Stress is a factor in all of our lives. Worries about finances, relationships, work and life can leave us with our shoulders up and heads muddling over how we can solve daily problems. Other concerns like the rising costs of food, basic utilities and load shedding add to our woes.

Popular activities for destressing include lavish massages or spa treatments and even consulting with a therapist when the need arises. But these can be costly, and as stress is something that most people encounter daily, how can we make sure that self-care and de-stressing are both affordable and available to us at the drop of a hat?

Meditation

Meditation is a great tool to use to reduce stress because it can be done anywhere and at any time. The effects of meditating include a relaxed mind, emotional balance and improved mental health. At its simplest, meditating is done by sitting down in a comfortable spot and breathing in and out through the nose and mouth.

Practise breathing deeply in through the nose once, holding your breath, taking a second deep breath through your nose and then a third, holding your breath there for three seconds and then exhaling through the mouth. Repeat this five times, with three intakes of breath through the nose and one exhale through the mouth.

To upskill yourself with different meditation techniques and listen to meditative music and guided meditation, download the free meditation app Insight Timer.

Exercise

Exercise is beneficial for releasing stress and releasing feel good hormones like dopamine. Many people feel daunted by the idea of working out. A less complicated way of looking at exercise is that you want to simply increase your heart rate and move your body for 30 minutes or more, a minimum of three days a week. For those new to exercise, a great starting point is walking or brisk walking. Take 30 minutes out of your day to walk around your neighbourhood.

Chris Walsh, Owner of 360 Specialized Training says that “The key to a successful training regime is to enjoy it. Naturally, there will be some pain and struggle when you begin, but once you overcome the first few days, exercise will give you a changed life.”

“A question to ask to help motivate yourself is ‘What would you be doing if your body was one hundred percent how you wanted it to look and at its peak performance levels? Think big as you are completely uninhibited. Scaling Everest? Surf trip to Hawaii? Cape Epic? It could be multiple things. Work your goals back from there. After all, if you can think it, you can do it,” he adds.

At home spa

Relaxing spa experiences can be created at home with simple household ingredients. Epsom salts for example can be added to bowls of warm water to soak tired feet in and, for a relaxing muscle soak, added to bath water. To give your muscles the most relaxation, use one cup per bath. Massage oils or simple body lotions can also be used to give yourself a relaxing five-minute neck and shoulder massage after your bath or shower.

Invest in an oil burner and add an aromatherapy oil with a scent you love. This will enhance relaxation as part of your at-home treatment. “Once inhaled, certain essential oils have a positive effect by stimulating the feel-good hormones – endorphins – for instant happiness, relaxation and calm,” explains Sabashni Naidoo, Managing Director at Amani Spa Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront.

Essential oils can also assist in boosting energy levels and positive mood and focus. Consider lime to uplift mood or motivate creativity, lemongrass to invigorate the senses, pine to provide a boost of energy or thyme to increase energy and boost spirits.

Community

Human beings are social creatures and factors like working from home can keep us stressed and isolated. To reduce stress, make sure that you are making time to see other people and talk about the worries that are on your mind.

Studies show that giving back to a cause or others can be good for your health and well-being. Look for a cause to give back to or a food programme to support to feel the de-stressing effects of focusing on helping others. A simple act like buying a Relate beaded bracelet not only supports the unemployed women who make them, but is also a worthy cause aligned to the style of bracelet you choose.

With these tools in mind, consider setting aside a few minutes each day to do something that goes towards your self-care. Self-care can be a healthy tool for you to enhance your well-being and gain a personal piece of mind.

South African passport holder? Great news: you can travel visa-free to 106 countries and territories, including Ireland, Réunion, Mauritius, Russia, Brazil and many African countries, such as Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

But if you plan on travelling to the UK, the USA, Australia or anywhere in the European Union, you’ll need to obtain a visa.

Feeling anxious about the visa whens, whats and hows? Not to worry. We answer some of South African travellers’ most frequently asked questions about visas below.

How do I know if I need a visa?

