Every second Saturday in June, Global Wellness Day reminds us of a simple but often forgotten truth: taking care of yourself is essential to living well. Born in Turkey in 2012, the day is now celebrated in over 100 countries. Its aim is clear: to encourage everyone to make well-being a priority.
Whether it’s a question of mental health, movement, food or social ties, this day is an opportunity to take a conscious break, reconnect with our needs and commit to a more balanced lifestyle. In this article, find out how to give meaning to this event, on your own, with your family, in your company or with your community.
Summary
1. Understanding the meaning of World Wellness Day
World Wellness Day is more than just a date in the calendar. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, in all its dimensions: physical, mental, emotional and social. The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the importance of taking care of ourselves and our environment through practical, accessible actions. The slogan ‘One day can change your whole life’ says a lot about the movement’s philosophy.
More and more companies and local authorities are using World Wellbeing Day to prevent psychosocial risks, combat burn-out and promote a better work/life balance. The pillars of well-being highlighted on this day include diet, physical activity, connecting with nature and managing emotions. Setting up stress management, sophrology or mindfulness workshops is a concrete way of making mental health a priority.
Well-being at work is no longer a luxury, but a strategic lever for employee commitment and loyalty. World Well-Being Day is the ideal opportunity to propose impactful HR initiatives: active breaks, yoga sessions, moments to reconnect with oneself, or even conferences on quality of life at work (QWL).
Far from being moralistic, this day offers an inclusive approach, accessible to all. It invites everyone to reflect on their relationship with their body, stress, nature and food. The elements essential to the practice of well-being, such as earth, water, air, fire and nature, are given pride of place to encourage a deep reconnection with the environment. It encourages small steps, gradual changes and caring practices.
2. Origins and evolution of World Wellness Day
World Wellness Day originated in 2012 thanks to the initiative of Belgin Aksoy. After going through a major health ordeal, this Turkish entrepreneur felt the need to share the importance of well-being with as many people as possible. Her ambition: to make this day a universal moment dedicated to self-care, health and a balanced life.
Since its creation, Wellness Day has grown considerably, bringing together millions of people in over 100 countries every year. GWD has become a must-attend event for all those who want to make a commitment to well-being, whether as individuals, families, businesses or communities. Each year’s event focuses on a different theme, to inspire new ways of looking after ourselves and our environment.
This unique opportunity allows everyone, whatever their age or lifestyle, to discover practical solutions for improving their health and well-being. Businesses, health professionals, associations and the general public get together to offer activities, workshops and opportunities to share their thoughts on wellness. World Wellbeing Day has thus become a symbol of hope, solidarity and positive change, inviting everyone to make wellbeing a priority in their daily lives.
3. Define your objective: a celebration in your image
Before organising or taking part in an event, ask yourself this simple question: what do you want to convey or experience through this day?
Your intention will guide the choice of activities, venue, speakers and format:
- Raise awareness of mental health in your company through a well-being activity, such as a relaxation or fitness session?
- Organising a yoga or breathing workshop in your neighbourhood?
- Create a family moment of reconnection, without screens?
- Offer a detox day at a local wellness centre?
- Launch an internal campaign on work/life balance?
Whatever format you choose, bear in mind that the authenticity and consistency of your action will reinforce its impact.
4. Some practical ideas for celebrating well-being
You don’t need a big budget or technical resources to take part in World Wellbeing Day. Here are a few simple, accessible and effective ideas:
Solo or small-scale activities:
- Guided meditation outdoors or at home
- Day without social networks or screens
- Mindful walk in nature or in town
- Forest bath, yoga or gentle stretching
- Preparation of a healthy, local meal
Group activities or events:
- Breathing workshops, sophrology, relaxation
- Conferences on stress, sleep or a balanced diet
- Group sports session (dance, pilates, tai-chi)
- Talking or gratitude circles
- Well-being stand at a market or local event
5. Adapter le format à votre public
A successful event is one that is designed for its participants. If you are organising an initiative, adapt it to your target audience:
- For a family audience: outdoor games, Zen activities, sensory trail, relaxation corner
- For a company: conference on QWL (quality of life at work), express massages, nutrition workshops
- For a local authority: wellbeing village, demonstrations, health and prevention exhibitions
- For a school or university: relaxation sessions before exams, stress workshops
The key is to create a caring and inclusive environment, where everyone feels welcomed and respected. If you’re offering a limited number of places or access by reservation, a solution like Weezevent allows you to manage ticketing efficiently, to centralise registrations and to ensure a smooth reception on the big day.
