Changing behavior can be one of the greatest challenges for humans, even when negative consequences affect our own well-being or that of others. From unhealthy eating habits to recurring emotional reactions, breaking away from unhealthy patterns is difficult. Insights from recent psychology and neuroscience research, along with wisdom from spiritual teachings, shed light on why we remain trapped in certain habits and offer strategies to help us break free.

Setting goals gives us a sense of direction and purpose, but becoming hyper-fixated on the future can cause us to lose sight of the present. When we’re not grounded in the here and now, it becomes harder to bring these goals to fruition. In this 10-minute meditation, Headspace teacher Kessonga guides you through a Noting technique to help you recognize when your mind has wandered, bringing your attention back to the present moment.

Recent studies have shown in test series how museum experiences can significantly increase mental well-being. The Austrian Federal Association for Psychotherapy estimates that around 30% of the population will struggle with psychological symptoms at some point in their lives, and more than half of Austria’s young people already suffer from depression. Immersive experiences allow people to discover their inner child and take their creativity to a whole new level, giving both mind and body a break from everyday worries

The Alentejo region, one of Portugal’s most untouched areas, has been gaining more and more attention in recent years. In particular, the small coastal village of Comporta has become a magnet for travelers seeking the antithesis of mass tourism. Nestled amidst rice fields, pine forests, and endless sandy beaches, a new form of tourism is emerging here—one centered on mindfulness, sustainability, and slow living.

Forest bathing, or “Shinrin Yoku” in Japanese, literally means “taking a bath in the atmosphere of the forest.” This nature therapy originated in Japan in the 1980s as a way to combat the rising stress levels of urban populations. It doesn’t involve actual bathing, but rather immersing oneself in the forest and fully experiencing the surroundings with all the senses.

Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1986) was an Indian philosopher and spiritual teacher whose teachings were very different from traditional religious or esoteric approaches. Throughout his life, he urged people to pursue the search for truth independently of institutions, gurus or dogmas. He believed that true change could not be achieved through external influences, but through inner understanding and radical introspection.

You don’t need great adventures or well-known destinations to find yourself. It is often the tranquil places that lead to unexpected depths and give us inner peace. Take Scheggino, for example. The medieval village lies somewhere between Rome and Rimini in the centre of Italy in fairytale Umbria. Some of the stone houses belong to the Torre del Nera, an Albergo Diffuso. A visit to the breathtaking spa in the rock is a particularly good way of finding yourself.

Imagine walking into a room full of building blocks, vivid colours and joyful music. What do you feel? A sense of lightness, perhaps a small tingle of anticipation? Or do you just think: Right, where shall I start with all this?
Maybe just allow your imagination to run wild and use them to build a house? After all, playing isn’t just for children. Play is also a valuable resource in our adult lives, but it’s so easily forgotten among all the pressure and stress.

The walk into the forest is taken literally here. Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, the Hotel des Horlogers not only offers numerous panoramic views of the surrounding sea of spruce trees, you will also come across sculptures made of branches and oversized truffles. The Horloger’s culinary table takes you a little deeper into the forest. Guests are even invited to take off their shoes to feel the moss and wood shavings on the ground with their bare feet.