There are various ways to determine if you’ll need a visa ahead of a trip. The best way is to visit the embassy website of the country in question.

“There are also websites such as www.iatatravelcentre.com that will provide you with guidance regarding the different visa types and who would need them, how to apply and how to get in touch with the relevant embassy or consulate,” comments Lynette Machiri, Customer Experience Team Leader at Flight Centre South Africa.

Alternatively, save yourself the trouble of uncovering this information on your own by booking your holiday through a travel agency. All travel agents are up to date with the necessary visa requirements to ensure stress-free, seamless travel anywhere in the world.

Where can I apply for a visa?

The embassy’s website, official government website or a trusted travel agency will supply you with up to date information on where and how to apply for a visa. In most cases, there will be an embassy and/or consulate for your destination country located in South Africa’s major cities (specifically Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban).

You may need to travel to another city for a visa appointment if there is no Embassy or visa processing centre in your area.

Can I apply for a visa online or do I have to visit the embassy?

Some embassies allow you to complete and submit your visa application form online. However, you’ll usually have to visit a consulate or visa processing centre in person for your visa interview and/or to capture your biometric data. Certain countries, for example, Mozambique, have online eVisa portals where everything is processed electronically, but the visa is paid for on arrival in the country.

I’m a dual passport holder – which passport do I travel on?

It’s vital to travel with both valid passports on you.

“Since many non-South African passports offer more visa-free travel options for travellers, it’s usually best to exit South Africa and enter your destination country using your non-South African passport. However, you’ll need to show your South African passport to clear customs when returning home,” Lynette advises.

What documents do I need to bring with me to apply for a visa?

The documents required for a visa application vary according to your destination. As such, it’s important to check the information provided by the embassy or visa processing centre ahead of your appointment.

You might require the following:

• Your passport (with at least two or three blank visa pages depending on your destination)
• A completed and signed visa application form (obtained via the embassy website)
• Passport photos that meet the destination country’s requirements
• Information regarding travel purpose, i.e., holiday, work, study etc.
• Proof of travel and accommodation, such as flight details, accommodation bookings etc.
• Proof of funds, such as three months’ bank statements
• A letter of invitation if staying with a friend or relative
• Proof of employment
• Proof of travel insurance and the total value of your cover

How long does it take to get a visa?

Most visa applications are processed within 15 – 30 days. However, processing times may be longer if applying during peak periods. It’s always best practice to apply for your visa at least six weeks in advance to account for any delays.

“It is important to check visa application timeframes with the embassy or visa processing centre for the country you plan to visit, as they will provide guidance on when you should apply for your visa,” says Lynette.

How much does a visa cost?

The cost differs based on your destination country, but you’re generally looking at an application fee between R1,500 and R3,000.

Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:

• Schengen visa: €80 (equivalent to R1,695)*
• UK visa: £104 (equivalent to R2,533)*
• US visa: $160 (equivalent to R3,164)*
• Australian visa: AUD150 (equivalent to R1,930)*

For how long is a visa valid?

Short-stay tourist visas are usually valid for three to six months. Some are single-entry visas, whereas others allow for multiple entries during that period, such as the UK short-term visitor visa.

What should I do if my visa application is rejected?

In the event of a visa refusal, most embassies will provide contact details that you can use if you’d like to dispute the decision. The embassy will also usually supply a reason for the rejection. Common reasons for visa refusal are as follows:

• An incomplete application form
• Missing travel documents
• Incomplete travel details
• Passport issues
• Criminal history
• Unclear travel purpose

Will my application fee be refunded if my visa is refused?

No. The visa application fee is non-refundable. However, you may be covered for visa refusal if you have invested in travel insurance. Check your policy details for terms and conditions in this regard.

Which Schengen visa do I need to apply for if visiting more than one Schengen state?

The Schengen visa is a visa for travel in Europe. The type of Schengen visa for which you should apply when embarking on a multi-destination trip depends on the country of your longest stay. Lynette explains:

“If visiting Spain, France and Italy, but spending a week in Italy as opposed to three days in Spain and France, you’d need to apply for an Italian Schengen visa. If staying in each country for an equal amount of time, you’d need to apply for a Schengen visa for the country of your first port of entry.”

