this new asset class, so concepts we have not even thought about will be brought to the table. I hope that answers your question. 💚 1 Akasha Rose Aug 25, 2021, 10:09 AM What's financial wellness mean to you and what are the biggest mistakes (and comparative opportunities) people are making with their money right now? Limarc Ambalina Aug 25, 2021, 12:24 PM Why do you think NFTs have grown to where they are now? History has shown that there are niches of people who value digital goods. People have been paying for digital goods on video games and virtual spaces since the early days of Habbo Hotel, Neopets, Runescape, etc. But there is a huge difference between those microtransactions to digital assets being valued in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Why do you think we are more and more assignign value to digital goods that we can't hold in our hands? Lavinia Osbourne Aug 25, 2021, 8:51 PM Financial Wellness incorporates financial literacy, education and wellbeing. Each one individually will lead to financial wellness. So, what financial wellness means to me is an understanding of how money works, how to make it work fie me and feeling good about my decision around my finances, with my finances because I know, no matter what, I am always improving on my self and (financial) situation. We are living in challenging times. Times like these are what we save for. So, I think if people are able to pay their bills then they are doing something right. I do think people need to educate themselves more on the different opportunities around Crypto, Defo and NFTs. Lavinia Osbourne Aug 25, 2021, 8:58 PM Great question Limarc. I think there is something to be said, or even valuable, about being the “first”, even though being the "first"  comes with its own pressure and doubts. Even so, I would argue that the desire to be first, or be “one” of the first to own something that is classed as a “first '', especially in regards to Collectibles is driving the growth in the NFT Market. Limarc Ambalina Aug 26, 2021, 1:52 AM One of my biggest worries with NFTs is the same that I've been seeing in the retro video game collectibles market. People would pay anywhere from $60-$100 to purchase a retro game that is somewhat rare, and then companies see that there is a dollar to be made and end up reprinting those games to capitalize on that demand they saw, driving the value of them down. Are there any practices you know of put in place in NFT markets to stop creators from simply going "oh I just sold 1000 of these NFTs for $1000 each. Let's release another 1000" Lavinia Osbourne Aug 26, 2021, 2:10 AM No there isn't. Or I am not aware of anything in place. If projects did this then they would be burning their own reputation. The blockchain ultimately records the providence and proof of an NFT, so similarly to the first edition of a Harry Potter book, for example, no matter the number of reprints, those first editions will still have value. I hope that answers your question :) 🔥 1 💯 1 Akasha Rose Aug 26, 2021, 2:23 AM Hey I hear you are dropping an NFT collection this week  - what is it, and what effect do gas fees have on the future of NFTs? Will people swap to other blockchain solutions for NFTs from Ethereum? Akasha Rose Aug 26, 2021, 7:31 AM Also, I've heard that platforms like Rarible are swapping to a model where gas fees are paid at the point of purchase rather than listing - do you think that will make a difference in the adoption by creators of NFTs and greater loyalty to the Ethereum protocol? Limarc Ambalina Aug 26, 2021, 9:39 AM Thanks for your great answers! My question is similar to Akasha’s. I’ve just started diving into NFT platforms like The Sandbox and CryptoKitties and the BIGGEST blocker I think for newcomers once they get settled are the high and volatile Ethereum gas fees. Sometimes the gas fees were twice as expensive as the actual NFT! Is there any end in sight to this problem? Akasha Rose Aug 26, 2021, 10:35 AM For non-premium NFTs it definitely makes more sense to have them on blockchains that have very low gas fees. Akasha Rose Aug 26, 2021, 10:35 AM The gas fees on Ethereum really only make sense for enterprise/business level NFTs or premium pieces. Lavinia Osbourne Aug 26, 2021, 2:09 PM Hi lovelies, great questions which I'm excited to answer in a little while. Thank you for your patience. :partying_face:🤗:partying_face:🤗:partying_face:🤗:partying_face: Limarc Ambalina Aug 26, 2021, 4:17 PM Take your time there is no rush. Lavinia Osbourne Aug 26, 2021, 7:21 PM Right! I'm back! lol! Akasha Rose yes I am dropping an NFT! I am very excited about it! Also very nervous! I was so nervous I became overwhelmed and just retreated in myself....actually my head! I got in my own way! Something I advise others, especially women, not to do! Life is for living and a part of living is stepping out of one's comfort zone. You never know what is on the other side of being brave!! So, my NFT is a utility-backed one meaning that it comes with products and services, such as my "How to Create Your Own NFT" recording with Masha Vyazenskaya from Rarible - one of the top NFT platforms in the