6. Create positive and inspiring communication
To give your initiative a boost, use a coherent communication campaign to publicise your event, and highlight the values promoted by the day: health, joy, balance, nature, social links.
Here are a few best practices:
- Create a poster, a graphic charter or a recognisable visual
- Use official hashtags such as #GlobalWellnessDay or #WellnessDay
- Share your event on social networks, create a website, newsletters or local forums
- Involve local influencers or wellbeing ambassadors
- Also think about sending reminder emails or practical information
- Think about communication after the event: photos, testimonials, videos, thank-yous
To maximise your visibility, think about using local wellbeing influencers, coaches or therapists. Their presence can reinforce the event’s credibility and increase its reach on social networks. This can be done via collaborations, live stories or lives on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Good communication extends the impact well beyond the big day.
7. Choose a venue that’s conducive to relaxation
The choice of venue contributes to the overall experience. Opt for calm, natural or warm environments. Here are a few ideas:
- A public park or garden
- A bright room with carpets or cushions
- An outdoor space with little noise
- A beach, forest or lakeside for an immersive event
Also think about accessibility, parking, sanitary facilities and security. Even a small, well-appointed space can be enough to create a rejuvenating moment.
8. Integrate a responsible approach
Celebrating well-being also means respecting the environment. For an eco-responsible organisation, adopt a few simple reflexes:
- Eliminate single-use plastics
- Provide sorting and drinking water points
- Favour local, organic or vegetarian products
- Encourage soft mobility: car pooling, cycling, public transport
- Work with service providers committed to sustainable development
The positive effect of these measures is a reduction in the event’s ecological footprint. Adopting such a responsible approach also has a long-term impact, helping to preserve the environment and raise participants’ sustainable awareness.
9. Involve your community for a lasting impact
An event, no matter how small, is stronger when it is supported by several voices. Call on :
- Local associations (health, sport, environment)
- Well-being professionals (coach, naturopath, practitioner)
- Schools, media libraries, community centres
- Volunteers who are motivated to co-organise or facilitate
The aim is to create links, unite people and generate sustainable momentum. Collective action encourages the adoption of positive, sustainable habits that will have a beneficial effect on everyone’s mental and physical health.
World Wellness Day is a trigger, not an end in itself. It’s the ideal time to initiate fundamental changes, whether personal or collective. Why not:
- Launch a company sports programme?
- Incorporate a well-being routine into your daily routine?
- Organise a monthly relaxation session?
- Set up a discussion group or wellbeing club in your neighbourhood?
Community involvement has a long-term impact on quality of life and disease prevention. A small step today can become a great habit tomorrow, bringing satisfaction and a sense of achievement to everyone involved.
10. Turn one day into a turning point
Celebrating World Wellness Day is much more than being part of a trend. It’s about taking the time to listen to your body, calm your mind and strengthen your human ties. This day raises awareness of the importance of well-being in everyday life. It encourages everyone to transform this experience into new habits that are beneficial to their mental and physical health. The positive effect of this initiative is felt well beyond the day, encouraging lasting change. It is essential to aim for a long-term impact by adopting practices that improve quality of life over several years. The satisfaction you feel after taking part in the day’s activities will motivate you to continue along this path.
Take the opportunity to set personal goals so that you can continue to make progress towards a healthier, more fulfilling and balanced life. It’s also an opportunity to send out a strong message: well-being is a right, not a luxury.
So whether it’s a cup of tea, a yoga workshop or a silent walk, treat yourself (and others) to this moment of harmony. And why not make it a monthly tradition?
To simplify the organisation of your World Wellness Day event, use a solution like Weezevent. Online registration, access control, customised emails… everything you need for the best possible event.
