Cater to all of your health and well-being needs, and enjoy some well needed sun; Antigua and Barbuda wellness month

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Our fast-paced, modern lifestyle comes with its own set of challenges, chief among them being stress. The demands of work, coupled with the constant connectivity through technology, have led to a surge in stress-related health issues.

“The impact of life stress on hallmarks of aging and accelerated senescence: Connections in sickness and in health,” research conducted by Carey E. Lyons, Maria Razzoli, and  Alessandro Bartolomucci found that chronic stress is a risk factor for numerous aging-related diseases, and has been shown to shorten lifespan in humans and other social mammals. According to the researchers, in recent years, the impact of stress on health and aging has been increasingly associated with the dysregulation of the so-called hallmarks of aging. These are basic biological mechanisms that influence intrinsic cellular functions and whose alteration can lead to accelerated aging.

“I also stumbled upon an article titled, “How does chronic burnout affect dealing with weekly job demands? A test of central propositions in JD-R and COR-theories,” written by Arnold B. Bakker, Despoina Xanthopoulou, and Evangelia Demerouti (2016) This study proposed that chronic levels of job burnout may aggravate the positive relationship of weekly job demands with: week-level burnout symptoms, dysfunctional coping, and self-undermining. Specifically, they hypothesize that weekly job demands (workload and emotional demands) relate positively to maladaptive behaviors through weekly burnout symptoms.

I could pull up hundreds of studies that give prominence to the same point; stress has a profound impact on our health. As people experience the toll of demanding jobs and hectic schedules, they are increasingly turning to health and wellness practices to cope with stress and maintain a healthier balance in their lives.

What if I told you that you could cater to all of your health and well-being needs, and enjoy some well needed sun all at the same time?

The twin-island destination of Antigua and Barbuda has revealed plans for Antigua and Barbuda Wellness Month with visitors and residents invited to immerse themselves in the destination’s enriching wellness experiences as they start anew in January 2024.

Hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Antigua and Barbuda Wellness Month offers those seeking to enhance their quality of life a selection of carefully curated activities in resorts and in local communities, ranging from: wellness retreats, spa experiences, hiking trail exploration, offshore island excursions with yoga on secluded beaches, culturally immersive experiences and healthy eating options.

For those who love a challenge, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has announced two exciting challenges open to competitors of all ages for the month: the adventurous “Four corners of Antigua and Barbuda Hiking Challenge” and the invigorating “7 Minute Ice Bath Challenge.”  I am not sure about this last one, but I am sure there are a few brave souls who wouldn’t mind taking this on.

The “Four Corners of Antigua and Barbuda Hiking Challenge,” with Wadadli Trailblazers offers outdoor exploration within Antigua and Barbuda’s national parks and lush, rolling hills. Four hikes with varying degrees of difficulty will take place over the month with hikers trekking to the historic Fort Barrington, picturesque Gaynor’s Bay, and Signal Hill in addition to Barbuda’s unique Darby Cave.

Meanwhile, the “7 Minute Ice Bath Challenge,” (organized by organic wellness haven, Wellness Footprints Antigua operated by Antigua and Barbuda 2023 Wellness Champion and Wellness Ambassador Tricia Greenaway) will highlight the benefits of an ice bath. Participants taking the plunge will aim to sit in a bath filled with ice for seven minutes.  A therapeutic experience, ice baths are known to have many benefits including helping with focus and meditation, relaxation and better sleep, muscle recovery and improving mental health.

Marketing Communications Manager and Wellness Pillar team member at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Maria Blackman shares, “We are firm believers that our destination has all the assets for those wishing to lead a well lifestyle, and we are beyond excited to showcase the wellness community in Antigua and Barbuda and meet everyone beginning or continuing their wellness journey in January.” 

We’re witnessing a cultural shift where individuals are recognizing that true success involves not only professional achievements, but also physical and mental well-being. This shift has led to a reevaluation of priorities, with health and wellness taking precedence in many people’s lives. For further details on Antigua and Barbuda Wellness Month activities and additional offers go to: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com.