Bringing the Spa Home

I am home from the spa after a few blissful days away. Here's my takeaway:

The spa was rustic, serene and relaxing. I took many invigorating and creative exercise classes. (Achey muscles, the result of five or six exercise classes daily). I meditated (hard to quiet my mind, a big accomplishment for me!) I ate healthy food, low in calories and carbs. No chocolate for two days! No expresso coffee. I met lovely down to earth women. Bonded with my mom. And I was pampered with a wonderful facial. 

The hardest thing for me, I am embarrassed to admit, was disconnecting from my computer and cell phone. I have become so dependent on technology, and it took a great deal of self-control to leave my cell phone in the room all day and to consciously stay away from the spa's computer. I was very focused on being fully present, enjoying the time I was at the spa, and reconnecting to my inner voice. It's hard to do that with all the noise of everyday life.

Without a TV in the room, I was able to read before bed and to go to sleep much earlier than at home, fully spent after a full day of stretching and exercising my muscles. 

I am committed to jump-starting my summer by bringing some of the spa with me.

I will:

1) Let more phone calls go to voice mail and return calls when I have the time to focus, instead of feeling obligated to speak to every person who calls. Most calls can wait. Sometimes, it's even useful to wait. Especially with my children. Given the time to work things out without my help, they are usually more resourceful. Same with clients.

2) Check email less often. Most emails are not urgent. Let my inbox get fuller and return emails in chunks of time. Better for focus.

3) Spend more time on what's really important. For me, that means when my kids want me to spend time with them, get up and make it happen. Time is precious, and we don't get those moments back. 

4) Exercise my whole body. While I already have a healthy daily practice of walking a few miles, I need to add in more stretching and core strengthening. I am committed to making this a part of my life, not just a spa indulgence that occurs once every few years!

5) Less sugar and simple carbs. I am committed to a healthier diet. I have already begun to eat mostly whole grains, much more fruits and vegetables, and leaner protein. Feels good to be a conscious eater!

How will you jump-start your life this summer? There is no time like the present to take the steps towards positive change.