Living on autopilot and functioning in a constant state of survival carries serious risks for your health. To explore this reality, we spoke with Liliana Paraipan, Wellness Director of ZEMness & SPA at ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea, who reminds us of a truth we often overlook: most people have normalised rushing through life, placing their bodies under continuous tension — and that tension eventually manifests as anxiety.
We are now more disconnected than ever from nature and from ourselves. The pace at which we live is unsustainable, and the rhythm of modern cities does little to support our nervous system. Instead, it keeps us in a constant state of alert, damaging both body and mind. Numerous studies have already described chronic stress as the epidemic of the twenty-first century, particularly among younger generations.
The good news is that there are effective ways to restore balance and reconnect with your sense of wellbeing. It is within your reach to regulate your nervous system and recover calm. With the insight of our expert, we explore how this is addressed at ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea, and how simple daily practices — such as meditation and mindfulness — can help you slow down and regain clarity.
In this feature, guided by Liliana Paraipan, we present six essential keys to reduce stress and anxiety.
1. We Live Too Much in the Mind — and Disconnect from the Body
“The first key to reducing anxiety is understanding that it often arises because we live too much in our minds and lose connection with our bodies. We overthink, anticipate what might happen, and constantly imagine future scenarios — which keeps us in a state of imbalance. We stop living in the present, and the body reacts with signals of alert, as if every concern were real. To regain calm and clarity, we must return to the present moment.”
2. The Body Can Only Relax When It Feels Safe
“At ZEM, we are aware that many of our guests lead demanding and stressful lives. That is why we offer them an environment of safety and calm, allowing their nervous system to slow down and relax. This sense of security becomes the foundation for creating healthier, more sustainable habits — far from haste and pressure.
We approach each guest individually, seeing the person as a whole — body, mind, and soul — not merely their symptoms. A week or two at ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea can become a genuine turning point: a reset in lifestyle. During their stay, our guests often rediscover how it feels to be relaxed, aware, and deeply connected with themselves.
Many of us have normalised levels of stress that quietly harm us every day. At ZEM, we help our guests recognise that a calmer, more natural state of being is possible. The difference between how they arrive and how they leave is remarkable. Once they experience that state of wellbeing, they rarely wish to return to old habits — and our role is to guide them in maintaining it through simple, practical techniques.”
3. Turning Inwards So That the External World Affects You Less
“We spend our lives running — always rushing — which leads to disconnection: from our bodies, our emotions, and our own existence. Our attention is constantly directed outwards rather than inwards.
At ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea, we help our guests become more aware of what they feel, so that external circumstances affect them less. The goal is to change the mental patterns that drain us. In everyday life, we rarely allow ourselves to rest or disconnect; we convince ourselves that there is never enough time, sacrificing sleep, calm, or meaningful connection. That external focus feeds anxiety and prevents us from experiencing genuine happiness.”
4. Meditation, Mindfulness and Conscious Breathing — Natural Allies Against Anxiety
“At ZEM, we combine a range of techniques, treatments and advanced technologies. Some methods, such as The Satori Sound, use sound frequencies to shift brainwaves from a state of hyperactivity to one of deep relaxation. Meditation, mindfulness, and conscious breathing — often referred to as breathwork — are powerful ways to regulate the nervous system.
Meditation is a beautiful practice, while mindfulness is a way of being. Both help us reconnect with our emotions and listen to the body’s messages, which we so often ignore. Conscious breathing is the simplest tool for influencing our state in real time, and practising gratitude can also be profoundly restorative.”
5. Learning to Meditate Without Turning It Into an Obligation
“Learning to meditate should never become another source of pressure. It is not about perfection but about simplicity. Begin with three conscious breaths and one minute of stillness each day, then gradually expand the practice. What matters most is consistency, not duration.
Meditation is not a cognitive process but a sensory one — reading about it is not enough; it must be experienced. It is a form of training for the mind, teaching us to remain present and to release the need to control what we cannot change.
At ZEM, every guest follows a personalised programme that includes individual meditation sessions. These are moments to connect personally, to adapt mindfulness to each individual’s needs. For beginners, it can be helpful to be guided by a professional who explains the science behind the practice and ensures they feel confident. Group meditation can also be valuable, fostering a sense of community — which is why we offer both options.
Meditation does not always mean sitting still with eyes closed; it can occur during a massage, while walking in nature, or through mindful movement.”
6. Meditate When It Feels Right — But Stay Consistent
“There is no perfect hour for meditation. It is not about discipline or perfection; it is about dedicating time to yourself. Many people find it beneficial in the morning, to prepare for the day ahead with calm and clarity, or in the evening, to unwind and rest better. The key is to make it part of your routine — a gentle ritual of reconnection, even if only for a few minutes in the middle of a busy day.”
About the Expert
Liliana Paraipan is Wellness Director at ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea. With over twenty years of experience in wellness and spa management, she is a visionary leader dedicated to transforming the industry through innovation, integrative health, and strategic growth. At ZEM, she oversees the development of advanced wellness programmes, leads a multidisciplinary team, and curates transformative experiences aligned with the philosophy of Mediterranean Longevity.
Liliana began her career in marketing and corporate communications, where she refined her skills as a strategist, speaker, and brand developer. She understands the power of storytelling in wellness and shares ZEM’s commitment to excellence, preventive health, and meaningful transformation.
Before joining ZEM, Liliana was a pioneer in the wellness industry in Romania, founding her own spa centre and leading several high-end projects, including luxury hotel spas and urban wellness centres. She has trained more than one hundred professionals and advised on over twenty-five international wellness projects, raising industry standards and redefining the guest experience.
Alongside her executive career, Liliana holds extensive training in the field: she is a certified Mindfulness (MBSR) Teacher, Health Coach, and NeuroMindfulness Master Coach, integrating science-based mindfulness into ZEM’s wellness programmes. Her passion for mental wellbeing, combined with her leadership in spa and wellness innovation, enables her to design experiences that foster genuine, lasting transformation.
Marina Vega
Contributor at ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea
Graduated in Journalism from the University of Valladolid and based in Altea (Alicante), Marina is a freelance journalist specialising in travel and gastronomy. Since 2018, she has been writing for Condé Nast Traveler and, since 2020, for Guía Repsol, Guía Hedonista, and GastroActitud.
She also collaborates with the Sustainable Guide (Comunidad Valenciana), participates in local projects, writes scripts and voiceovers for videos, acts as a presenter for conferences, and moderates round tables at gastronomic congresses. Her goal is to promote the region through a more conscious and sustainable perspective.
Marina Vega
Colaboradora en ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea
Licenciada en Periodismo por la Universidad de Valladolid y afincada en Altea (Alicante), Marina es periodista freelance especializada en viajes y gastronomía. Escribe desde 2018 para Condé Nast Traveler y, desde 2020, para Guía Repsol, Guía Hedonista y GastroActitud.
También es colaboradora de la Guía Sustentable (Comunidad Valenciana). Colabora con proyectos locales, escribe guiones y locuta vídeos, ejerce como presentadora de ponencias y modera mesas redondas en congresos gastronómicos. Su objetivo es divulgar el territorio desde un prisma más consciente y sostenible.
