In the time of so much uncertainty, the only constant is grasping on to a good piece of advice that helps us get through the day or sleep a little sounder. These experts do that for a living; this is what they’re heeding to while they hunker down at home.
“During times of increased stress and anxiety, it is important to enhance the body’s overall calmness and serenity by focusing on being mentally positive and productive. Whether that be furthering a personal goal, learning something new or increasing physical fitness, we can all feel markedly better if we can manage to achieve that mental outlook.” —Michelle Christensen, spa director at Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Rosewood CordeValle
“We sometimes face times of uncertainty, whether it be a hurricane, wildfire or our current situation with COVID-19. The stress can often lead our bodies to experience fatigue so during these times it is important to breathe, stay calm and stay in touch with those we love. Today, without the hustle and bustle of the busy cities, it is a good time to take in the beauty that surrounds us and relax with a walk through our neighborhoods. Inside, we can connect with nature by tending to our houseplants, spending time with pets and taking time each night to meditate before bed to clear our thoughts and worries from the day.” —Raden James, director of wellness at Rosewood Sand Hill
“While staying calm during uncertain times can be challenging, I’ve found that one of the best ways to maintain peace of mind is by transporting the serene atmosphere and healing effects of my favorite spa treatments into my home. Recently, I’ve taken to soaking in a DIY brine-therapy bath to recreate some of the detoxifying benefits of our Brine Lounge at Salt Spa. I fill my bathtub with warm water and add an abundance of Himalayan pink salt to reach 1-percent salinity for my tub, which means about 2.5 pounds of salt! After a 20-to-30 minute soak, while enjoying my current nightstand novel, I allow myself to air-dry and rest comfortably for 30 minutes as my body rebalances from the release of toxins.” —Carolyn Holdsworth, spa director of Salt Spa at The Reeds at Shelter Haven
“One of my favorite face masks to do at home is a ‘farm-to-face’ mask, made using ingredients commonly found at home. I recommend mixing 1 tbsp. aloe, 1 tbsp. honey, 3 tbsp. plain yogurt with two-to-three drops of lemon essential oil. I like to refrigerate all the ingredients to make it extra-refreshing on the skin. You can leave this in your fridge for about a week and get a couple of masks out of it. If you’re at home with a family member, you can do the masks together and make a fun night in out of it.” —Kim Kelder, lead aesthetician and skincare specialist at Miraval Life in Balance Spa, Miraval Arizona
“I highly encourage everyone to take a moment to stop, breathe and reflect. If you feel overwhelmed, I advocate for a quick, brisk walk around the block to clear your mind. Turn on some chill-out tunes and take pride in what you are overcoming. In the evening, draw yourself a warm bath with lavender or CBD-infused salts. Light that candle and meditate. These are all simple, yet successful, ways to reduce ones anxiety with the ever-changing dynamics around us. One last tidbit is to set a reminder on your phone or calendar to make good on all of the above plans-of-action!” —Kristi Russ, spa director at Pronghorn Resort
“I’ve always used the great outdoors to my advantage and found getting outside daily, walking in nature and getting sun and fresh air helps reduce stress. Eating healthy, staying hydrated and getting to bed early to get a good rest is critical to keep up your immune system. It’s also important to repeat positive affirmations anytime we feel negativity coming on. Before sleeping, I make sure to count all my blessings and give thanks for all that I have in my life.” —Amy Ouellette, aesthetician and massage therapist at Spa at Nakoma Resort
“Mindfulness can be practiced anytime, anywhere—it’s simply the act of paying attention to everything we are experiencing in the present moment by neither controlling nor judging it. Mindfulness meditation focuses on perception and observation, concentrating on stimulating each sense. To achieve this requires a certain practice, which gives us the habit of repeatedly executing some actions.” —Joanne Longanilla, yoga instructor at SHA Wellness Clinic
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“We’re making more time to check in with family, friends and staying tuned-in to specific staff needs, as well as taking the time to reflect and show gratitude to those that are supporting us through this unusual time.” —Alex and Sue Glasscock, founders of The Ranch
“Quarantining may seem anything but relaxing, but there are many simple ways to bring the spa home. From practicing meditation techniques and DIY at-home spa treatments, it’s important to engage in acts of self-care now more than ever. Prioritizing our mental health helps reduce anxiety and more importantly, helps us to remain calm. A perfect example of this is to journal. Journaling offers an easy way to center and ground yourself which in turn helps diminish potential emotional stress and maintain overall sanity.” —Kendra Rice, spa director at JW Marriott Nashville
“My number-one tip is to leave stress out of the home as much as possible. Practicing yoga every morning is the best way to start your day. It helps to improve the breath, body elasticity, blood circulation and clear the mind. Now, there are a lot of internet platforms where you can see videos of yoga lessons at home.” —Adrian Gomez, spa supervisor at Banyan Tree Mayakoba
“This is an incredibly stressful and fearful time for the global community. One way we can cope with and manage stress in self-isolation is to focus on mindfulness through self-meditation. There are numerous meditation apps and books available to help guide you through this practice. I also recommend taking time for yourself by relaxing in a warm bath or shower. Create your own bath soak by mixing Epsom salt and dried eucalyptus—both of which are known to promote stress reduction—in an organza bag and place it in your bath tub.” — Samantha Rhodes, spa director at Park Hyatt Aviara
“Though it may be a technique that gained popularity a few years back, oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth to remove bacteria and promote oral hygiene. I carry on with my morning shower and prepare for the day as I’m swooshing. The bacteria that accumulates in the mouth overnight are attracted to the fatty oils, and they leave the system when you spit it out. This also helps to clear mucus and congestion in the chest.” — Vince Smit, spa director at the Miami Beach Edition
“It is incredibly important to keep a balanced state of mind amidst this time of uncertainty and staying in the present and mindfulness can help us achieve a sense of calm. I recommend that exercise and meditation become a staple in your everyday routine at home. Utilizing web yoga and Pilates classes can build strength and feed your mind, body and inner-self. Using meditation apps can soothe stress, calm anxiety, and support gratitude in one’s life. For those of us with children at home, it is the opportunity to build that bond with healthy fun cooking, crafts and reading stories together.” —Karina Chung, director of spa at Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Rosewood Miramar Beach
