A few weeks ago, I celebrated my 29th birthday and
had the luxury of a day free from class and any obligations. In the spirit of reflecting on another
year, I decided to create a wellness day for myself. I met my good friend Alexis and my runny buddy, Coop, for
coffee and a walk around the neighborhood. We didn’t let the rain stop us, I have enjoyed many early
morning walks with Alexis as we catch up and set intentions in motion for
things we are working on. Next, I
found myself at yoga class at the new 8 limbs yoga studio down street. The teacher was a woman who used to
teach lunch-time yoga at Bastyr, one of my first real experiences cultivating a
yoga practice. She connected me
with my breath, and I could feel myself in my body again. I then was off to the Olympus Day Spa a
little north of Seattle. I took
advantage of the free birthday admission.
This Korean women’s spa is full of different therapeutic rooms, pools,
steams, and saunas. I treated
myself to a body wrap. After heating
up in the charcoal room, my body was painted in mud and then wrapped in three
layers. My core temperature rose, and
I had a good detoxifying sweat. I
then was blessed to have my good friends cook dinner for me and my boyfriend,
Dan. I felt completely relaxed and
rejuvenated!
I was thinking how differently we all would feel if we gave
ourselves permission to declare a day of wellness for ourselves. It doesn’t take an expensive trip to
the spa either. Check out these
suggestions to customize your day of wellness:
1) Fast from technology. Give
yourself permission to turn of the TV, not answer your cell phone, and don’t
check your email. Feel the freedom
of unplugging and concurrently give yourself a break from electromagnetic
frequencies.
2) Drink herbal teas or lemon water. Herbal tea is a great way to nourish
your body and calm your mind with healing botanicals. I like Yogi Tea’s Detox blend. Also, you can go to your local botanical store and create
your own blend. Add lemon slices to your
water to stimulate your liver and digestion. Hydration is key to good health.
3) Do yoga in the comfort of your own home or your favorite
studio. Nowadays you can
download yoga videos right onto your computer. I have been enjoying Yoga Download.com (this is your only
excuse to use the computer.) Many
studios offer introductory specials, use this as a way to find a studio that is
right for you.
4) Take a relaxing salt bath. Mineral salt baths are full of trace minerals that are
absorbed into the body and can alleviate muscle aches and pains, increase circulation,
and be detoxifying. Create your
own using a blend of Epsom salts, Himalayan or Dead Sea Salt. You can add relaxing botanicals like
calendula, lavender, rose, or lemon balm or essential oils like lavender,
rosemary, or sandalwood to your soak.
Check out the post Relaxing Herbal Bath Tea Bags or try a Leaf People
Bath Soak.
5) Castor oil packs.
This is a popular Naturopathic remedy to detoxify the body and relieve
lymphatic congestion. Apply castor
oil over your abdomen and liver, cover with a towel that you don’t care about,
and then apply heat with a hot water bottle for 15-30 minutes. Use this time to meditate, take a nap,
or read a book.
6) Dry skin brushing.
With a loofah or dry skin brush, sweep over your body with gentle upward
strokes always in the direction of your heart. This will not only exfoliate the skin, but also stimulate
circulation and lymph flow.
7) Treat your skin to a mask.
Whether you have a favorite mask or want to create your own using clay,
mud, or the leftovers in your kitchen, treat your skin to what it desires with
a natural therapeutic mask. Check
out Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal for recipe ideas.
8) Journal.
With the New Year approaching, journaling is a great way to reflect, set
your intentions, alleviate your anxiety, and give voice to what is on your
mind. I have journaled before
going to bed for many years, it has helped ease my mind and also look back on
how I’ve grown over the years.
9) Breathe. I study
with a doctor who says carbon dioxide is the most toxic substance to the body
and it accumulates when we don’t take the time to deeply breathe. My cousin gave out reminder notes this
Christmas, that say take 10 deep breaths.
Whether you post a reminder, set aside time during the day, find
yourself at a stop light, or need to go within use the power of deep inhalation
and exhalation from your diaphragm.
10) Be gentle with yourself. Detox from negative self-talk and set your intent on being
kind to yourself. Count your blessings and be grateful for
the fullness of your life.
Make it a New Year’s Resolution to give yourself a day of wellness. Better yet, make a commitment to yourself and your well-being to try and incorporate a wellness ritual into your daily routine.
Feel the benefits of relaxation and peace!
