Stress. We all know that word and can feel the definition of it often trying to define our very existence. Whether physical or mental, stress can take the sunniest day and make the warm sun on your face feel like a sting. We lose sight of beauty around us and within. It seems a never-ending battle.
Between working my bum off for my photography business, working on my side projects, parenting my four-year-old, and heck, just dealing with the everyday wear and tear of city life (ummm…driving to the grocery store can get me in an uproar), I sometimes literally am finding myself reminding me to breathe. I do the counting- in for eight, out for ten. I’ll sometimes put on relaxation music during editing. Still, I just can’t seem to win this battle. Yep, I know; you’ve been there too.
Wouldn’t it be great to have an oasis to which to retreat, somewhere other than the “relaxing music” section of your iTunes? Eureka! I found it! Three words: Thousand Waves Spa (www.thousandwavesspa.com). I have gone there maybe twice in the past month or so, and both times I left refreshed and ready to take on the world. This spa for women (sorry, gents, ladies only here) is somewhat of a miracle. Like any other spa, they offer all types of services (prenatal too, moms-to-be), from wraps to massages and more, all done by professional women only. I am looking forward to booking a massage soon, but the service I have utilized twice now is their Spa Bath Visit. Only $20 gets you three hours in their facility! That means you have full use of their hot tub, eucalyptus steam room, cedar sauna, and japanese style tea room. Yesterday, I timed it so that I would pick up my son from school right after my three hours of relaxation. The best part? I learned to breathe again!
Before photography sessions, I have clients ask how they should best prepare for the shoot. Sure, I have a list of ways to help you get ready and look your best the day of the shoot. Wouldn’t a nice trip to the spa the day before be a fantastic way to relax and center yourself? I can almost guarantee that you’ll feel less anxiety all around, and the shoot will go even smoother.
As busy working professionals, parents, and city dwellers, we all need to take the time to relax. Only good can come from that. I feel that, as we get older and busier, we allow our brains to take over and think that our bodies don’t need as much attention anymore. Pay attention to your body, and the brain will follow suit, not the other way around. Check in on your breathing every once in a while. Feel if your jaw is clenching a little too much. Your body may be telling you that it’s time for a trip to Thousand Waves.
