As a nurse and a mom it is very hard to find that balance of productivity and relaxation. Especially when you are working long hours, serving others, and coming home to pick back up mommy duties right where you left off.
On 9/14/20 we celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary! We are used to going all out, this was our only time once a year to truly treat ourselves. I mean from the sands of Jamaica, to the most luxurious hotels in the city - we were truly used to some elaborate anniversary celebrations.
Well 2020 has forced us all to think a bit more close to home.
2020 has forced me to move into a new perspective of what and how to celebrate.
We started out as we usually do, with an extensive internet search for hotels and resorts. As I searched, the nurse in me grew more and more anxious of the cleanliness of the hotels, reading their social distancing policies, and honestly just becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the entire experience. My brain was fighting with the desire to be out somewhere/anywhere, yet wanting to be safe at home.
So I started to think of what I actually wanted.
What would be an ideal way to celebrate our SEVEN year milestone, and the truth was that I just yearned relaxation and time for reflection. My husband, David, says his idea of a perfect night would just simply involve us together. He always tells me when I am making plans,"if the kids are with us then it's not vacation, its a family trip". So that part was easy, to satisfy his request I secured a babysitter. Then I worked to create a relaxing atmosphere in our basement & guest room.
This would become our perfect spa retreat.
Mindset
No, we could not really get away like we truly wanted to.
So I had to trick my mind into believing that were in fact somewhere else. So I got all the way in character of it being somewhere else - like really. Away from all the everyday routines of our day.
I'm a mom of two young boys. This means constantly stepping over cars and toys. So with the kids out of the house we cleaned up (and it stayed that way more than 15 mins), and in our master spa retreat there was not a toy in sight.
Spa Culture
So whats the culture of a spa?
I started to look through all the amenities and decor of the places I was considering to book in my hotel search. What made that appealing ? What wow'd me, or made me feel like luxury. So I infused all of that into my spa retreat.
I increased focus on all 4 senses: sound, sight, smell, and taste.
Sound
I purchased a spa like water feature for the bedroom. Harry the homemaker aka the husband commented "it sounds like a pipe is leaking, like I need to go get my tools". He was clearly still in home mode. I however found it to be very calming and serene.
Sight
I created a space free of clutter and familiarity. Clutter truly gives me anxiety. It makes me feel bad that I am too tired to fold those clothes, or pick up those shoes, or organize everything. I added in new decor, rearranged the furniture, and made sure it was inviting and comfortable.
Smell
I lit candles and placed them all over, this is definitely an instant mood changer. It gave a true spa feel to the room, and made it smell amazing.
Taste
We ordered in, we had snacks for days and good wine !
Connection to reality
I removed the alarm clock, silenced all notifications on my phone, and turned off the TV.
If I could describe 2020 in one word it would be overwhelming. Every time I come up for air from another tragic blow, senseless murder, blatant injustice, then another breaking news headline comes in.
So although things continue to happen I had to hit the pause button. I had to disconnect it was absolutely necessary. So I took away all distractions so that we could truly celebrate our anniversary, this without any interruptions to take away from it.
Invest
All the items/decor I put into creating this spa feel at home for sure started to add up. But right there in those moments that I wanted to discount my own selfceare, I had to remember that its an investment. So unlike purchasing one spa treatment at a fancy/smancy spa (which I still do from time to time), I am potentially allowing myself to have endless spa dates. However if I invest in creating these things at home, then I can enjoy these luxuries whenever I am in need.
So I invested in a fabulous Oprah's favorite things foot massager.
A top pick Back massager.
High thread count sheet set.
I had the intention of going a little crazy in buying all new bedding too. Instead I bought new pillows, flipped the double sided comforter, and added a new mattress pad!
Remember you do not have to break the bank to enjoy luxury, just be intentional with what vibe you are after.
I hope this post was helpful ! Try it out and let me know how it goes for your next staycation.
Stay well nurse friends,
Megs
Kommentare