When I used to do regular yoga practice, my teacher always used to start off our 90 minute session by telling us that the next 90 minutes were just for us. It was a time for us to relax, connect with our bodies, and shut out the rest of the world as well as shut off our mind. That giant list of never ending to-dos rollin around our brains like ball of garbage in a game of Katamari growing bigger and bigger? For the next hour and a half it was time to put it aside and just be present.

Cowshed Spa in Berlin - lovefromberlin.net

I do believe that shutting off all of the noise inside our brains for a bit of time to just be present and be with ourselves is actually integral to remaining productive once we turn the noise back on. It is also completely necessary in order to stay sane and prevent burn out. For me both yoga and getting a massage are the two things I have found in life that actually allow me to to reach this state of relaxation without being interrupted by our own endless thoughts and worries.

Not only do these practices calm our mind and reduce stress, they also alleviate the physical manifestations of our stress, which often take the form of tired shoulders, stiff necks, and bad posture.

I am a firm believer that we need to check in with ourselves on a regular basis and thank our body for taking care of us by taking care of it. Regular yoga practice and a massage every month or every other month can go a long way.

I visited The Cowshed Spa at The Soho House in Berlin after being completely weighed down by my thoughts and problems both mentally and physically and after my session, I was feeling relaxed and ready to tackle my problems. I didn’t actively think about anything for those 90 minutes, but just let my body sink into a state of complete relaxation. In doing so, I was able to step away from all of the things that had been stressing me out, re-charge my batteries, and come back with a fresh perspective.

Now I know that not everyone can afford to do do these things. I am the first to point out that it is a luxury. Now I do not want to present any illusions that I am going to the spa every week, let alone once a month – I go to the spa once very few months – but I know that even this is something to be grateful for.

I know that spa visits can be pricey, but if you were to forgo buying that new makeup palette and skip a few nights out with the girls, you would be surprised to find that the money is likely there for a massage at the end of the month.

For those of you that do have a certain amount of disposable income, it is possible to work these visits into your schedule without breaking the bank, with just a bit of planning. While some like go to out drinking every weekend, running up insane bar tabs every Friday night that far exceed a single massage a month, I much prefer to spend mine on experience – be it food, travel, or occasional visits to the Spa. Now, it does help that I get drunk after literally one drink, so I tend to save money on nights out regardless, but I’m pretty sure you’re pickin up what I’m puttin down.

For those of you who cannot afford a regular visit, even treating yourself to a pedicure can be a great way to give thanks to your body and thank it for all it does for you. And if that is even a bit of a stretch, Get your girlfriends together for a monthly at-home spa day. Try to also incorporate yoga practice into your daily life. All you need is a matt and some comfortable clothes. For you beginners, I would suggest you take a few sessions with a teacher to learn the correct postures, but after that you can safely practice in the comfort of your home without spending a dime.

I still think that it’s a damned shame that trips to the spa are often seen as frivolous and unnecessary. But I beg to differ. Both yoga practice and regular massages are something positive for mental and physical health. We only get one body and one mind, so in addition to feeding our bodies healthy and nutritious things, it is up to us to let our bodies rest and recharge as well. Which is why I’ve written this post. I just want to remind you all to check in with yourself on a regular basis and to let you know that it is okay to pamper yourself every once in a while. In fact, you would be wrong not to.

What is your opinion on spas and yoga? Do you agree with the connection and what they both can do for your body? How do you feel about treating yourself every once in a while? Let me know in the comments below.

Photography: Rae Tashman


Don’t forget to check out LFB’s podcasts & sign up for LFB’s conscious living challenge.



Stay conscious, Rae

Follow

Tags:

Rae Tilly

Rae the EIC of LFB and YEOJA Magazine. She is also a photographer and social media influencer.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

  • sileas

    Totally agree with you! It’s really hard for me to switch off my mind and I’m generally a restless person but I found my weekly yoga practice is my time-out from it all! I’d love to get a massage more frequently too, but that’s still luxury to me. Unless I’m in Thailand ;) Enjoy your vacay!

    sweetescapes.net

    • rae

      Oh totally. Yoga is really the only time I actually allow myself to kind of shut off and devote an entire 90 minutes to me and my soul :) So glad you find yoga to do the same for you! How often do you get to visit Thailand? I have always wanted to go there!

