Freo’s guide to a happy and healthy you in 2024
With all that ‘being naughty’ over Christmas, it’s time to be nice to your body and soul in the New Year. Get your health and wellness fix in Fremantle and step into 2024 bright eyed and bushytailed, ready for whatever the new year throws your way.
1. Experience a therapy session with Mother Nature!
Image: Leighton Beach
Frolic in the tranquil turquoise waters and breathe in the salty air at Freo's beaches or be at one with nature among the lush green park spaces. If you're seeking community this year, get along to a Wednesday dip with Cold Nips for a healthy dose of connection, discomfort, nature and joy.
2. Embrace green space
Image: Stackwood captured by Rae Fallon
Indoor plants are still trending - and for good reason. As well as looking gorgeous and improving air quality, they're also good for your health. Indoor gardening reduces blood pressure and stress levels (Journal of Physiological Anthropology says so). Invest in your plant décor (and your health) at Harbour Plants near South Beach or Stackwood.
3. Learn a new skill or hobby
You don't have to be good at art for art to be good for you! Make 2024 the year you learn to create self-watering pots, play the Ukulele, or explore the basics of ceramics with an award-winning artist. It will also improve your mental and physical health. Fremantle Arts Centre has over 80 Creative Learning courses for the New Year, running on weekends, evenings or during the week. Explore FAC's courses.
“Artistic pursuits should be encouraged in a similar way to physical activity and sports.” - Dr Christina Davies, UWA
4. Go slow
Catching up with Aunty Dora and cooking for an army of family and friends over Christmas was rewarding… but also exhausting. If you’ve sustained some niggling injuries from dancing at the New Year’s Eve party, visit go slo studio on South Terrace. Their pilates and mobility studio has individual and small classes that cater to movement recovery as well as fitness.
5. Bliss out
Need some pampering to get over the crazy that was Christmas? Book in for a facial, body scrub or massage at one of the many luxurious spas throughout Fremantle. Relax at endota spa or treat yourself at Marina Aikins Spa & Beauty in South Fremantle. You won’t know yourself afterwards. If your muscles need tending to visit Nattha’s Thai Massage, Fremantle Massage Therapy or Body Riches Massage Centre and feel the weight of the previous year lift from your shoulders.
6. Treat yourself to a new ‘do’
Image: Djurra Lifestyle Salon and Spa
New year, new style! If it feels like the time is right to reinvent yourself, Freo's got heaps of choices. For a holistic approach to beauty and wellness, you can't go past Djurra Lifestyle Salon and Spa in their stunning heritage building. If you're chasing South Fremantle vibes, head to Freo Fringe on Wray Avenue or Kinks Hair & Beauty.
7. Break a habit
This wouldn’t be a New Year’s story without mentioning resolutions. Have an unhealthy habit you want to kick to the curb? It’s common knowledge that 1 January is not the day to do it. However, if you’re further into January try hypnotherapy at Happy Mind Body and Soul. It’s worth a shot!
8. Detox
Once you’ve broken your unwanted habit, drop by The Neighbourhood Sauna for an infrared sauna session. It’s great for detoxification, relieving aches and pains, and is immune system and mood enhancing.
9. Appreciate what you have
Image: New Edition. Credit: Duncan Wright.
Perhaps 2024’s the year to start a gratitude journal. Record the positive things that happen to you daily and see how your outlook upon life becomes sunnier. Pick up a gratitude journal from New Edition Bookshop and start noticing the good things.