What’s the difference between an airside and a landside transit?

Airside transit refers to the movement of passengers connecting from one flight to another without leaving the international transit area. In other words, passengers who are in airside transit do not go through immigration or customs and do not leave the secure area of the airport.

Landside transit, on the other hand, refers to the movement of passengers who are connecting from one flight to another, but must go through immigration and customs in order to do so. This type of transit is typically used by passengers connecting between an international flight and a domestic flight, or vice versa. Landside transit passengers must pass through border control, pick up their baggage, and then check it in for their next flight before passing through security to access the departure gate for their next flight.

In some cases, you won’t require a transit visa for airside transit, but in some countries, such as the UK and the USA (unless eligible for the Visa Waiver Program), you’ll require a transit visa for both types of transit.

What is travel ‘double dipping’ and what should you look out for?

‘Double dipping’ when travelling refers to transiting twice while en-route to your destination. Flights that incorporate more than one layover are often significantly cheaper than those with just one layover, or direct flights.

“Unfortunately, what many travellers travelling on a South African passport don’t realise is that this ‘double dipping’ can end up being much more costly – and dramatically more inconvenient – in the long run. That’s because travellers will usually require a visa for both transits. As such, it’s important to do the research before booking those cheaper flights,” says Lynette.

The bottom line? Be prepared and ensure you have the right support along the way. A reputable travel agency could mean the difference between a restful, enjoyable trip and a complete logistical disaster. Happy (stress-free) travels!

*Pricing is based on the ROE at time of writing

FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP SOUTH AFRICA

Flight Centre Travel Group (Pty) Ltd (“FCTG”) in South Africa is wholly owned by Flight Centre Travel Group Limited – an Australian based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$4.53 billion and a current share price of AU$20.84 as of 26 May 2023. FCTG has two level 1 B-BBEE subsidiaries: FCTG Corporate and FCM Travel Solutions. FCTG consists of two leading brands: Flight Centre and Corporate Traveller. FCTG has been recognized as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for 14 consecutive years.

Lifestyle and Tech team had a pleasure of sitting down with Moira Molefe a mother, hiker and blogger who has explored breathtaking landscapes, conquered challenging terrains, and shared her extraordinary experiences with the world through her blog

LNT: To begin, could you tell us a little about yourself and how you embarked on your journey as a hiker and blogger?

MM: I am a mother of 3 teenagers, a full-time employee, and a person who loves life and fun. In 2018 a good friend of mine invited me to a beautiful place and said we are going hiking so that we can catch up. I said to myself- Moira How on earth are you going to hike in the woods if you’re afraid of anything that crawls?  Against my judgment, I agreed because I was missing my friend and wanted to catch up with her. I drove into the parking lot of Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens in Roodepoort (South Africa). The place was breathtaking.

LNT: How did you first get into hiking, and what made you fall in love with it?

MM: While we were hiking, I realized something was happening inside me. I was feeling so light and fresh yet am climbing. I let myself sit in that feeling so that I can understand what was going on with me. I felt at peace, refreshed and I thought to myself, maybe just maybe this can be a regular thing. I fell in love with it when after a few hikes with friends and realized this is good for my body, mind, and soul. Life is difficult as is, one must find ways of recharging and letting go of adversities. The more I hiked the more it felt like am on a mini holiday every time am climbing those mountains. I get to see places that one wouldn’t just get into the car to go see. I am seeing the other side of our country, it is beautiful. I also get to meet like-minded people on these trails, the conversations are the best.

LNT: What inspired you to start a blog about hiking, and how has it evolved over time?

MM: As time went by, I thought it would be nice to share my experiences with the world, and the only way I knew how was through blogging. The idea was to take my readers through that exact experience I went through while they are in the comfort of their own homes. Let me tell you, it has evolved more than I would have thought it would. First, for many years I always told myself that I cannot write, there is no way I can write. Guess what, over a year later, I continue to blog and share my humble experiences on my blog.  By no means I am claiming to be the best, but I have proved to myself time and time again that, you can do anything you put your mind to.

