When it comes to advising people how to take care of themselves, Wellbeing Escapes, the spa and wellbeing holiday experts, are in tune with what makes people tick. Recognising that their clients lead stressful lives and as a response to the additional pressures many of them have been under this past year, they have launched their brand new Mind Unwind� programme. Offering tailored breaks designed to give their clients the tools to cope with the strains of life and work, as well as tips and guidance once they return home to ensure long-term support, this programme is truly unique.

The state of the psyche is key to wellbeing which in turn affects performance, and an increasing number of people are beginning to realise the importance of addressing the health of the mind as a vital part of their 'keep fit' regime. In an age where we are all savvy enough to detox at home and in control of what we need to maintain our health and fitness, we are increasingly looking for guidance on how to take care of our emotional wellbeing, and searching for ways to stay in peak mental condition.

Meditation is the broad term for techniques that are used to quieten the mind into a deep state of relaxation. Whilst there is a seemingly endless number of forms and variations, they can all be grouped into two main categories: concentration-based techniques which focus on an object or mantra, and awareness-based techniques, often known as mindfulness, where individuals become aware of their own thoughts and surroundings.

Most disciplines promise far-reaching positive effects on health, often dramatically improving mental and physical performance in those who practice regularly. Benefits include increased productivity, better concentration and clarity of thought as well as more subtle effects such as improved sleep patterns and an overall enhanced, more positive state of mind. In a poll of Wellbeing Escapes' clients who meditate regularly*, 51% have seen a reduction in stress levels and 49% have seen a significant improvement in the quality of their sleep. 38% have seen their energy levels boosted and 36% have noted a significant improvement in performance at work or personal relationships; however many find the number of different practices and styles bewildering, and are unsure of how to tap into their benefits quickly and easily.

Each of Wellbeing Escapes' Mind Unwind� holidays has been tailor-made exclusively to appeal to their broad client base, featuring tailored packages aimed at de mystifying meditation and making it accessible. For example, 12% of respondents in the survey associated mediation with Buddhism and monks, whilst 29% perceived mediation to be a spiritual practice, rather than a practical tool that can be used in everyday life.

Motivation is another key issue with novice mediators: 73% of respondents had tried meditation before, and of those, 49% gave up after a few attempts. To combat this, Wellbeing Escapes will offer a selection of resources, tips and guidance online, to enable guests to effectively incorporate meditation into their busy daily lives once return home.

The Mind Unwind� range has been carefully designed to offer no-nonsense options that are suitable for both newcomers and those keen to reconnect with the practice. Applying their signature 'diagnostic' approach, the expert team will cut through the jargon to guide clients to the perfect place in which to find clarity and calm. Each of the packages has been carefully crafted to combine personal meditation instruction by experts with extensive experience and intensive practice with holistic activities and mind-clearing treatments such as Reiki and Indian head massage.

The Mind Unwind� unique collection of holidays incorporates some of the world's most stunning and serene locations and is available at a selection of the world's most luxurious destination spas, including; Ananda in the Himalayas, India; Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, Koh Samui, Thailand; Uma Paro, Bhutan; Longevity Wellness Resort, Portugal; SwaSwara, India and SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain.

All holidays in the Mind Unwind� collection are exclusive and only available through Wellbeing Escapes. For more information on packages, resources and meditation tips visit: www.wellbeingescapes.com/mindunwind

* a total of 1,000 Wellbeing Escapes clients were polled in the survey.

FAQs

WHAT IS MEDITATION?

Generic term for techniques which are used to quieten the mind into a deep state of relaxation.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEDITATION?

Purported benefits include:

Productivity * Increased concentration and clarity of thought * Increased memory and stronger decision making abilities * Increased efficiency and time management

Stress Levels * Reduced anxiety, depression and anger * Increased tolerance to minor irritations and preoccupations * Increased focus * Younger and healthier appearance

Creativity and happiness * Increased self-awareness * Increased ability for intuitive thought

Health conditions * Effective complementary tool in managing heart disease and diabetes * Preventative technique for avoidance of disease (reduced stress levels) * Can help in quitting harmful addictive habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol * Can help in reducing symptoms of PMS and Menopause * Reduces insomnia

WHAT ARE THE SCIENTIFIC FACTS?

Meditation is considered as a serious form of treatment by the NHS and used as an effective tool for depression, heart disease and diabetes.

There has been much clinical research on the benefits of meditation, including at prestige establishments such as Harvard and the University of Massachussets. Results* have shown that:

* That meditation moves activity from right to left in the prefrontal cortex (behind the forehead). People who think more with the left part of the cortex are more positive, happy and relaxed rather than their right thinking counterparts. (1) * The parts of the cortex associated with memory and decision making functions are thicker and therefore more effective for meditators. (1) * An 8 week study of insomniacs who were introduced to meditation resulted in 75% of those insomniacs being able to fall asleep within 20 minutes (2) * A study of people with heart disease who were monitored over 5 years and used meditation as a relaxation technique found that 47% were less likely to suffer heart disease symptoms (3) * A 5 month study of women who were introduced to daily meditation resulted in a 58% decrease in PMS symptoms (4) * The Journal of Neuroscience published a paper stating that people who have regularly meditated for over 5 years or more have a biological age of 12 -15 years younger than those who don't. * Those with smoking, drinking and eating addictions are less likely to relapse if they regularly meditate. (5)

(1) Harvard Neuroreport 16 (2005) (2) Stanford University Behavior Therapy 39 (2008) (3) Medical College of Wisconsin (2009, November 17). (4) Obstetrics and Gynecology Journal, Volume 75, pages 649-655, April, 1990) (5) University of Washington, Addictive Behaviour 32 (2009)

IS MEDITATION TIED TO RELIGION?

No, meditation is secular. Although many techniques originate from religious practices, following a meditation technique does not align you to any religion or sect.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEDITATION?

There are many types of meditation techniques you may have heard about, Zen meditation, Transcendental Meditation, Taoist Meditation to name a few. All types of meditation can be placed into two main categories: 1. Concentration Based - where you concentrate and focus on an object or mantra 2. Awareness Based (frequently called Mindfullness) - where you become aware of your own thoughts, how your body feels or what's going on around you

WHY DO I NEED TO GO ON HOLIDAY TO LEARN HOW TO MEDITATE?

You don't. You can learn at any time by specialist instructors near where you live or even by reading books or downloading internet applications. The advantages of going on a Mind Unwind Holiday� are:

* You will be able to dedicate your time and attention to learning to meditate without the usual daily life pressures * You will be in a beautiful and comfortable environment surrounded by stunning nature making the learning process much easier. Each location has been carefully selected for its peace, serenity and unique surroundings. From the protected national reserve of Monchique in the Algarve in Portugal to the stunning landscape of Bhutan. * You will have the instruction and guidance of experienced meditation instructors who will be on hand every day not only to teach but to provide encouragement and tips on overcoming difficulties (which is very natural) * Your meditation will be complemented by Mind Unwind� treatments to enhance the overall experience * You will come home with a good grounding to incorporate your new found technique in your daily life -Ends-

For further press information please contact:

Alex Everall, Flora Gandolfo or Eleanore Longley Bacall Associates, 63 Catherine Place, London, SW1E 6DY Tel: 08704 288 401 Fax: 08704 288 402 E-mail: firstname@bacall.net