Welcome to 2023. Try These New Wellness Trends.
The Art of Luxury Living. A series of articles brought to you by AIRA Residence.
Nothing says “Happy New Year” like a set of resolutions. And clichéd as it may sound, resolutions set us up for positive change, offering new opportunities with a blank slate. For many, this means turning over a new leaf for self-improvement, especially after the season’s festive indulgences had gone into overdrive (see: holiday remorse).
However, it’s also important to note that resolutions—regardless of how well-intentioned they are–don’t always pan out. According to clinical psychologist Joseph J. Luciani, 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February. In other words, this means that the majority of us only stay committed to our intentions for a month and a half, missing the mark by only a few weeks to successfully develop a new habit, which can take anywhere between two to eight months. This “failure to launch” is perhaps the reason why the wellness industry has shifted its attention from quick fixes like dry Januaries and 30-day weight loss routines, to more mindful approaches that are more sustainable in the long run.
Further fuelled by a forced collective introspection that resulted from the pandemic, self-care trends of tomorrow are not only transformative, but also spark new perspectives on the way we lead our lives. Here are five trends to step into 2023 with a rejuvenated mind, body and soul.
#1: Sensehacking
Research has shown that by harnessing the power of our senses, we can improve our overall health and mental wellbeing. Said Charles Spence, the author of ‘Sensehacking, How to Use the Power of Your Senses for Happier, Healthier Living’, “our senses have more impact over our well-being than any of us realise. The sights, sounds, smells of the environment, both those we are aware of, and those that we are not.”
In this regard, sensehacking is more than just dousing an oil burner with the strongest aromatherapy bottle you can find. Instead, it’s surrounding yourself with stimuli that can activate certain chemical reactions. The Fragrance Garden at AIRA Residence is a great example of this, which allows residents to indulge in an olfactory celebration of native herbs like pandan and lemongrass.
#2: Skychology
Coined by psychologist Paul Conway, skychology blurs the line between psychology and… well, the skies. Strange as it may be, it turns out that the simple act of looking up can be a highly effective form of emotional self-regulation. In fact, studies have discovered that it helps to calm anxious nerves, enhance mindfulness and aids in the feeling of being present.
To practice, consider stepping out to a balcony, like the larger-than-life wraparound decks found at Tower A units of AIRA Residence. Here, with an unobstructed billion-dollar view of Kuala Lumpur, skygazers can not only fully immerse themselves in the outdoors without stepping out of their homes, but also benefit from a unique vantage point in the prestigious neighbourhood of Damansara Heights.
#3: At-home Beauty Treatments
What’s better than going to a spa? Having one at home, of course. Ever since the pandemic, beauty and skincare buffs have resorted to creating spa-like treatments indoors, running the gamut from makeshift steamrooms to mani-pedi stations. This 2023, expect this trend to go even further as brands like FaceGyms continue to offer online classes (ever heard of facial yoga?) and innovative devices bring the dermatologist experience to homes. According to Ann Marie Cousins of AMC Design, in 2023, “we will see an increase in bathrooms as wellness spaces in themselves, where homeowners can enjoy some true R&R. The new year will welcome the luxuries and amenities of hotel suites and spas into the comfort of our own homes, ranging from double-vanity units and luxurious wallpapers, to striking light fittings and swoon-worthy tiles.”
AIRA Residence is already one step ahead of the curve of this movement. Fans of fuss-free spa treatments should look no further than its on-site wellness centre, which features a dedicated massage salon and zen garden.
#4: Movement Snacks
Bite-sized exercises? Now THIS, we can get on board with. After spending most of our time in lockdown over the past few years, communities have become somewhat accustomed to mini-workouts, with others found themselves creating DIY home gym equipment with random objects (wine bottles as weights? #WineNot). But did you know, that even “incidental exercise” can be just as beneficial for your health as longer, more sustained workout sessions? In an interview, Dr. Simoné Laubscher (Wellness & Longevity Expert, founder of Rejuv Wellness and formulator at WelleCo, Elle Macpherson ingestible wellness company) noted, “the difference is that it can often be included as a part of your daily living, which makes it far easier to fit into your everyday lives. Investing in a mini-trampoline and doing 100 mini bounces at various points throughout the day to change your state and shake off stress is a great approach to weaving incidental exercise into your life.”
Luckily at AIRA Residence, the expansive floorplans make a homegym with more than one mini-trampoline a conceivable reality. But for those who like to push the boundaries of fitness a little further, there is full access to the state-of-the-art fitness centre and a 28m long swimming pool, leaving little room for excuses.
#5: Biophilic Design
While not a foreign concept in the world of interiors and architecture, biophilic design (incorporating nature with design) is set to take over 2023. “It’s no secret that introducing biophilic features into the home improves wellbeing, and when it comes to the office they can also help with increasing our attention span by grounding us,” said Joanne Evans of Homescapes in an interview. And those keen on home makeovers should certainly look at introducing organic materials like stone, wood and plants.
Case in point: the Piet Boon-designed common areas and units of AIRA Residence with its creative implementation of timbers and luxe quartz. Type B units in Tower A typify this amalgamation quite harmoniously, boasting the use of white oak timber, statement marble pieces in the bathrooms and large single piece quartz which serve as a dramatic kitchen countertop. Elsewhere in the property, reclaimed wood has been reimagined as a working table at Tower B lobby, while verdant landscapes emulate a lush tropical rainforest in the heart of a bustling city.
Here at this exclusive address of no. 8 Jalan Batai, Damansara Heights, wellbeing is more than a state of mind–it’s a lifestyle. And at each corner of AIRA Residence, tranquillity awaits. So, as you make your resolutions known for 2023, how will you choose to live intentionally?
AIRA Residence is Selangor Properties’ exemplar of ultra luxury living. This low density fully completed development is situated at 8, Jalan Batai on a hilltop in the middle of Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur’s premier neighbourhood. Designed by an international award-winning team, AIRA Residence combines style, luxury with comfort and privacy and offers spectacular views of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre skyline. Find out more about AIRA Residence and the remaining units for sale here.