space, plus others. This product is stand-alone so you can purchase it without the NFT- to find out more and purchase! With that being said, my NFT is special in it is own right because of what it stands for ; the fact only 13 will be minted, so by bidding for it, purchasing it, it will be a statement of an individual's stand for diversity and inclusivity in the space. I have written a Medium article about this but I have not published it yet. When I do I will share it here! It has been a busy week! Limarc Ambalina in regards to your question about gas fees, my plan was to mint my NFT on Rarible but due to the gas fees ($1444 plus!!!) I had to delay it. I am now looking at alternative ways to mint including lazy minting which basically means you pay the gas fee once you have sold your NFT. Of course, there are other platforms you can mint on such as Polygon (formerly known as Matic) where the fees are much lower or $0. Rarible will be adding a "layer 2" to help reduce the fees, they are aware, as all the other "Ethereum based" platforms, that gas fees could prove a hindrance to the mass adoption of NFTs and thus inclusivity in the space. Enterprise or not, I don't think anyone really wants to be paying such high gas fees!!!! 🙂 I hope I have answered all your questions in this one comment :) https://wibt.mykajabi.com/offers/e8V5yGnP "A Woman in Blockchain & Business" Akasha Rose Aug 27, 2021, 12:17 AM Yeah, I reckon! $1444 in gas fees would make anyone baulk! That only makes sense for transactions worth millions. Akasha Rose Aug 27, 2021, 3:37 AM Hey as you come up to the second anniversary of WiBT, can you reflect for us on what lessons have been learnt? And what does the future hold? Lavinia Osbourne Aug 27, 2021, 3:03 PM Ohhhh! Great question. Let me think and come back to you. Thank you for asking.... Lavinia Osbourne Aug 28, 2021, 7:49 AM Akasha Rose Once again, thanks for the great question. The last two years have gone by quickly. The pandemic obviously underpinned this and for the business, the focused and restricted time was good for it. Over the years as an entrepreneur, I had developed a number of digital and online skills so pivoting my monthly events (meetups) online was done with more or less ease. Finding the right platform was key and I found it with Airmeet! That changed everything! In doing all of this, it allowed me to open up my audience from a local arena to a global one. For this, I am grateful. Don't be afraid of change! Be willing to adapt! And roll with the punches! As well as look for the blessing in all of your lessons. Pivoting online did come with its challenges and I got burnt out! I had to cancel an event (July) and take some time out. I realised I needed help not only to manage the event process but in order to grow. Taking time out does not make you a failure! Asking for help does not make you a failure! It simply makes you human. Sometimes our worst enemy is our self! The truth of the matter is nothing that is for you will go past you! So keep doing the "do" whatever that is, and trust the journey! Realising and acknowledging the above I started looking for a VA. I found the super-duper, business savvy, get it done, bright and bubbly Kelly, CEO of The List Whisper. In the year that we have worked together, she has changed me - she proved to me I could let go and give someone just as capable if not more so, the reins to key aspects of WiBT. She has added soooooo much value to WiBT in regards to asset and system creation, look and feel. She has been and still is my right-hand person. She cares and in caring about me and WiBT I know she has my back and that I am not totally alone. The entrepreneurial journey is and can be very lonely. So, this truly matters! Appreciate good people around! This includes not only Kelly but my two advisors, all the interns who have worked with WiBT this last year and all the community members and individuals who have reshared a post, wrote a supportive comment, asked how they can help and got involved! It truly makes a difference! Again, I am truly grateful for that. It is also very important that you are willing to let go, and trust, so you can grow and thus your business will grow. Since working with Kelly, in addition to the monthly events and WiBT Telegram group, we created a bi-monthly newsletter, a blog, website, a blogger programme, a Membership programme, a Corporate Membership programme, a Podcast, a diversity Job Board promotion female talent and blockchain jobs, an online community, a Discord channel and something I am most proud of - a global diversity and inclusivity campaign - She also helped me close a sponsorship deal with April 6 - A global award-winning industry specialist in Mobility, Technology, and Science making moments that matter for brands shaping the future. They have been so supportive and nurturing of me and WiBT, and for this, I will be forever grateful! Be willing to try new things, create new things - some things will work great, some won't. You learn from each success and failure but either way, you simply keep on moving!!! Oh! And have fun with it! It is a privilege to do/work in and create