
Welcome to Aquila: Your Big 5 Summer Escape Just Two Hours from Cape Town
Summer has arrived, and the Karoo is brimming with life. It’s the perfect season to escape the city and discover the Big 5 safari at
Put a finger down if you have caught yourself mindlessly scrolling on social media – long after you promised yourself ‘only five more minutes’ but lost an hour. You’re not alone. Here’s the thing: screens aren’t the enemy. But when South Africans are spending close to 10 hours a day staring at them, something’s out of balance. The real challenge isn’t switching off – it’s knowing what’s worth switching to.
The upcoming holidays provide the perfect moment to unplug a little and plug into what matters – rest, connection, and habits that boost your wellbeing. You don’t need a dramatic digital detox. You just need a few quick, playful swaps. Thekind you can try today, that take no planning and feel good – immediately – while building more health.
Create small moments where you choose connection, creativity, or movement over your screen. Here’s where to start.
When was the last time you picked up a pair of scissors to cut shapes from a paper or traced a picture just for fun? It sounds silly but it is pure magic for your brain. Crafting takes you out of your head and into your hands, giving your mind the same relief you feel when you finally close all those extra tabs on your device.
Better yet – when did you last do you craft with someone else? Why not host a ‘craft-and-chill’ with friends; these hands-on projects can turn time together into memories. The health bonus? Creating together strengthens social bonds, which research links to lower stress and better immune function.
While calming a busy mind, when you create something from scratch, your brain reads it as evidence that you can take on more than you give yourself credit for, even if it is just a bedazzled paper plane.


Singing has shown to increase protective antibodies, giving your immune system a gentle boost, while helping your heart return to its steady beat. It can also help lift your mood and steady your nervous system – even if you are off key –proving beneficial for your mental and overall health and wellbeing.
When you sing, your mind and body are busy breathing, moving, listening. So, it’s easier to switch off the mental chatter and let go of negative thought, and that is mindfulness in action. Gather family and friends for a night of karaoke or a sing-along and notice how your energy shifts.
Fresh air, daylight, and a quick walk with someone you love can improve focus and sleep quality. It is a great way to reconnect with people who matter most and helps your mind return calmer and sharper for any tasks. A beach or park meet-up, sunset strolls, or a festive market walk is an effortless way to connect – and it’s free.
“Sometimes the best thing you can do for your wellbeing is to show up where life is happening – right outside your door. Stepping outdoors, even for a few minutes, helps your nervous system settle and your mind reset,” says Maria Carpenter, Head of Momentum Multiply. “Pair it with gentle movement and good company, and you’ve got a simple habit that boosts wellbeing you’ll want to keep after the holidays.”
Research suggests that new habits take time, an average of 66 days, so be kind to yourself. Choose one holiday habit that you can repeat daily and build from there. Whether it’s a glass of water before coffee, a 10-minute walk after meals, a mindful check-in before bed or a no phone for rule at gatherings so you are fully present. Small wins compound.
“The best gift you can give yourself, and the people you love, is your attention. Own your health through small, joyful routines you’ll want to keep in the new year and notice how consistency builds momentum for your wellbeing,” adds Carpenter.
Ready to start your health ownership journey? Discover how Momentum Multiply rewards your every step you take to be healthy at multiply.co.za.

Summer has arrived, and the Karoo is brimming with life. It’s the perfect season to escape the city and discover the Big 5 safari at

Looking for a vibrant weekend escape that blends fresh produce, mouth-watering food and drink, creative crafts, interactive experiences and endless family-friendly fun? Prison Break Market

Ask the founders of Ribs and Burgers Grillhouse about their ethos, and they will tell you it comes down to one thing: quality you can

Put a finger down if you have caught yourself mindlessly scrolling on social media – long after you promised yourself ‘only five more minutes’ but
Enjoying our content? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and every Thursday you’ll receive exciting news, reviews and event details from across Mzanzi!
By sharing your email address with us, you consent to Hello Lifestyle Magazine’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You also consent to receive emails from Hello Lifestyle Magazine and our partners regarding news, events, offers and promotions.
Stay up-to-date on the hottest, hippest and most happening things to do in Mzansi!