      • sileas

        I try to get there at least once a year. I really love that country and I’m sure you’d love it too ;)

        • rae

          Oh wow you are so lucky! What made you fall in love with Thailand? It has been on my list of places to visit for a few years now.

          • sileas

            I guess it’s the balanced combination of things – amazing beaches, great food and friendly people, yet very affordable ;)

          • rae

            That is incredible! Are you part Thai yourself?

          • sileas

            I’m not but my bf is half Thai ;)

  • It’s true that spa visits are a luxury but if they make you feel so much better that you’re then really productive and happy, then they’re worth it! Happy weekend

  • YES. I am a huge proponent of spa visits. I wish I could go more often. I also want to get more into yoga! You’re definitely an inspiration to me on this Friday :)

    xx http://www.qustomquinns.com/blog

    • rae

      I really hope that you are able to do both more yoga and spa visits! So glad this post inspired you!

  • Kay (shoesandglitter)

    I’ve never been to a spa! Like you said, I think that today’s society still sees it as a luxury that a lot of people can’t afford. But if they make you feel happy and relaxed, then I think that’s a worthy investment! I personally enjoy relaxing at home, pyjama day and a tub of ice cream is everything I need to find my inner peace, haha. x

    Kay
    http://shoesandglitter.com

    • rae

      It definitely can be pricey, but in Germany, thermal spas are really popular as well – they are more hot water with special minerals and they are really well priced – under 20 euros for an hour and then an additional fee for more hours mostly – so it’s not a massage but it is still a great way to be able to relax and a wonderful compromise for those who have a limited budget. Not sure if they are popular in other places as well though!

      And yes! At home relax days so the best as well! Any excuse to bum around in my bathrobe, and Imma take it!

  • Yoga isn’t something that I do but I’ve been meaning to go for spa sessions. One of my favourite ways to relax is to meditate, something I’ve only just recently picked up, but physical relaxation won’t hurt anyone would it?

    I hope your holiday’s going well, Rae, and I can’t believe you’re working while on vacay?!

    MAY | http://WWW.THEMAYDEN.COM

    • rae

      I am pretty sure in Asia spas are quite popular but that they are more like the ones here in Germany – like thermal spas for bathing, which tend to of course be a lot cheaper than going to the massage kind of spas. I love both! And I actually really want to get into meditation as well! And yup, worked during holiday, I am a classic workaholic!

  • Carina Vardie

    I’ve only done yoga a few times, but it was a really nice experience and very relaxing. I like Spa sessions and think we all deserve to pamper ourselves from time to time! Lovely post!

    xo
    http://thepinkporcelaindoll.blogspot.it

    • rae

      Oh yes, agreed!

  • Mia

    Thank you for sharing. I have always been interested in yoga yet never started practicing it regularly. Reading the post made me realize how precious yoga is and how much it really makes a difference, which is what I have heard from so many people. Our lives are so hectic nowadays, getting away from the noise every once in a while is so important.

    xx

    Mia

    http://ssenescence.blogspot.co.uk/

    • rae

      You definitely should give yoga a go and if it is not for you, that is also totally okay. I am pretty sure you will fall in love with it though!

  • I’ve never been much of a massage person, but I agree with everything you said about yoga. I’ve been trying to find a good studio for a while now because I feel like I haven’t checked in with myself in a while. Which like you said, it’s so important. This was a great reminder for me. Thank you!

    http://kierstenchalhoub.blogspot.com

    • rae

      I really hope you are able to find a good studio soon! And yes, checking in with ourselves is very important! Glad this post was be able to remind you!

  • I tried yoga once, but now I use the yoga mat for knitting purposes. I’ve literally chosen grandma life over health. I don’t personally like going to spas either. But that’s because I loathe being touched, massages included. They always tell me I’m ‘so tense’ but that’s because they’re making me tense! Thus I spend my day at home sleeping. Now that’s how I relax! Hahaha <3

    xx Bash | H E Y   B A S H | bloglovin’

    • rae

      hahaha well at least the mat is still getting used! And I can totally understand that! Not everyone likes to be touched by strangers. There are also great thermal spas though too, and those involve no contact with others!