something that you feel passionate about! Not many are brave enough to do it (because it is hard!!!!!) or are allowed to do it, as seen in certain parts of the world such as Afghanistan. Well, I am so excited about the future and the pivots we are making to accommodate R&D and thus continued growth. Women in Blockchain is here to stay for the long term! Our 2nd-anniversary event is coming up on 22nd September and it will be our first physical event since February 2020!!!!!! It is going to be held at Rise London, created by Barclays, which is in Shoreditch aka The Silicon Roundabout, London, UK. It is in collaboration with Women in Technology, Barclays and our two guest speakers are , Editor in Cheif at CoinTelegraph and UK President of the Government Blockchain Association (GBA).  It is going to be a great event both at the venue and online via Airmeet We have a number of exciting, game-changing announcements on the day, so to know what they are, you will have to register for the event here. What I will say is that we are definitely going more global as illustrated by the recent announcement of our new WiBT Middle East Ambassador, Randa Al Rifai NFTs are going to play a big part in our future, so again a lot of developments for the business, the WiBT community, our Membership and hopefully the community at large. all in a positive way. If anyone reading this wishes to join my FREE WiBT community then you can by Takeaway lesson(s): Takeaway lesson(s): Takeaway lesson(s): https://Campaign.womeninblockchaintalks.com . Takeaway lesson(s): So what now? So, what of the future?! Kristina Lucrezia Corner Priya Gulian, https://community.womeninblockchaintalks.com ! Thank you for reading and being part of my "Slogging" experience. 🔥 1 Akasha Rose Aug 28, 2021, 10:55 AM Thanks so much for joining us for Slogging any last thoughts? How can people follow you and get involved in learning more? Lavinia Osbourne Aug 28, 2021, 11:06 AM Follow me on my socials and groups by going here - For upcoming and up to date information on events, products and masterclasses you can go here - 🙏🙏🙏😊🙏🙏🙏 https://linktr.ee/WiBT https://links.womeninblockchaintalks.com 💚 1

Women in Blockchain Talks, NFTs, and Financial Wellness with Lavinia Osbourne

Employee wellness programs have become a staple in many companies as a way to attract top talent, keep them happy and productive, and decrease employee turnover. Especially in top tech companies attempting to attract top Millenial talent. 80% of employees at companies with wellness programs at work feel engaged and cared for by their employers. The key to having a successful wellness program at work is encouraging overall wellbeing while still keeping it fun. If you can’t get your team engaged, then your wellness program ideas will quickly lose steam. So make your initiatives fun, try new ideas, and see what your team values the most. Here are some amazing employee wellness program ideas that you can implement right now! 1. Monday Motivation sessions Help your employees gear up for a long week by starting Mondays with a powerful motivation session. This will go a long way in boosting their morale and supporting their mental well being. 2. Health resources and newsletters Start a company newsletter highlighting the importance of health and wellness at the workplace. Introducing new ideas around fitness, nutrition, and wellness education can make your employees more aware and sensitive towards them. 3. Flexible working hours Remember that your employees have a life outside of work, which is why the least you can do for them is to . Whether they’re working from home or at your workplace, as usual, make sure you respect their work hours. provide flexible work hours 4. Encourage breaks The workplace can become a breeding ground for stress. And this can impact even your most hardworking and productive employees. Ask your employees to take short breaks between long work hours. 5. Yoga days Partner with a trainer or professional organization to organize a yoga workshop (once or twice a month) at your office. 6. Promote and reward healthy eating habits Encourage healthy eating habits at the workplace. You can hold healthy eating challenges and reward people who manage to ditch the packet of chips for fruits. 7. Cooking challenges Let your employees have a potluck of healthy recipes cooked by themselves. Let the office vote for the best. 8. Incentivize smoking cessation Incentivize your employees to quit smoking. Research suggests that financially motivated staff is more successful at quitting than non-incentivized. 9. Go meatless day Meat rich diets are linked to inflammatory diseases and are bad news for the planet. Ask employees to go meatless at least a day of the week. 10. Promote sleep The most underrated key to wellness is a goodnight’s sleep. Invite experts and conduct webinars or sessions to promote the importance of sleep. 11. 8-Glasses of water challenge Make your employees track the days they have at least eight glasses of water. The winner at the end of the week wins the reward! 