A Belize Rejuvacation for Mind, Body & Soul

by Carolee Chanona

Time away from home is the perfect time to rejuvenate. Freed from the stresses of work and monotony of your daily routine, you have the chance to relax and indulge in some self-care. Travel is often about trying new things, so on your next trip to Belize, try one of these wellness activities; they’ll both connect you with the environment and culture of your surroundings and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated in body, mind and soul. Indeed, that’s a rejuvacation we all likely need and Belize could be the answer.

Eco-Therapy

In late 2018, doctors in Scotland made the news when they started issuing “nature prescriptions” recommending such activities as bird-watching, hiking and beach walks to treat chronic illnesses including depression, anxiety, diabetes and heart disease. But there’s nothing new about so-called eco-therapy: Humans have long instinctively known that slowing down to take in our natural surroundings gives us a feeling of restoration.

colorful ocellated turkey northern Belize vacation

An Ocellated Turkey! Photo © Francis Canto Jr.

If you’re new to bird-watching, you only need to look out your window to begin to appreciate the wonder of birds. While on your rejuvacation, you can embark on a guided tour of bird-watching hot spots in Belize, from La Milpa Eco-Lodge to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Fly-Fishing

Photo via Gear Patrol
Bonefish via Gear Patrol

In our overstimulated era, the calm, meditative act of fly-fishing (the repeated action of casting a fly into the water), as well as the solitude and close connection to nature it fosters, has led to a recent spike in interest in the quiet, traditional sport, with recent studies increasing awareness of the sport’s mental health benefits. Alone with just the soothing sound of the water and the gentle pull of the line, fly fishers report feeling relaxed, de-stressed and focused. The best spots in Belize are offshore Ambergris Caye, Turneffe Reef Atoll, and Toledo, but if you’re new to the sport, you can start out with a guided experience.

 Forest Bathing

The Japanese practice of forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is concerned with immersing yourself in nature and deliberately engaging with your surroundings. The term emerged in the 1980s and was soon found to have such health benefits; these include lowered blood pressure and an improved immune system. You can practice forest bathing anywhere by simply taking a walk in the forest and tuning all of your senses to connect with what’s around you. Instead, listen to the leaves rustle, notice the sunlight filtered through the branches, and smell the air. More structured guide-led experiences are available with Dr. Rosita Arvigo, RN on her Forest Bathing Trail in San Ignacio, Cayo.

Feature photo by Quilz Tamay Photography. Article adapted from Marriott Bonvoy.

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