Although the term “wellness” is frequently used in the spa industry, it’s easy to overlook what it actually means. I like to think of wellness as any daily practice that enhances your life. When you get specific about what wellness means to you, it’s easier to understand the importance of it.
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Although the term “wellness” is frequently used in the spa industry, it’s easy to overlook what it actually means. I like to think of wellness as any daily practice that enhances your life. When you get specific about what wellness means to you, it’s easier to understand the importance of it.
Personally, I like to take a holistic approach to wellness and have noticed that incorporating multiple techniques has significantly improved my quality of life. Here are some of my favorite wellness habits I’ve developed through years in the spa industry.
Traditional Approaches
1. Skin Care
If you’re new to skin care, start slowly with the fundamentals. Your skin care routine should include cleanser, toner, treatment, moisturizer, eye care and sunscreen in the morning. I love having a set time twice a day where I can take a moment to relax and indulge my skin. I recommend learning about the specific needs of your skin and then choosing products that suit your skin type. Personally, a simple hydrating ritual has transformed the look and feel of my skin.
If you already have a well-established skin care ritual, you can elevate it with effective techniques and tools, like gua sha, jade rollers, skin flooding or facial steaming. My favorite technique is a double cleanse. I start with an oil-based cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt and residue left over from the day. Next, I massage a second cleanser to purify the skin and prep it for subsequent steps in my routine.
2. A Trip to the Spa
There are few things that I find as relaxing as massage. Whether you opt for Swedish, hot stone or deep tissue, there are so many styles to explore. Regardless of the technique, it’s a scientifically proven way to release muscle tension, improve circulation and support better sleep.
While you’re planning your spa day, consider getting a facial in addition to massage. An esthetician will help you relax as they assess your skin, choose suitable products and treat you with expert techniques that give you a healthy-looking glow. I also recommend return visits. The more you go, the better your esthetician can get to know your skin, allowing them to tailor your facials to your ongoing needs.
Daily Routine
3. Exercise
It may go without saying, but staying active is essential for overall health. Add a bit of exercise to your daily routine in whatever way suits you best. You can hit the gym, join a local league or head out for a long walk.
My sport of choice is golf. It allows me to get outdoors, enjoy the scenery and make room for exercise in my routine. It’s also a great way to connect socially with those I care about, which I find further enhances my well-being.
4. Good Sleep
Nothing is quite as satisfying as waking up refreshed in the morning, but good sleep offers other benefits for our health. To ensure quality sleep, I like to shut off electronics at least an hour before bed, and I try to go to bed at the same time every night. I also recently invested in a new alarm clock that incorporates the benefits of light and sound to soothe me to sleep and help me gradually wake up in the morning—this has been a game-changer for me!
Unconventional Habits
5. Volunteering
Volunteering is a big part of my regular wellness ritual. For many people, the more we give, the happier we feel. Not only does volunteering allow me to give back to my community, but it also connects me with like-minded people and nurtures my spirit, giving me a greater sense of purpose.
6. Organizing
I love organizing my home! It’s honestly a bit of an obsession. I like that it allows me to make space for important, sentimental things while shedding what no longer serves me. I find that cleaning my environment gives me a sense of accomplishment, eases stress and creates a relaxing space. If a full-blown clean feels too overwhelming, start small: one drawer or cupboard at a time will do.
Small Wellness Boosts
7. Aromatherapy
Our sense of smell can have a powerful effect on our mood. Getting started with aromatherapy can be as simple as lighting your favorite scented candle, testing out an oil roller or investing in an essential oil diffuser.
There are so many unique aromas found in the natural world that have been shown to offer wellness enhancing benefits for the mind and mood. My personal favorites are single note essential oils or blends containing citrus fruits like orange and lemon, known to uplift, calm or energize depending on what is needed in the moment.
8. Practice Gratitude Daily
A small habit that can have a significant impact, practicing gratitude has become a vital part of my daily routine. Personally, I choose to dedicate a few minutes each day to acknowledge, even for a moment, all that I am fortunate to have. This helps me focus on the positive aspects of my life, which increases my feelings of optimism and happiness.
When looking to improve your overall wellness, some of us can get overwhelmed on where to start. Maybe my wellness secrets will help inspire you to begin enhancing your well-being. Start slowly. There’s no need to pressure yourself when it comes to wellness. What matters is that you prioritize your health as you explore what wellness means to you. Open your mind to new experiences, practices and habits; ultimately, your path to wellness is your own.
Amber McBain, vice president of marketing & communications at Éminence Organic Skin Care, is a sharp innovator with more than 15 years of marketing and communications experience. Continuously striving for improvement when it comes to customer experience modeling and brand management, McBain has spearheaded the company’s marketing strategy for the most successful product launches in Éminence’s history.
