As guests gain a stronger appreciation for nature and being outdoors in their wellness experiences, the Swedish principle of Gökotta (pronounced djuh-koo-ta) has become an increasingly popular lifestyle choice. Gökotta focuses on connecting with nature and the idea of being outdoors to start the day, per an article in Women's Health.
Gökotta is more about mindfulness than productivity, encouraging guests to find a sense of calm through moments of stillness and peace before starting the day, Scandinavian lifestyle expert Catharina Björkman told Women's Health.
There are no concrete rules to practicing Gökotta, but in Sweden, the principle is typically practiced in the run-up to midsummer in June. Some examples of methods to practice include a quiet moment with coffee in the garden or backyard, a short sunrise walk around the block or even just opening a window and looking outside after waking up.
Related: The Friluftsliv Trend Encourages Guests to Embrace Nature
The benefits of spending time outdoors are well-documented. Time in nature can be beneficial for both physical and mental health. According to a study led by the University of York, outdoor nature-based activities can improve mood, reduce anxiety and support good mental health. Specifically, the most positive outcomes for improving mood were when nature-based activities lasted for 20 to 90 minutes and were sustained over the course of 8 to 12 weeks.
Spas can jump on this new trend by incorporating Gökotta principles into their wellness programming and encouraging guests to make it part of their morning routine. Resorts can also incorporate outdoor spaces specifically for mindfulness that have relaxing views of nature.
