One in four people experiences mental health problems every year in the UK, with depression and anxiety being the most common, according to mind.org.uk.
As well as seeking medical help, there are a now number of alternative therapies readily available in the capital, as London's holistic offering has grown over the last few years.
Meditation and mindfulness are believed to relax and calm the brain and tackle the sources of stress, while helping to improve focus, clarity and even sleep.
According to mentalhealth.org.uk, those who’ve undertaken mindfulness have shown increased activity in the area of the brain associated with positive emotions.
Here are some of London's best spots to unwind, rewire and find your zen.
Re:Mind Meditation Studio, Victoria
The studio opened its doors last year in Eccleston Yards, which is fast becoming a popular wellness destination with city dwellers, thanks to a number of new openings. The studio offers drop-in meditation sessions from 30 to 60 minutes, as well as a number of other bespoke classes, from crystal sound baths to reiki and zen sessions. All are suitable for everyone from beginners to the more experienced meditators.
Classes: £22 for a single class, Eccleston Yards, 25A Eccleston Place, SW1W 9NF
3Tribes Borough
Wellness destination 3Tribes recently expanded into Borough Market, with a new studio which will feature their first floatation tanks, as well offering yoga and barre classes. Floating without sensory stimulation in the tanks, which are set to body temperature, is thought to help reset and rebalance our mental wellbeing, as well as improve sleep quality and alleviate stress.
Classes: £55 for 60 minutes, Unit 1 Brandon House, Borough High Street SE1 1HF
ChromaYoga
Based in Shoreditch, East London, ChromaYoga combines light and colour therapy techniques, stimulating soundscapes and natural scents to create an immersive, multi-sensory yoga experience.
In addition to yoga, the studio also offers a 'Ganzsound' a teacher-less class which merges colour gradients and sound with noise cancelling headphones to induce a deep state of relaxation, delivering a modern take on meditation.
Classes: £13, 45 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3PD
Practical Meditation: Inner Space
Inner Space offers free half-hour lunchtime and evening meditation classes at its Covent Garden and City branches, as well as 'learn to meditate' courses, which will teach newbies the technique. Explore how to relax, practise positive thinking and find your inner peace.
Classes: free, Inner Space, 36 Shorts Gardens, WC2H 9AB and Templeton House, 33-34 Chiswell Street, London, EC1Y 4SB
Meditation: London Buddhist Centre
Through the two main practices at the centre, Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana, a meditation to develop loving and kindness, you’ll learn to focus on developing calmness and positive emotion.
Classes are held throughout the week, alongside yoga and Buddhism sessions.
Classes: free, 51 Roman Road, E2 0HU
lbc.org.uk/events/meditation/meditation-classes
Meditation classes at Virgin Active
The gym offers 30-60 minute meditation classes to its members at 10 of its London clubs. Guided by an instructor, you’ll learn techniques to focus your mind and improve your breathing. The classes are designed to help you slow racing thoughts and let go of stress.
Classes: included in gym membership, various locations
Gong Bath Meditation: The Refinery
Gong bath is an ancient sound-healing practice to ease your modern problems. The 90-minute workshop takes you through different meditating techniques first then once you lie down, the unique sounds of the musical instrument will do the rest. The tones of the gong can lead to an altered state of consciousness and guide you into deep relaxation.
Other workshops on offer include 'Wheels in Motion' which is designed to introduce you to your body's chakras.
Classes: from £20, 14 Collent Street, The Basement, The Ceramic Works, London E9 6SG
