For years, the conversation around wellness has quietly left men on the sidelines. Cultural expectations have encouraged them to power through stress, suppress anxiety and treat rest as optional. Yet as burnout, depleted focus and chronic tension rise across industries, the definition of strength is beginning to shift. Today, wellbeing is not an indulgence. It is a requirement for clarity, resilience and long-term performance.
Spaces like Akari, a science-led wellness studio grounded in restorative design and sensory balance, are reshaping what support for men can look like. Far removed from outdated ideas of self-care, Akari focuses on measurable recovery, intentional architecture and treatments that support both body and mind. With initiatives such as its Movember partnership, the studio encourages men to view wellbeing as something essential, strategic and fully accessible.
We sat down with the founder of Akari, Katia de Rham about the changing landscape of men’s mental health and how thoughtful design and science-backed treatments can help men reset and return to life with greater clarity and purpose.
Zenith: From your perspective, what does mental wellness mean for men today and how does a space like Akari support that?
Akari: Mental wellness for men today is about creating space to pause, reset and reconnect, physically, mentally and emotionally. At Akari, we provide a sanctuary where men can step away from daily pressures and immerse themselves in an environment designed for clarity, focus and calm. Every aspect of our space, from lighting and architecture to treatments, is intentional and science led. Our services are for everyone, and there is no stigma that wellness is only for women. Many men visit during breaks, after work or at weekends and incorporate wellness into their routine. In support of Movember, we are offering 30 per cent off throughout the month to make it easier for men to prioritise their wellbeing.
Many men struggle to open up about stress or anxiety. In a wellness environment like Akari, what helps them feel safe enough to begin that conversation?
Safety comes from structure, privacy and measurable results. Our treatments are results driven, which removes the pressure of simply talking and allows men to focus on physical and mental restoration. From the moment you enter Akari, the space immediately creates a sense of calm. It is intentionally designed so that your senses are not overstimulated. The experience feels more like a private sanctuary, which helps men feel at ease. Men feel increasingly empowered to prioritise their wellness because the experience is centred on performance, recovery and clarity, not vulnerability alone.
How much does environment, lighting, design, movement and sensory elements influence a man’s mental wellbeing, and how does Akari elevate that?
Environment plays a significant role. Akari is designed with principles such as Feng Shui and regenerative design, so every detail serves a purpose, from natural light and plant placement to textures and soundscapes. Even the materials matter. Limewash paint, wood and organic textiles interact gently with light and avoid harsh chemicals. From the moment someone walks in, the space supports wellbeing. It is about creating an atmosphere where men can feel centred, clear and fully recharged.
In your experience, what mental or emotional challenges do men often overlook and how can experiences like breathwork, red light therapy or structured routines help?
Men often overlook cumulative stress, disrupted sleep and the type of tension that builds quietly in the body. Treatments such as red light therapy, guided breathwork and recovery focused rituals work on a cellular level and help men feel lighter, clearer and more focused, even if they did not realise how much they were carrying.
Many men juggle high pressure careers. How can Akari support them in balancing performance with emotional and mental reset?
Akari provides a way to recharge strategically. Our targeted treatments and structured routines help optimise energy, clarity and focus. Even a short session can help someone return to work feeling physically recovered and mentally grounded. This allows high performing men to maintain balance without interrupting demanding schedules.
How do you see the conversation around men’s mental health evolving and where does Akari fit within that shift?
The conversation is shifting from stigma to strategy. Men are increasingly open to wellness and many have fully embraced it. At Akari, we aim to support this shift by making our approach accessible, performance focused and results driven. Our Movember initiative reinforces this by offering a tangible incentive for men to explore wellness in a meaningful way.
Looking ahead, what mindset or lifestyle shift do you hope men adopt regarding mental wellbeing and how can spaces like Akari encourage that change?
I hope men begin to see wellness as essential rather than a luxury. Akari encourages conscious choices, science backed practices and consistent care. When men integrate wellbeing into daily life, everything improves, from energy and focus to relationships and long-term fulfilment.
