Wellbeing Breaks in Dorset

Dorset has been a wellbeing destination of choice since the late 18^th century, when King George III stayed in Weymouth while recovering from illness.  The seaside town was recommended by the King’s physician due to the healing powers of its waters, and it clearly agreed with George as he went on to spend 14 summers there.  Science and medicine have moved on greatly since Georgian times, but recent interest in the concept of wellness has led experts to once again consider the positive effect that our physical surroundings can have on our health and happiness. 

It is widely accepted that spending time in nature can improve our quality of life, but research has shown that blue spaces (such as oceans, rivers and lakes) can enhance our emotional wellbeing more than any other natural environment.  This effect is known as blue health, and is linked to the power of water to reduce stress and improve mood.  Once upon a time, doctors would instruct patients to ‘take the waters’ to cure their ailments, but we now know that simply being around water can make you feel better, and when you are in Dorset, water is never far away.

Of course, being in the water can bring even greater benefits.  Wild swimming has grown in popularity in recent years, and is widely reported to boost mood, alleviate stress and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.  Dorset’s rivers, lakes and beaches have always been popular cooling off spots in the summer months, but increased awareness of the benefits of cold-water swimming mean that many are now visited year-round.  Cold water releases endorphins, reducing pain and stress and providing a natural high.  It may be exhilarating, but wild swimming must be done safely.  Check conditions and tide times, find safe entry and exit points and never swim alone.  For the safest wild swimming experience, choose one of Dorset’s lifeguard-protected beaches and swim between the red and yellow flags.

A beachside sauna session can further boost the positive effects of wild swimming.  There are saunas located at several beauty spots along the Dorset coast, allowing users to combine the well-known health benefits of traditional Nordic heat therapy with the thrill of cold-water immersion – a process known as contrast therapy.  Combined with the natural beauty of the surroundings, Dorset’s coastal saunas provide a truly holistic experience.  Book an early-morning session for an endorphin boost to keep you smiling all day long, or choose a later slot to unwind at the end of busy day and prepare for a blissful night’s sleep.

To enjoy blue health benefits while keeping your feet firmly on solid ground, try one of Dorset’s spectacular coastal walking routes.  While some sections of the coast path are notoriously challenging, others are more mobility-friendly.  The path between Eype and West Bay is particularly accessible, having been redeveloped to make it suitable for off-road mobility scooters, which can be hired in Eype, as well as at 10 other locations within Dorset.  Check out https://countrysidemobility.org for more information.

Away from the coast, Dorset’s forests and woodlands offer their own wellness opportunities.  Forest bathing is a therapeutic practice that involves slowing down and engaging all of the senses in an immersive woodland encounter.  Said to reduce stress and anxiety and lift your mood, no experience is necessary, but guided sessions for beginners can be found at nature reserves throughout the county.

Yoga offers physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages and abilities, including reduced stress, increased strength and improved heart health.  These qualities receive a further boost when yoga is practised in a natural setting.  A number of practitioners offer outdoor yoga classes in Dorset.  Why not join a Park Yoga session (https://parkyoga.co/) and add the positive effects of social connection into the mix?

For the ultimate wellness experience during your stay, visit a spa and treat yourself to a holistic package designed to attend to mind, body and soul.   Many hotels and holiday parks have their own spas, or you can attend one of Dorset’s luxurious day spas and indulge in a treatment tailored to your needs. 

A key theme of wellness is that humans feel better when they slow down and engage with the natural world around them.  With its slower pace of life and abundance of natural beauty, Dorset is the perfect place to try these ideas out.  Whatever wellness activity you choose to take part in, you can be sure that your stay in Dorset will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and raring to return.