#Europeanmentalhealthweek #bettertogether

Every May, European Mental Health Week brings together diverse participants. This month’s theme features “Better Together.” It is promoting mental health for all by fighting stigma and discrimination. Co-creation inspires responsibility, trust, power, and, most importantly, shared accountability. Doing with can be considered better than doing for – we are #BetterTogether. If you are wondering how to participate, now offers the perfect time to act!

Throughout the month of May, the EU puts a spotlight on prioritizing mental well-being. Did you know that 89% of EU citizens agree that mental health promotion remains a priority, just as physical health promotion does? A total of 46% of EU citizens experienced emotional or psychosocial symptoms like depression and anxiety in 2023. Statistics show higher figures in younger cohorts, with 59% of 16-24-year-olds and 56% of 25-39-year-olds reporting such issues. “Solicitude” has risen in the mental health movement, denoting concern, care, and attentive support towards someone or something. Recent world events have influenced the mental health of many. Thus, we can consider understanding what contributes to good mental health crucially.

Science of happiness

A recent study came out in March from the University of Bristol’s ‘Science of Happiness’ course. It shows that learning techniques for happiness created a marked improvement in wellbeing. This latest study found that certain “science hacks” can boost benefits if kept up over the long term—including practicing gratitude, exercise, meditation, and journaling. In addition, it contains some surprising takeaways students found. The first indicates that talking to strangers makes us happier while most shying away from such encounters (again, #BetterTogether). While social media comes with benefits, it can pose challenges for individuals prioritizing their reputation. Loneliness impacts our health by impairing our immune systems. At the same time, optimism increases life expectancy. Giving gifts to others provides more happiness than spending money on oneself. Sleep deprivation impacts how well others like us, while kindness and happiness correlate. Finally, walking in nature deactivates the part of the brain related to negative ruminations associated with depression. Another recent study from the  University of Essex found that smiling for a split second helps people see happiness in expressionless faces. Choosing to smile can create a more joyful atmosphere for everyone around you!

Connect with yourself through reading or movement:

Do you like to read? With reading evolving into a growing tool for coping, Stars & Stripes recently published a fantastic list of 10 books for Mental Health Awareness Month. From adult to children’s resources, topics range from Agoraphobia (the fear of leaving the environment you know and/or find safe) to men’s mental health with Barber Talk. In addition to reading, another recent study from The University of Sydney found that dancing may work better than other forms of exercise for improving mental health. The research discovered that dance can offer extensive health benefits, from cognitive challenges to social interactions. The artistic aspect and music also seem to improve overall emotional well-being and motivation. So, dance as if you want to embrace the whole world!

The power of scent & nourishment:

Did you know that scent can offer a powerful tool for mental wellness? In honor of Mental Health Month, Scentsy launched a Mental Health Awareness Collection. Featuring scents like Blue Lavender & Bergamot, proceeds support Euro Youth Mental Health, empowering young people with mental health challenges continent-wide. ‘Neuroscents’ feature another trending idea in wellness, some purporting to help positively modulate brain chemistry. Girl therapy, the TikTok phenomenon of using dopamine-inducing beauty products, has been identified by trend forecasting company WGSN. They also note “emotional fitness” as a key shift in beauty.

With Symrise as an involved ingredients provider in the beauty industry and consumer products and goods, we also wrote about the power of nutrition in your wellness tool kit. Weigh in below on your favorite mental coping strategies!

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A trending travel destination embracing diversity

Did you know the Georgian capital of Tbilisi continues to have a moment? While a small city, Tbilisi offers plenty of diversity to captivate many visitors. Tbilisi’s streets echo a diverse history, where Georgian Orthodox, Judaism, Armenian Apostolic, Russian Orthodox, Islam, Catholic, and Lutheran religions and structures mingle. The Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) launched the New Eastern Europe Religious Engagement Initiative in June to promote ongoing religious freedom. Contrastingly, modernity is encroaching as the capital attracts digital nomads, foodies, and fashion-obsessed youth. Sounds interesting? Read on for more details on this Georgian jewel!

Fashion finds

Do you know who is sporting Georgian fashion? Watch out for fashion luminaries, including Lorde, Kaia Gerber, and Gigi Hadid. They gravitate towards established and under-the-radar brands. After four years of pandemic difficulties and a neighboring war in the Ukraine, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tbilisi returned this year, bolstering tourism. MBFW Tbilisi, hosted in a former Coca-Cola factory, will soon become home to Georgia’s inaugural fashion school, crucial for bolstering the emerging fashion scene. To bring Tbilisi style into your lives now, you can find some notable highlights in fashion and lifestyle shops below!

Housed in a former wine factory, IERI, can be considered the only destination store selling strictly Georgian designers. Brands including Tata Naka, Sofio Gongli, Ingorokva, and Situationist come together under one roof brought there by creative director Anka Tsitsishvili. IERI offers free worldwide shipping and showcases the city’s fashion vibe through inspiring mood boards and editorials. More Is Love established itself as another find for contemporary local Georgian designers. A feminine, playful showroom showcases designers like Nina Zarqua (colorful feathered mules) and Babukhadia (utility separates). The online site makes for easy shopping from abroad.

Make sure to add Dry Bridge Market to your itinerary, an open-air flea market staged on the Dry Bridge (Mshrali Khidi) daily. Adjacent to Dedaena and 9 March parks, the market began in the ‘90s after the collapse of communism. Along with vendors selling Soviet memorabilia and household items, you can find crafts, souvenirs, and artwork. Speaking of artwork, Taso Gomelauri and Irina Jibuti make ceramics in the back of their sunlit shop, Ceramics 1300. In Tbilisi, hand-thrown and hand-glassed items come in subtle, off-kilter colors at accessible prices. You can also enjoy live music, a pop-up art exhibition, or grab a bite across the patio!

Good Stays 

Plenty of inspiring and comfortable hotel options exist if you decide to visit. Stamba Hotel, a former Soviet publishing house turned design masterpiece, frequently ranks high on travel lists. The hotel maintains some original features, including a newer lounge/co-working space with bookshelves and a rooftop pool. With an idea of “bringing old and new Georgia together in the intellectual and cultural district of Vera,” Rooms Hotel caters to hyper-localist ideas. Part of the Millennium Collection, Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi, in a towering glass skyscraper, can be considered the highest hotel in the Caucasus region. The modern setting offers all the amenities a business traveler might want—city and river views, a host of food and beverage outlets, and a relaxing sauna!

Authentic Georgian cuisine

Republic 24 features two of the city’s traditional restaurants with different chefs. Attracting a younger audience, Chef Levan Kobiashvili puts a high-end spin on chakapuli. Meanwhile, Chef Tekuna Gachechiladze runs a 24-hour restaurant (Fridays & Saturdays) featuring khashi, the Georgian hangover cure. Barbarestan takes inspiration from Chef Barbare Jorjadze’s century-old recipe book. The concept came to life when her son and his 11 children decided to open a family restaurant in her name.

Café Littera often makes the World’s 50 Best Discovery List for a fairytale-esque, charming garden behind a 120-year-old writer’s house. Chef Tekuna Gachechiladze focuses on modernizing Georgian flavors with international touches and a menu of Biodynamic wines. A visit to Wine Factory N1, an oenophile’s adventure, comes with several wine bars, dining, and shopping experiences. Cozy indoor and alfresco seating makes for the perfect visit in any weather!

Whether exploring Tbilisi online or traveling, consider all the options to enjoy this diverse and safe destination. Weigh in your favorites below!

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