12. Make your office pet-friendly Allowing pets in the office can help in reducing stress and making people friendlier. Work/life balance is valuable for employees, and bringing one’s dog or cat to work can help employees feel they are closer to achieving that balance. 13. Create a high five board Put up the names of your employees on a board. Bring some magnetic hi-five hands and ask employees to move them to the side of the employee who did something positive. 14. Walking meetings Take your meetings to a brief walk instead of a boring room. Let your employees breathe in the fresh air. 15. Healthy meals in the office Offer healthy lunches and snacks to your employees. These perks make a big difference in how they feel about their company. 16. Group outings Probably one of the best wellness activities for groups you can do is group outings. Arrange a group dinner or sports day to build a bond with them outside the work. 17. Volunteer days Take some of your employees to volunteer for a cause every month. Not only will this be an excellent group physical exercise, but it also encourages team bonding. 18. Take stairs challenge Make your employees ditch the elevator and switch to stairs for a healthy lifestyle. Post a note near the elevator reminding people to take the stairs instead. 19. Organize a book club To encourage your employees to read, you can start a virtual book club. It will enable them to engage in critical thinking and be open to differing opinions. 20. Fun games and activities Ask your employees to participate in fun games and activities and make your office a fun place to work. Let them rejuvenate and bring out their competitive sides. 21. Reward loyal employees Offer special perks to your old employees to make them happy and engaged. Your loyal employees are your most valuable assets, and long service also needs to be properly recognized and rewarded. Previously published at https://www.springworks.in/blog/employee-wellness-program-ideas/

Implement These 21 Employee Wellness Program Ideas For Better Retention

Interesting times, we live in. Scrolling through social media can be a stark reminder of harsh realities. It's easy to get lost in the noise and challenges of being a person in the world today. Maybe you've resorted to self-soothing by eating cheap fries and acting like a couch potato, maybe more often than you like to admit. Well, I'm here to tell you health problems you incur in the future (as a result of your pandemic coping mechanisms) could leave a bigger hole in your pocket than Elon's left in the crypto community. When you're ready to start focusing on your fitness again, you're likely to faced with another challenge: information overload. There are so many conversations around the topics health and wellness, and that's how it should be: health and wellness are extremely broad concepts. And there's no one-size-fits-all. To help you define what wellness means for , I'll be sharing The Seven Scope Framework for approaching your personal wellness in a holistic and customised way. you When doctors talk about being healthy, they do not mean not being sick. Health is beyond the physical; it extends to the social, physical, and mental well-being of an individual. It should be the goal of everyone to achieve good health. Wellness is living a lifestyle that is centered on being healthy. For example; a clean diet, mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and regular drinking of water are components of wellness. Think of wellness as everything you can do to achieve and maintain good health. When Did People Start Practising Wellness? Human beings have always sought out ways to improve their health from the days of the Greek philosophers to date. In 1950, an American physician by the name of Halbert Dunn coined the word, "wellness" by integrating wellbeing and fitness. Subsequently, in 1990 an American sports physician by the name of Kenneth.H.Cooper released his book on wellness titled . Aerobics Program For Total Well Being In his book, he emphasized the fact that in exercise for maintaining good health. In his words: wellness is a lifestyle, and consistency is important "Exercise is a journey, not a destination. It must be continued for the rest of your life. We do not stop exercising because we grow old - we grow old because we stop exercising." These days, social media has provided a good platform for health workers, physical trainers, and nutritionists to educate people on how to achieve and maintain good health. Some websites and applications are designed to help people understand exactly what wellness means. If you search Product Hunt right now, you'll find a plethora of apps aiming to help users understand the concept of Wellness in more effective ways; , , and to name but a few. The Wellness App Wellnest Buddy What is the Seven Scope Framework for Wellness? The scope of wellness is quite broad: there are many aspects to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In the seven scope classification, wellness is divided into seven components: Spiritual, Physical, Mental, Environmental, Career, Intellectual and Emotional components. The Seven Scopes and 21 Apps to Help You Attain Them Each component has its own significance and