While nutrition, sleep, and exercise are often the key elements of a healthy lifestyle, a solid wellness routine can help improve your energy, happiness, and overall health.

Sound baths, in particular, are the latest wellness trend that has quickly increased in popularity because it’s said to bring alignment to the mind, spirit, and body, which promotes self-healing abilities — perfect for relieving seasonal depression, end-of-the-year anxiety, new year nerves, and more.

We asked certified sound healer Victoria Birch to get the deets on why people love sound baths and all its benefits.

What is a sound bath?
According to Birch, a sound bath is “a lying down experience where a practitioner plays one or a variety of instruments that submerge the receiver in sounds that will induce a relaxed meditative state.” Instruments may include the gong, crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, tuning forks, the drum, and didgeridoo (just to name a few).

What are the benefits?
Sound baths are known to reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia, improve your ability to concentrate, and relieve forms of physical pain and emotional trauma. “You’ll likely feel the positive effects immediately following a sound bath,” Birch says.

What can you expect?
Birch tells us that sound baths can last from 30 minutes to overnight, so be sure to check the duration of any sound bath you sign up for. To make the most of your experience, go with an open mind. “Drop any expectations around having a specific experience. Each time you experience sound healing can be different,” says Birch. “Some people fall fast asleep while others might experience sensations in their body or go on a visceral journey in their mind’s eye.”

How should you prepare?
Luckily, there isn’t a lot of prep involved. “I always suggest [bringing] a mat, pillow, blanket, and anything else that might help create a cozy space for you [to relax],” she shares. “Wear anything you feel comfortable lying down in and bring a bottle of water. It’s very important to hydrate after experiencing sound healing. Some people like to bring their crystals as well.”

Looking to try more up and coming wellness trends? Learn why cryotherapy is worth trying here.

xx, The FabFitFun Team