Four Mondays Off

Over four hundred of you joined me on this wellness reprioritization journey. I'm ready to visit Party City to grab those number balloons in celebration, but I'll hold off (for now). Instead, I'll focus on properly ringing in the new year. I adore the number twenty-three. It's literally my lucky number. I arrogantly started last year with no goal planning, just vibes. Although I tallied a few meaningful wins, I left a lot on the table due to my lack of preparation. This isn't a feeling I want to relive next December, so I recognize that the real magic I'm looking for, is in the work I'm avoiding.

My year-end performance review was due right before I checked out for the holidays, and I gathered that other areas in my life also required evaluation. So, take a glimpse of my personalized wellness assessment below:

Major Accomplishments:

• In its 8th edition, Mentally, I'm Here newsletter is my most significant and consistent achievement of 2023.
• I joined a gym cult. I mean fitness club. Ok, Equinox is far from a cult, and it's a strong possibility I only chose this membership because several locations have a full-service spa. Nevertheless, I've noticed the mental perks of being more active and look forward to my continued progress.
• I visited 21 spas and wellness businesses this year. I indulged in nine massages and three facials. Inadvertently, the most appointments occurred in the state of Colorado during my travels.

Areas for Improvement:

• I didn't schedule any well-being sessions after Valentine's Day until the last day of June. Organizations often ask prospective candidates to explain a gap in employment, and I owe myself further explanation for this self-care hiatus.
• I arranged four mental health days in 2023. That equals one per quarter. If you're a recent subscriber or missed the Tardy but Present edition, I surveyed eleven college students and recent grads in my network about their mindful habits trajectory. When asked how often they advise an intentional day off from school or work, 8 out of 11 answered (at least) once a month. I have work to do to catch up with their tranquility standards.

Focus for the next six months:

• P-L-A-N. The notes app on my phone has been sufficient to host my makeshift to-do lists and unorganized brainstorming highlights. However, I'm visual and must-see my goals frequently, especially when I succumb to doubt. I brought a planner, so it's time to outline and write.

• Adopt more sustainable habits. Humanizing the planet has aided my conceptualization of our climate crisis. The earth is unwell primarily because of the choices we are collectively making. In the new year, I strive to be more participatory in earth's preservation solutions by shifting my habits to fit a more sustainable lifestyle.

List your greatest challenge:

• Discovering alternative ways to cover wellness treatments financially.

Frequenting 21 spas comes with a price. Scheduling a spa day or booking pricey wellness remedies won't always be ideal for reducing stress.

Here are three tips to shrink your mindfulness expenses:

1. HSA/FSA/HRA Accounts

Health insurance flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA) typically have eligibility lists of services that can be covered or reimbursed to enhance your well-being.

Note: Services or products might require a doctor's note or request further information. Always check with your benefits administrator or insurance provider prior to making an appointment you want covered.

2.??? Cosmetology and Massage Schools

If you're not looking for anything glamorous, visit a local cosmetology or massage school. I signed up for a $40 facial last year that typically starts at $180 for. I also booked a full leg wax at a discounted rate and thoroughly enjoyed both services. A certified teacher supervises the students as they are required to practice for a certain number of hours to graduate. The novice passion and eagerness of the future estheticians are so refreshing.

Note: If you are considering a trade school for a wellness service, only sign up with a clear schedule and patience. And I always tip the students individually.?

3.????? Resort Pass

The ultimate staycation resource, where you can escape without leaving town. Resort Pass allows you to experience resort amenities at a fraction of the cost. Search your city and preferred date, and you will be given several options to experience luxury, including a spa/hotel day pass, pool chair/cabana, or a day/hotel room at almost half the cost. For all my hybrid and remote workers, you can also reserve a meeting space.

Note: Read the fine print before your purchase, as not all hotel and resort amnesties are available to Resort Pass users. You can visit Resort Pass' website here to explore options in your city or on your next trip.

Tending to our holistic state of being should be a luxury that everyone can afford. We only get one vessel; naturally, if we don't find time to rest, our bodies will force relaxation. If you need a suggestion on when to take your first Mental Health Day of 2024, choose January 8th and experience the peace of having four Mondays off. Thank me later.