Samoens

Stress is a natural and necessary part of daily life, pushing us to perform above and beyond.  It is defined as a “physical, chemical or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension”.  Like anything in life, stress is good for us in small doses, but it can become damaging in large or persistent quantities.

With so many responsibilities, so many things to accomplish, and so little time and few resources to achieve our goals; stress levels creep upwards before we realise.  Meeting family demands and running a busy household, often whilst juggling a career, means little time is left for self-wellness.

Maybe a mountain escape is the solution to improving natural stress management without resorting to stress medication?  Samoëns is all about addressing your wellbeing from a nurturing perspective, by indulging yourself with life’s simple pleasures.  Why not enjoy a holistic holiday that will leave the whole family happier and healthier?

Retreat from technology into natural beauty, fresh air, a pristine environment uncontaminated by modernity.  In Samoëns village, life has maintained a delightfully slow pace, a world away from the rat race.

Engage your sense of smell.  Imagine yourself snowshoeing through an alpine forest, with deep snow crunching under your feet and winter sunlight filtering through the canopy of pine needles.  What do you smell?  Nature’s aromas have much more to offer us than just a lovely scent; they can reduce stress as well.  Smells act on our central nervous system and when they’re picked up by the olfactory nerves, a reaction is triggered in the brain that alters brainwaves and can stimulate the release of mood-altering chemicals, such as serotonin, which invokes a feeling of calmness.

The simplest thing that we all take for granted can be a powerful tool to reduce stress - our breathing. Taking deep, slow breaths will instantly help to lower blood pressure and slow down the heart rate. Proper breathing will not only relieve stress, but also anxiety and insomnia.  Afghan Walking teaches a specialised technique of breathing and walking that helps you to engage with your body and to really feel the air in your lungs.  It brings together walking with yoga and t’ai chi, offering a feeling of well being from the inside out. 

While the thought of working out might induce mild stress, regular exercise has huge stress-reduction benefits.  By increasing circulation and oxygen uptake, burning excess weight and producing endorphins, exercise is an instant natural de-stressor. Try Nordic Walking in Samoëns, or head onto the slopes for an exhilarating ski or snowboard experience.  For those who haven’t done physical activity for a while, Soft Hiking is a wonderful way to get outdoors in order to gently and safely raise your heart rate.

For ultimate stress-reduction, a full body massage can’t be beaten.  In the expert hands of a local massage therapist, you’ll quickly drift away from stress and anxiety, and into a calm and relaxed place.

Better than modern medication, a break in Samoëns allows you to inhale pristine alpine air in a stunning mountain environment.  Arrive and enjoy the vibrant village around you; take a deep breath, be happy, and relax.