Summer Spa

May 3, 2015 — health, spa, staycation, summer

hibiscus

There are beautiful facilities with amazingly talented staff members designed to deliver health and fitness retreats. Destination spas, hot spring thermal spas, or spas within hotels provide environments conducive to relaxation for time spent away from home. Time spent breaking undesirable habits or simply reducing stress for a happier healthier outlook is valuable. It is wonderful to find both time and funds to concentrate on body and mind. The test of healthy resolve occurs when we are once again in our normal day to day  setting. This summer I plan to stay home in Tucson. Rather than lament these circumstances I have decided to create summer spa, the staycation that cures what ails you. The trick to good health is balance and reasonable discipline. I can’t spare the time to leave home, but I can arrange my schedule to make daily, weekly and monthly health goals part of my routine.

• Calculate- Using the Fitbit program I will log food, water, sleep and exercise
• Donate- Fill a large bag of unwanted items to give to charity monthly
• Juice Bar- Monday-Thursday make and drink fresh juice and avoid alcohol
• Body Work- Shiatsu, acupuncture, or lymphatic drainage at least once a week
• Fitness Shuffle-Attempt a new class or active experience twice a month
• At the gym-Daily aerobic activity derived from equipment use or swimming laps

First and foremost my plan for better health will include daily time for art.  Poetry writing and creating visual art satisfy a need I have to express myself.  I notice that when I am absorbed in thinking about art or music I live in an elevated state.  Artfulness gives me great pleasure.  I am at my best when I reserve time to appreciate the work of others and be inspired to create something myself.  I include cooking in the list of my creative hobbies.  It works well for me to shift my attention to new healthy ways to prepare food.  The pleasure involved in mixing flavors and savoring the finished meal is essential to my well being. I can add a colorful and delightful juice bar rather than consider giving up alcohol.  In the end it is only the sustainable habits that will make a difference.  Too much repression or strict diet can make the mind recoil from the entire business. It is best to have a plan, build your foundation, and be a little flexible to account for real life.

What kind of summer are you going to have, gentle reader? Do you include health as a goal when making your plans?

reflection in my pool