LNT: Could you share one of your most memorable hiking experiences and why it was so special to you?

MM: There are so many, I have been hiking since 2018. However, the special moment that stands out was my first-time hiking in the beautiful Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal Province.  It was my birthday weekend and I decided to test myself and see how far I can push my physical and mental strength. It was a two-day hike, we were traveling with the organizers of the hike and we met new people as we traveled in one bus. That was an experience on its own. You see when I go hiking, it starts from the moment I wake up, I take it all in I am present throughout. It’s not about the hiking trail only, it is the whole experience. The road trip was amazing, like-minded people in our bus, it was fun and cold. I write in detail on my blog about this experience. Believe it or not, I am afraid of heights as well. One of the trails we hiked required that we climb the ladders to be able to go to the top of the mountain. This was the highlight of the hike because, on the other side of those ladders, it was the famous Tugela fall, the world’s tallest fall. I was terrified of climbing those ladders, but I did it. Everyone was cheering me on, It felt so good to test my limits.

LNT: What are some essential items you always carry with you when you go hiking, and why are they important?

MM: Water, more water, proper hiking boots (protect your ankles), a hiking stick is your best friend, especially on tough hikes, and lastly snack(my favorite part). Do not forget that camera to capture the moments.

LNT: How do you choose the hiking trails you write about on your blog, and what factors do you consider?

MM: I try to hike every second Saturday. Myself and my hiking friends, We always enjoy visiting new hiking locations, but I choose where we should go. I love going to different spots it’s fun, and of course, I get to blog about it.

LNT: do you hike alone or do you have hiking friends

MM: I hike with friends, my long-time friends, and the ones I made through hiking. I would advise that people shouldn’t go hiking alone, besides not being safe to be in the woods alone, where is the fun being around nature alone?

LNT: what is the name of your blog and how did you come up with that name?

MM: Fabtastic  Cute story behind the name of my blog. It was Mother’s Day, my son must have been 6 at that time. He wrote me a Mother’s Day message that said ” Happy Mother’s Day mommy you are fabtastic. I thought to myself wow, what a beautiful word to describe me. I have never heard of the word before. I told his Dad that I love this word, and one day I will use it for something that I will create.

LNT: Have you ever faced any challenges or obstacles while hiking, and how did you overcome them?

MM: Yes, when hiking tough long trails. Your mind tells you that you are tired but there is nothing you can do except to keep going because you have no choice but to walk until you get to the finish. You cannot turn back, no other way but through. To me, that is a test of ability and willingness to keep going because it’s beyond the hike. I apply the experiences in my day-to-day life. Those tough moments teach me something that helps me in my life.

LNT: What do you hope your readers take away from your blog posts about hiking?

MM: everything is possible if you put your mind to it. The benefits of being out there with nature.

LNT: Are there any particular hiking destinations or trails that are on your bucket list, and why?

MM: Too many to mention all, however Mount Meru in Tanzania, Whale trail in South Africa, Gotemba trail in Japan, and Hikers’ Haute Route Switzerland &France

LNT: what message or advice would you like to share with our readers who may be aspiring hikers or fellow nature enthusiasts?

MM: Just take that leap of faith, you might love it or hate it, at least you tried then move along onto trying something new. I never thought I will hike but here I am.

LNT: do you have anything else to ad

MM: every morning when we wake up, we are given two things; A chance and A choice.

Tags : Moira molefe,Fabtastic,Hiking,Blogging

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa  Samsung announced the winner of the Bespoke Home Challenge, closing the curtain on the interior design competition that ran from October 2022. Zwelibanzi Nzuza’s design took the honours after seeing off stiff competition from his three fellow finalists. Zweli, as he’s affectionately known, won a cash prize of R100 000 that will help him kick-start his interior design career and propel him into his future of creativity.