  • I need to do yoga more. I use Youtube as my yoga teacher and I tend to forget to do it. Sigh. I’ve done spa massages a few times in my life and always enjoyed the luxurious experience! These days, though, I go to a local Asian foot spa and get a full body massage for $20/hr (including tip). It is NOT luxurious in any way – you’re in a room with 20 other people, and the masseuse are whispering gossip to each other – but I get my massage fix and my body feels great afterwards, haha.

    http://www.deasynoel.com

    • rae

      Youtube is really great for learning new sports for sure! I would say though that it is good to give a teacher a try just so you can be 100% sure you are doing the poses right and helping yourself not hurting your body! And yes, Asian spas are so great because they are often much cheaper! I also love going to thermal spas (they are very popular here in Germany) an just soaking in the warm mineral water as it’s usually under 20 for the first hour and a small fee for every additional!

  • I definitely believe that spa visits are so worth it! It is such a great way to unwind and reconnect with your self!

    http://roadesque.com
    http://ourruins.com

    • rae

      Could not agree with you more!

  • While I love yoga and try to practise it 3-4 days in a week, I absolutely HATE massage. I can’t stand the feeling of stranger’s hands on me, it stresses me out more. LOL!

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

    • rae

      That is so funny, but I can totally understand how that could stress as person out! My last massage was done by a man and that was a bit odd, but I know it is simply a job, so it wasn’t actually a big deal for me, surprisingly! I am actually pretty sure that he was gay too so that made me feel a lot more comfortable as well, haha.

  • Cara E

    I’ve never actually done yoga before but always wanted to! I really need to get into it xx http://www.britishmermaid.blogspot.co.uk

    • rae

      I really hope to get to try it out soon, as I am sure you will fall in love with it!

  • Kim

    I love practicing yoga and do it 3-4 times a week! I always feel grounded after a yoga session; more aware of my body and surroundings.

    • rae

      That is incredible that you are able to practice so often! I try to do at least 2-4 sun salutations before bed, but I don’t always manage. But when I do, even 2-4 really center me and put me in a great place spiritually!

  • I have never really tried yoga, but it does look quite relaxing. :)

    A Day in Durham

  • I’ve been trying yoga and meditacion for a few months now and I love it. I’ve always had neck and back pain an massages plus yoga always help so much! Like you said, it’s not frivolous and unnecesarry!

    http://www.blossomikebana.com

  • yoga and massages, two amazing things! i have been practicing yoga for over a year and a half now and i see the benefits when i get time on my mat everyday. i wish massages were not so expensive where i live but i agree, you have to treat yourself =o)

    http://dreamofadventures.blogspot.com/

  • ugh! this is just what I need after the crazy fashion week. Thank you for this lovely reminder :)

    http://notjessfashion.com/nyfw-part1/

  • I love spa, massages and yoga! It’s such a great way to know your body more, know the problems and know the balance.
    After reading this post, I feel even more motivated to do yoga! Thanks love

    Stephanie | http://www.stephykeung.com

  • I miss yoga – I use to do it every morning but I’ve kinda come out of sync with my routine – definitely going to start again!

    Pop over to my blog!

    Sarah

    sarahinks.co.uk

  • I completely agree – we need time for ourselves and check in from time to time. Being present is s important, we need a break now and again and yoga is a great example.

    Hannah | Oh January

  • I totally agree with this post. I need to make more time for yoga – I also do meditation which I feel has been really helping me to just take time out of my day to, like you say, just free my mind of everything rolling around within it.

    Issy | MissIsGoode xox

  • This is a good post, Rae. I am trying to do more yoga at home, especially in the morning right when i wake up and after a run. As for the massages, they sound like a nice treat, but I am not into them, simply because I am very ticklish and his can quickly turn into a bad experience. That’s the primary reason why I also don’t get a pedi (they tend to rub my feet so hard and i am just feeling awful the whole time). But I do agree on treating yourself, and disconnect to recharge. I do so by doing at home foot soaking/pedi, by reading positive books,going on long walks around the neighborhood. Like you, I believe more in experiences than things, and if I wasn’t so ticklish, I would definitely give massages a go! :D

  • Such a good reminder of a post, I did yoga for a long time and I really should get back into it!

    Raashi
    raashiagarwal.blogspot.com.au

  • Grace

    This really makes me want to get back into yoga again. It really does do so much for you I was silly to stop!

    http://graceoliviablog.co
    x