Welltodo Today: Can Gyms Survive Pandemic? The Mental Health Startup Worth $2bn, ‘Woo Woo Wellness’

Today’s key global wellness news articles from around the world, impacting the industry and influencing the business of wellness.

Why ‘Woo Woo Wellness’ Energy Healing Is Becoming Mainstream

Energy healing, from reiki to shamans, from chakras to crystals the world of ‘woowoo wellness’ is becoming more accepted. What was once the domain of hippies is now becoming more mainstream.

Starbucks Store With Plant-Based Food Menu Used To Trial Items

A Starbucks store with a completely plant-based food menu is being used to trial the latest vegan offerings. One store in Seattle now has a 100% plant-based menu, CEO Kevin Johnson confirmed on a conference call. The store is used as a ‘test site’.

Amid the pandemic’s mental health bump, this startup is worth more than $2B

It’s unusual for a mental health care company to achieve unicorn status-let alone a $2 billion-plus valuation. But Lyra Health has raised $187 million in funding, garnering it a $2.3 billion valuation. The company hopes to bring more technology to its platform. It will also be expanding internationally.

A Chance Meeting In Bali Sparked This Celebrity-Favorite Meditation Brand

Ashley Wray never thought she would be the founder and CEO of one of the most popular meditation companies. A few years ago, she was an award-winning journalist covering murder trials. But after a chance encounter with a woman on a plane from Bali to Thailand, that all changed.

This New Wearable Claims to ‘Cancel Stress’-Here’s What Happened When I Tried It Out

Like many of us, I’ve tried a laundry list of coping mechanisms during times when stress runs high. I’ve downloaded Headspace and meditated, trying to focus on my breath instead of my to-do list. I’ve done yoga and gone to fitness classes with chanting and shouting.

Meet The Under 30 Entrepreneurs Who Just Sold Their App To Indian Fitness Company Curefit

Onyx was looking for investors to raise a seed round, after it had raised a $1 million pre-seed in 2018. Instead, the company cofounded by Under 30 honorees Asaf Avidan Antonir and James Sha got acquired by Indian fitness company Curefit.

Can gyms survive the pandemic?

As many people plan to ditch their gym memberships for good (even post lockdown), the UK’s £5billion fitness industry hangs in the balance In any other January, gyms would be heaving. Treadmill conveyor belts would thud in time with music blaring from speakers. Condensation would trickle down studio mirrors.