When we think about achieving our goals, our thinking is usually liner. For example, in order to trim fat, most people’s initial thought is to eat and/or omit certain foods, as well as exercise x amount of days during the week to achieve success. Ultimately, this isn’t enough to sustain you mentally and physically as you carry forward on your journey. Life is gonna life and we need to weave in wellness that works for us.

This weekend reminded me about the power of fueling your mind (and body) in a different way. I had the privilege of indulging in the ultimate spa experience. Upon check-in, their no shoes policy went into effect. Walking around the facility, you choose from different saunas such as Himalayan salt, charcoal and white clay, to silk baths and hydrotherapy pools. There were hot stone beds, volcanic sand baths, an ice room, a foot massage path and more. Something about laying in a sauna with my eyes closed while feeling beads of sweat form then roll off my body sits right with me. Inhale taut, glowy skin from improved circulation… exhale toxins and stress. The drama of this explanation, but that’s really how it felt!

The experiences mentioned have different benefits (all worth researching and exploring). One of the many things that stood out to me was the stress and tension relief benefit of the Himalayan salt sauna, for example. A hormone that continues to surface time and time again - whether it be in conversation, in an exercise video or meal prep video - is cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. Cortisol can create energy in our bodies but it can also mess with our metabolism and cause weight gain. Low cortisol levels can lead to weight loss. (It’s on my list to continue learning more about this.) Nonetheless, the weekend taught (or reminded) me that stillness, less screen time, soaking in water (water signs, stand up!), and having more face to face conversations, fuels my soul and drops my cortisol levels. (How do I know my cortisol levels dropped for sure? I just know, ok?) The spa was actually the cherry on top. Nonetheless, I need to create more opportunities for activities that will restore me. I want to return to myself again and again.

What is a wellness activity or practice that keeps you going?