Health is the highest good - this thought is more present than ever in current times. A lively body and mind is the basis for a happy, long life. Especially now, the strengthening of self-healing powers is important, because only then can an everyday life - from carefree to quite challenging - be mastered with a lot of energy. Most people prefer to recharge their batteries in the holiday. Because time away from home isn't an unlimited option right now, here are five tips to help you create your own health journey at home.

1. detoxing in the Allgäu: therapeutic fasting from the sofa

Therapeutic fasting is in vogue and rightly so: the time-limited and conscious abstention from food has many positive effects. In addition to cleansing the body from the inside and losing a few kilos, illnesses such as diabetes, migraines or irritable bowel syndrome can also be alleviated. This deep regeneration is particularly relaxing during a fasting holiday. Especially in the Allgäu many hotels have specialized in different fasting offers - from F.-X.-Mayr, Buchinger fasting and base fasting to modern interval fasting. Who cannot travel straight into the alpine foothills, which can try out this Detoxmethode at home, a condition is a good preparation and a relaxed handling with itself. Recommended are relief days, in which the body is carefully prepared for the upcoming food renunciation by light food and small portions.

For many, an intestinal cleansing with Glauber or Epsom salts is also part of the fasting ritual. During fasting itself, only liquid food is allowed. It is important to have a low intake of calories in order to counteract muscle breakdown. Water (two to three litres a day), unsweetened teas, vegetable broth and fruit and vegetable juices in small quantities are permitted during the fasting period. In order to keep the metabolism going and not to overacidify the body, gentle activities are recommended; the top priority is relaxation. To break the fast, it is best to treat yourself to an apple. The menu for the following days includes small portions of rice, cooked vegetables or fruit to get the bowels going again.

2. dream to the sea with thalassotherapy Made at Home

Thalassotherapy is based on the healing power of the sea, treatments with seawater, mud, algae and salt are part of the thalasso program. Especially in France, Tunisia or also on the German North and Baltic Sea coast, designated hotels offer medical thalasso cures, which alleviate, for example, complaints caused by rheumatism, circulatory disorders, neurodermatitis or stress. Thalasso wellness is also often offered, with treatments designed exclusively for relaxation. Those who would like to use the health-promoting effect of the ocean at home can find the necessary cosmetics in the drugstore or pharmacy.

Fine-grained sea salt, for example, serves as an exfoliant to rid the skin of dead skin cells. After a facial peeling, a moisturizing algae mask provides the right glow. Body lotions with mineral-rich sea salt additionally supply the body with sufficient moisture. Hot-cold alternating showers, which tighten the skin and strengthen the immune system, are also part of the water therapy, as is a muscle-relaxing 20-minute sea salt-algae bath. A daily glass of brine water on an empty stomach takes a bit of effort. This promotes metabolism and digestion. Three grams of sea salt are dissolved in 0.1 litres of water and then drunk in a ratio of one to two with water, tea or fruit juice - a health kick that pays off.

3. water march: turn the bathroom into a Kneipp spa

Born in the 19th century, theology student Sebastian Kneipp suffered from tuberculosis in his time. With daily short, cold baths in the Danube and exercise, he managed to conquer the then incurable disease. This is how he laid the foundation for the Kneipp cure, which was even recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2015 and still enjoys great popularity today. If you can't take a break from your daily routine at the moment for a cure in Kneipp spas such as Bad Wörishofen or Bad Salzuflen, you can also use Kneipp's hydrotherapy (water therapy) in your bathroom at home. The focus is on the five-pillar principle: 1. Nutrition: Anyone who pays attention to their health knows that nutrition plays a significant role in determining our well-being. The Kneipp philosophy advises to reduce animal products in the diet and to eat more vegetables and fruit instead. 2. balance: For Kneipp, a balanced body and mind is the key to a long, healthy life. Mental well-being should be promoted during breaks from everyday life and conscious me-time in nature.

3. water: nerves, skin and blood vessels are stimulated according to Kneipp with the help of warm-cold alternating showers. The immune system is strengthened, the blood can flow better and the body is relaxed. 4. plants: Kneipp treated his patients with over 50 herbs. Even today, the effects of medicinal plants such as valerian for sleep disorders, the anti-inflammatory chamomile or garlic as a natural antibiotic are used as alternative medicine. 5 Exercise: For Kneipp, gentle fitness sessions are part of a healthy lifestyle. Even taking a walk or climbing the stairs every day promotes vitality.

4. ayurveda: exotic morning routines, oil massages, spices and co.

The origin of Ayurvedic healing medicine goes back about 5,000 years. Many people swear by an annual Ayurveda cure in the home countries of India and Sri Lanka. Benefits of the ancient healing techniques include stress reduction, weight loss, treatment for hormonal fluctuations, inflammation reduction in the body and immune system boosting. Although Sri Lanka, as the first tourist destination in South Asia, has reopened its borders to guests from all over the world since January, those who still cannot make the long journey can get a taste of the deeply regenerating effects of Ayurveda at home. Right at the beginning of the day, it starts with the Ayurvedic morning routines.

These include, for example, a warm glass of water to stimulate the metabolism, as well as oral hygiene with tooth brushing followed by oil pulling. A shower with warm water, oil, salt or chickpea flour cleanses and a subsequent meditation relaxes. An ayurvedic massage is for example a traditional foot massage, where the feet up to the knee are oiled with Tailam (ayurvedic massage oil) and massaged in circular movements with little pressure. Meditation is also part of the Ayurvedic teachings, which can be easily integrated into everyday life. If you also want to strengthen your digestion and give your body new energy from the inside, you should eat Ayurvedic food. For example, breakfast should be small so as not to disturb the detoxification process of the body, you should only eat when you are really hungry and eat your fill, you should not drink anything with your meal, and you should eat the largest meal of the day at noon, as this is when your digestive power is at its greatest. Common staples besides rice and dal are special oils and fats, such as ghee or coconut oil. Spices play a major role in Ayurvedic cooking, enhancing the healing properties of the food and stimulating digestion. Turmeric, ginger, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, pepper, saffron and cinnamon are often used.

5. forest bathing: Soul wellness in nature

Hiking in the Alps, camping in Canada or discovering the waterways of the Netherlands on a houseboat - nature holidays are the travel trend par excellence and offer plenty of room for social distancing, especially in current times. However, this form of travel is also currently very difficult to achieve. If you want to satisfy your longing for outdoor adventure, you should try forest bathing. This nature therapy, which originated in Japan, not only immerses you intensively in flora and fauna, but also strengthens your physical well-being. Many studies show that a long trip into the forest strengthens the immune system and can be a stress valve for depressive moods. In order for the power of nature to have the best effect on soul and body, some aspects should be taken into account.

Relaxation is at the top of the agenda when forest bathing. Conscious deep breathing in and out calms the body and absorbs the clean air of the forest. The oxygen produced by the plants is particularly pure here and even provides for happiness hormones. Time is also important when forest bathing: if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you should spend a few hours in the fresh air. It is not about the distance covered, but about the experience. If you feel nature and perceive it with all your senses, you will reduce your stress level. Meditation can also help. Simply drop to the forest floor and press the inner pause button for a few minutes brings deep relaxation and contentment.