unique contribution to sustaining a sense of wellness, in varying ways for each individual. The is concerned with maintaining internal peace and harmony by surrendering to a force or purpose greater and bigger than yourself, on an individual level. The concept of spiritual wellness is quite controversial, but there is a clear correlation between faith, happiness, and good health. Apps like , , and are used to maintain spiritual wellness. Spiritual Scope of Wellness Gaia ConZentrate Spirit Junkie The involves taking care of your body and maintaining an amount of physical activity that is required for good health, but not enough to cause fatigue. The basic components of the physical scope of wellness are diet, rest, and exercise. , , and are great apps for keeping fit and healthy. Physical Scope of Wellness MyFitnessPal 10K Runner 30 Days Exercise at Home is concerned with how well you react to stress, how you feel about yourself, and how you interact with people. Maintaining mental wellness may involve meditation, engaging in hobbies, volunteering, and self-expression. , , and are apps that you can use to improve your mental health and strengthen your mind. The Mental Scope of Wellness Moodfit Happify Shine involves trying to understand your environment, protect your surroundings and contribute positively to the development of the area in which you live. , , and are mobile apps that will help you contribute positively to the preservation of our planet. The Environmental Scope of Wellness #climate Ecoviate Farmstand is engaging in work that is in line with your interests and personal values, as well as providing satisfaction for the employee. , , and are great apps for career growth and wellness. The Career Scope of Wellness VantageFit Elevate Endomondo involves having a positive mindset towards acquiring knowledge and being open-minded. , and provide opportunities to learn from the best teachers and acquire knowledge. The Intellectual Scope of Wellness TED Talks Coursera LinkedIn Learning is related to that of mental wellness. It involves self-awareness and self-acceptance, as well as the ability to adapt to stress. , and are three apps that can support you if you're looking to work towards greater self-acceptance and practice self love. The Emotional Scope of Wellness Sanvello HeadSpace TalkSpace How Can We Achieve Complete Wellness? The scope of wellness is broad: it is most likely that any given individual would be lacking in some areas of wellness. However, it is possible to improve one's state of wellness by being intentional about one's health. The journey to improving wellness is a marathon, not a sprint. Gradual consistent efforts will pay off in the long run, but they will require patience and discipline. If you're serious about increasing your sense of what wellness means, the following four tips will be helpful for you. Have a set goal in mind. As a medical student, I have realized that people who have set health goals usually achieve better health in the long run. In my opinion, if weight loss is the goal, write it down. If you want to feel better or get a job that you love, include your goal in your Notes app. Mobile applications like MyFitnessPal, Mindful, Rise, and Nike + Training can help you achieve your fitness goals. After documenting your goal, work towards it consistently. You may have a few bad days, but there will be many good days. Tell your friends and family. Accountability is very important; having someone to remind you when you are slipping up is key. Tell your friends that you have decided to eat healthier and their eye rolls when you reach for the fries will be what you need to stay in check. Ask your family to remind you to go to the gym or meditate and watch your consistency grow. Get enough rest. Fatigue and sleep deprivation are linked with stress, unhealthy eating, and angry outbursts. If you want to improve your physical and mental wellness, get the required seven to eight hours of solid sleep. You can sneak in naps from time to time so that you feel energized and ready to kick the ball. Avoid risky unhealthy behaviors. Habits such as excessive drinking, smoking, drug use, and having multiple sexual partners are not going to improve your wellness. These habits are linked with diseases, accidents, mental illness, and a shorter life span. For improved wellness, avoid risky unhealthy behaviors. Find your tribe: In the area where you live, there are people like you committed to achieving their wellness goals. Find them and watch yourself grow. Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies: The Possibility When wellness is discussed, the focus is usually on physical wellness and fitness. Beyond the toned body and ripped abs, you deserve to be happy and feel in tune with your job, home, and environment. It may seem overwhelming, having to achieve all your goals in the seven scope framework of wellness, but you are more than capable of achieving anything that you set your mind to. And getting support from today's smartest apps in never a bad idea. Having a healthy mind and body is possible; with effort and consistency, you can achieve your goal.

