Total snoozefest
Vacations let us check out from reality. Sleep retreats take the idea many dreamy steps deeper, tasking us with little else to do but conk out under Egyptian cotton sheets at a luxury resort or glamping-like setting. The immersive experiences are hooften led by physicians and have true purpose: helping the one in four Americans experiencing insomnia. Additionally, some hotel chains now offer sleep-focused packages, complete with in-room dining menus that promote zzzs.
’Shroom for improvement
Mushrooms have always been multi-hyphenates. The pizza toppers/salad saviors/coffee superchargers are now getting another job as medicinal skincare ingredients. Certain mushrooms, like shiitake and reishi, have long been consumed in powder form in Eastern medicine and praised for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. As extracts in skincare, medicinal mushrooms’ antioxidant power is harnessed. So is their ability to brighten and hydrate skin while reducing signs of aging.
Out-of-this-world massages
The world’s first virtual reality massage center, Los Angeles-based Esqapes, is letting relaxation seekers leave the world behind. Guests enjoy automated shiatsu massage while they’re virtually transported via eyewear to a Koi pond at an oceanfront resort … or perched before a crackling fire at a luxury cabin. The massages also include scent, heat, and sound components (your toes actually get toasty during the cozy cabin fireplace experience!).
Burpees for your brain
You might be able to do a bench press. But can you flex your brain? Enter mental trainers. Similar to psychological trainers who help professional athletes stay focused, mental trainers provide tools to problem solve and achieve goals. You can find them in private practice, or you can work with one in the new crop of mental-health gyms that provide sound therapy stations and float tanks in lieu of ellipticals and barbells.
The clothes know
Smartwatch? Check. Smart leggings? Check them out before your next yoga sesh. Tech is expanding beyond just accessories into clothing, including yoga leggings that take cues from your body via an app and send targeted vibrations to guide you into the most efficient poses. Also of note: swimwear equipped with UV sensors that send alerts to your smartphone when UV levels are high and more sunscreen is needed.
