Can you believe the holidays are already here? Ahhhh! Every year it feels like time hits fast-forward. Between work, home, and the general chaos of life, it can feel impossible to squeeze in one more thing—let alone all the holiday extras. And if your to-do list is already unrolling off the desk like a cartoon scroll… same.
Read MoreLet’s be honest — no one needs to be told that life feels overwhelming right now. Between work deadlines, family needs, social obligations, news, and the constant stream of notifications buzzing for our attention, sometimes it feels like we are running on mental fumes. We cascade from one thing to the next, without pausing to reflect on what it feels like to run in autopilot mode.
Read MoreBeing a mom is fucking hard. No matter how amazing a person is, this is an inescapable truth. And when you can tell it’s hard from a distance, you know it’s exponentially harder firsthand. Stereotypes aside and progress included, there is still an undeniable societal expectation that mothers bear the brunt of the mental load when it comes to caring for the family. From planning meals to organizing schedules to managing budgets, to maintaining a career, the to-do list for moms appears never-ending. Add to that the mental labor of keeping the family together, managing everyone’s emotions, and often being expected to be the primary caregiver for children, and it’s no wonder that so many mothers feel overwhelmed and exhausted.
Read MoreAs fall turns to winter and we mourn the loss of the warm sun, we instead get a little excited about snuggling up, drinking hot bevys, and getting stoked for celebrations with friends and family. Gatherings for me can look all kinds of ways. Big, small, intimate, wild, and they usually include delicious food. And, if you’re like me, the slight pressure of what to buy for whom can start knocking at the door once Thanksgiving is behind me. Full disclosure: I am not the worlds best consumer. Eek!
Read MoreDid you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? I personally think it should be a year-long campaign, given the epidemic levels of stress, burnout, depression, and anxiety in our current world. Global Pandemic aside, people have been under increasing stress for years. 73% of adults in the United States report stress levels that have a negative impact on their mental health. Whether you struggle with anxiety and depression or find yourself occasionally feeling stressed out, there could be some sneaky things that are negatively impacting your mental health.
Read MoreThe world learned many lessons over the pandemic. Many people learned new skills or hobbies. Even more faced difficult emotions like depression, heartbreak, uncertainty, and grief. And if there are any lessons to be held on to as the world slowly picks up from where we left off, let it be this: prioritizing one’s health and wellbeing is more important than anything. But when work gets in the way of your balance, how do you manage? And what about when you have children who also depend on you?
Read MoreAre you content with the person looking back at you from the mirror each morning or do you frown in frustration? Unfortunately, many of us are unhappy with the person looking back. Whether it’s lamenting about having a few extra pounds or exhibiting more serious, self-hating body dysmorphic disorders, body image is under siege in our celebrity-fixated society. While the media continues to airbrush photos of svelte supermodels for magazine covers, others are trying to teach young girls to love their bodies, beautiful imperfections and all. One way to combat the Hollywood hype and to create an appreciation for the bodies we have is through hands-on massage and bodywork.
Read MoreIn the past I leaned toward making gifts for my immediate family, but that was when I had more free time, a smaller family (we’ve added nieces and nephews and in-laws to the mix), and less Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent decades stressing every year before really taking the time to re-evaluate how you view gift-giving. Here are some things I’ve learned as well as some ways to approach gift giving differently this year, so you can finally enjoy the holidays.
Read MoreThe holiday season has been marketed to us for generations as the warm, fuzzy, magical time of the year when miracles and Christmas wishes all come true. And for some people, that might be the case. However, the holiday season can also be one of the most emotionally triggering times of the year-- in both good and bad ways. A study conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 64% of those with mental illness report worsening symptoms during the holiday season. Added stress around the holidays can exacerbate anxiety and depression. Add a heaping spoonful of Global Pandemic, intense economic challenges,
Read MoreAround this time of year, we turn our gaze to the past and reflect on all that we have, all that we’ve done, and all the people we love. At the Pearl Day Spa, we are taking a moment to appreciate all of our staff and incredible clients, past and present. Without you, we would never be able to provide space for tranquility, change lives through touch, and spread the message of selfcare and wellness. To celebrate, we are revisiting a blog post from deep within the archives, written by our dear owner, Sean. Enjoy.
Read MoreMornings don’t have to be a struggle. The key to a successful productive morning is consistency and planning. Utilize your precious morning time to reflect, practice gratitude, and shift your mindset to a positive outlook on the day ahead. Remember, lasting change happens in small, incremental steps. If you adopt one of the above tips, you’ve already made an improvement. And little by little, even the latest night owl can begin to enjoy mornings. And if you’re still tired, there’s always coffee.
Read MoreBurnout can have pretty lasting impacts on our health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally. As more research is done into the effects of our frenetic work society, it seems that self-care can no longer be considered a luxury. Taking time to rest and recharge is a necessity for you to lead a happy, productive life.
But if you’re just starting out with this transformative self-care journey, where do you even begin?
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