- April 23, 2024
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It happened again. Another year flew by. You missed it. I missed it. Yet somehow, we have all been thrust into not just a new year but a new decade. That concept feels so much harsher and has left a lot of moms I know feeling like they need to do better and make some lifestyle changes to prevent burnout. How are you going to do this? How can you focus on you when the tiny humans need you as much as they ever have for snacks and school projects or to drive them places? When husbands still need reminding where their socks live, when appointments are and why it is important to close drawers?
The good news is that we all live in a community that surrounds one another and lifts everyone up. No matter what your goals, there are local businesses here to help you achieve them. The extra good news is that while the community rallies around you, you are rallying around your community and boosting local business success.
Self-care, a vague concept of taking care of oneself and turning focus and energy inward, is nothing new. There are articles all over the internet pushing and motivating women and men to engage in self-care. But as so often happens, you read things, get empowered and then don’t know where to start, so … you just don’t. Lucky for you, Lakewood Ranch has endless self-care possibilities.
Sirius Day Spa offers every level of pampering imaginable. With more than 60 services available and a unique “serenity lounge,” you can relax before you even relax. Before entering a massage and facial appointment, enjoy a refreshment, put on noise-canceling headphones, and engage in guided meditation all while sitting in a 360-degree massage chair. No time for full service? Sirius Day Spa offers a membership to simply come to enjoy the serenity lounge at your convenience. Drop those kids at practice for two hours, and head to escape your stresses.
More than ever before, niche gyms are popping up and catering to whatever area of exercise calls you most. Gone are the days of feeling like you have to run on a treadmill or figure out how to use complicated machines. If you like circuit training, having someone yell at you for motivation or working out in groups, then places like Orangetheory or Burn Boot Camp are absolutely for you. If you want a great cardio workout but need to go easy on your joints, try Cyclebar. If you need to focus on toning and strength, head to Purebarre or Barre3. And if you are like me and prefer a stretching, meditating and calm environment (but don’t mind sweating half your body weight out), try yoga. ThaVma and The Yoga Shack both have fabulous studios in Lakewood Ranch offering a variety of weekly classes. All studios offer flexible schedules to accommodate even the busiest of moms.
Between Sea Star Café, The Granary, Keke’s, Libby’s and Station 400, you will find a great spot to catch up with friends and enjoy a mimosa or two. Self-care isn’t always about making healthy choices for your body (though you certainly can at these restaurants!); it also means taking time to make the right choices for your mental health. Grabbing a meal with friends and simply spending time in one another’s presence can be liberating. Don’t be afraid to go it alone, either. A good book, a cup of hot coffee and a muffin might be just what you need to clear your head.
And save your wallet. For those not interested in another membership, day drinking or sitting in a spa, don’t forget the amazing world around us. Go for a morning/evening walk in one of Lakewood Ranch’s many parks to reenergize your body (see this month’s feature on trails). Go by yourself, go in a group, or even put in headphones, load the humans up with snacks, and push the stroller. Plus, each of these areas has great playgrounds to reward the kiddos afterward.
Parenting ain’t easy, and remembering to focus on yourself from time to time is even harder. But it is so important, not just for you but also for your family, so you can be the best you can be.
