It’s sunrise in Fiji on the second Saturday of June, meaning events are now underway to celebrate the start of Global Wellness Day. Founded three years ago by Belgin Aksoy, creative director of hotel management company Richmond International in Turkey, she came up with an idea to combat depression and unhappiness by promoting the importance of living well through a special initiative – Global Wellness Day.

More than 300 brands from 70 countries across the world will be offering not-for-profit events to the public, designed to increase our consciousness of living a better life – even if it’s just for one day – to draw our attention to healthier lifestyles.

Starting at sunrise in Fiji, wellness-focused activities and initiatives will take place all through the day in every time zone, ending at sunset in Hawaii.

For example, Fijian skincare brand Pure Fiji and its fitness group Pure Fiji Zenergy Group Fitness Studio are ‘saying yes’ to Global Wellness Day through a range of yoga, dietary and wellness workshops.

Meanwhile, Liz Terry, editor of Spa Business and Spa Opportunities, will be joining Belgin Aksoy at Macka Democracy Park in Istanbul, Turkey, – to experience a full programme of wellness speakers, yoga sessions, zumba classes and cooking experiences.

Here is a video of activities carried out last year for Global Wellness Day:

Follow Liz Terry on Twitter live in Istanbul for Global Wellness Day @elizterry or go to @SpaOpps or @SpaBusinessMag.