Coming all the way from Kwa-Zulu, Zwelibanzi’s design philosophy is based on vision, inspiration and a leap of faith. He is very adventurous in his designs and often looks at results that inspire people beyond the norm. What sets him apart is his willingness to explore, expand himself in every project and produce something fresh at all times. “I perceived a high-spiritedness in the Bespoke fridge, which is the centrepiece of the design. That inspired sophistication and playfulness in my approach and I tried to use that as an anchor and a common thread in everything else in my space. I wanted something warm, welcoming, relatable, easy on the eye, and not overbearing or intimidating,” said Zwelibanzi.

For the first time, Samsung opened the Bespoke Home Challenge to young designers. The challenge was made to encourage the creators to design an integrated kitchen and living room space with the Bespoke Refrigerator as the centrepiece of their space. Being in a class of its own, the Samsung Bespoke Refrigerator range brings a kaleidoscope of colour, innovation, and unparalleled customisation to life.

The four finalists had to each put their best foot forward and do their designs at the new Samsung Lifestyle store at Design Quarter in Johannesburg. The other finalists were:

• Maresa Maartens (Gauteng) – Won second place in the Bespoke Home Challenge and walked away with R50 000 cash prize. Maresa was adamant that when designing, it is important to create rooms that feel like sanctuaries, where people can find ease of use, comfort, durability and low maintenance, she believes in design solutions and spaces that make users feel good mentally and physically and want to slow down.
• Keneilwe Mothoa (Gauteng) – Inspired by African heritage and culture and marrying this with modern and western inspirations. Her designs are based on African research and focus on the history for the future. She designs for both functionality and aesthetics, capturing all the senses: touch and feel to name a few.
• Mbali Maseko (Gauteng) – Mbali believes that going forward design should be minimalistic with a touch of Africa. She would like to add a touch of Africa to any beautiful, personal and Bespoke home.

The challenge focused on up-and-coming young designers and was a way to give them a unique platform to test their skills and an opportunity to design and give their own interpretation of a perfect Bespoke Home. After being identified for the final round at the end of September 2022, the four finalists had a chance to showcase their creativity and skill at the brand new Samsung Lifestyle at Design Quarter.

Media entrepreneur and International Speaker, Jo-Ann Strauss, who formed part of the judging panel, said the bar had been raised in this edition of the competition. “Samsung is renowned for always going big in everything they do and it is exciting to see that the My Bespoke Home Challenge competition was no exception. It’s amazing how this competition has grown bigger and better. It is such an excellent platform for young up-and-coming designers and I’m proud to be part of it for the second time. A competition like this is important to celebrate what the young designers learn as it prepares them for the real world and the work environment. The designs of all four finalists were absolutely beautiful and made it tough for the judges. I was particularly impressed by how the contestants brought their own personalities to the fore through their designs. I also enjoyed hearing the personal stories from the contestants about their individual journeys and we all thoroughly enjoyed Zweli’s personal story.”

Zweli said he is over the moon at being crowned the winner and takes it as a reminder that he is on the right track in terms of following his passion and love for interior design. “This is like a dream. Never in a million years would I have imagined I would win such a competition. I have learned a lot more than I thought I would in this competition. I feel grateful and absolutely humbled by the entire experience.  The fact that my family is also here to celebrate with me makes it extra special. I will be investing the prize money towards realising my dream and growing my business,” said Zweli.

“The My Bespoke Home Challenge competition is Samsung’s effort to invest in young designers and youth as part of our design and concept store. These post-COVID times have highlighted the importance of our personal spaces and the role they play in our overall wellbeing. It is what inspired this challenge as well because our homes have become multifunctional as spaces where we need to work, relax and entertain ourselves, so they need to be optimal for all those purposes and more. Our vision at Samsung is to allow our consumers to be able to make their spaces look and feel the way they want that also reflects their own personalities and tastes,” said Mike van Lier, Vice President for Consumer Experiences at Samsung.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at https://news.samsung.com/za/

Tags :#MyBespokeChallenge ,Zwelibanzi Nzuza , lifestyleandtech