Wellmania by Brigid Delaney

Cold-pressed juices, hot yoga, quitting sugar, Paleo, mindfulness – if you embrace these things you will be happy, you will be well – just ask Instagram. From celebrity vegan chefs to sleep gurus, there is no shortage of people trying to sell us the wellness dream. Wellness has become a billion-dollar industry. But what does wellness even mean? Does any of this stuff actually work? Is there any science behind it? Feeling exhausted and a bit stressed and flabby, journalist Brigid Delaney decides to find out – using herself as the guinea pig. Starting with a brutal 101-day fast, Brigid tests the things that are meant to make us well – yoga classes, colonics, meditation, Balinese healing, silent retreats and group psychotherapy, and sorts through what works and what is just expensive hype.