The 7 Scopes of Wellness and 21 Apps to Help You Attain Them

Megan was suffering from non-stop migraines for two years. She hated going to work, couldn't concentrate on her work, and was ill frequently. It took a three-week-long headache-free vacation to make her realize the reason— Toxic Work Environment. Megan quit her job. Result? Megan is 100 times happier, better, and productive at her new workplace. The best part, now she doesn’t get depressed on weekends anymore thinking about going back to work on Monday! This scenario can be common in your workplace too. Businesses have been overlooking employee wellness for a long time. Many employers don't even consider it a priority. However, amid these challenging times, things are changing for the better. Organizations begin to realize that their business health is connected with their employees' health. That's why it’s crucial to re-think your employee wellness strategies. And, here are 3 ways you can leverage technology to revamp your employee well-being strategies. Collaboration Tools Team collaboration has always been a treasure of any successful brand. But after the devastating covid outbreak, the need for workplace collaboration has become more demanding than ever. In a crisis, anxiety and work stress can make your employees more risk-averse. That’s why you need to ensure that your employees can work flexibly and freely communicate with each other, even while working remotely. However, collaboration alone can’t increase employee engagement; you have to bring technology into play. With today’s technology, you can easily use collaboration tools to create a flexible workforce. From Google Drive, Dropbox to Skype and Slack, technology can facilitate teamwork and efficiency among employees. You can also consider using project management tools like Asana, Basecamp, Trello, and Jira to seamlessly organize, share, and delegate tasks. Gamification Trying to make life at work easy for your employees? Why don’t you add some fun elements to it? Well, I’m talking about gamifying your workplace. Technically speaking, gamification is a process to implement gaming technology in the workplace to boost employee engagement. of employees stated that they feel more motivated when an organization gamifies their training. 83% Although gamification isn’t a common term in the business world, it's shocking how many organizations have already started gamifying their workplace. You can take as an example. The company gamified and digitalized its employee training process to make it more enjoyable. Deloitte trains its own employees by embedding badges, missions, leaderboards, quizzes, and video lectures into a user-friendly online platform. The company has also organized a virtual office tour, which is designed like a video game. Deloitte’s story 360 Feedback During this pandemic, nearly stated that they’re suffering from stress and anxiety most of the time. The reason could be job losses, financial problems, work burnout, or family welfare. Stress and anxiety can affect their engagement, productivity, and overall job performance. 44% of millennials and 48% of GenZ I’m trying to say that organizations have to offer support to their employees in these challenging times. You have to encourage your employees to share their problems. If you are not aware of why they’re disengaged at work, how can you come up with a solution, right? So, as an employer, it’s your responsibility to be empathetic and listen to your people. Using 360 feedback in the workplace can promote honest communication, increase self-awareness, and productivity among employees. of HR leaders agreed on the fact that constant feedback is an essential tool to increase engagement. 64% Implementing AI chatbots can also help you gather feedback and communicate with employees. The best part is, AI-powered chatbots don't frown to work 24x7! They can reach out to employees anytime and ask if they’re doing well or need help. Wrapping Up As organizations started re-opening, business leaders must have an actionable employee well-being strategy in place. Aon’s reported that improving employee well-being performance within an organization impacts customer satisfaction and retention. Although, only 55% of companies have a well-being strategy, and just 24% of companies fully integrated well-being into their business strategy. 2021 Global Wellbeing Survey As a leader, you need to ensure that employees can communicate clearly and effectively. Encourage employees to share their concerns via online surveys, digital platforms, and collaborative tools. Be empathetic and listen to the needs. It’s high time, and businesses must focus on the most popular cliché of all time— “employees are companies' most valuable assets.”

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