Global Wellness Day

One thing I’ve heard a lot lately is, “make sure you’re taking care of yourself.” I’ve learned this is something we like to say to people when we know they’re struggling. The thing is, it’s not super helpful, especially when you’re struggling.

Someone said it last week and I did what I always do. Which is to say, “I know, I will,” and go right on with my day. As I walked away from that interaction though I caught myself wondering. What does that even mean?

We throw around the term “self care” a lot these days and it’s one of those things that looks a little different for everyone. In my mind it includes all those things I do when everything is going right. Does one beget the other? I’m pretty sure that’s true.

I’ve been operating under the principle of “fake it till you make it” for a while now. The things I’ve been doing to take care of myself have barely scraped the surface of what I want: I read myself to sleep most nights, sometimes I paint my nails. I’ve been wearing makeup a lot more lately and a few weeks ago I got a much needed haircut. They’re little things that don’t last long, but they’re all I can do.

I know to really feel my best I need to make some more meaningful changes. It’s easy to cling to excuses when you’re not ready, which I honestly haven’t been for a while. But I’m getting there a little more every day.

Which is why when Ashley invited me to join her for Global Wellness Day at The Four Seasons hotel in DC I was really excited. Spending more time with friends has really gotten me through this stressful season in my life (file that under the “meaningful changes” list).

I met Ashley in the spa and we were whisked away to sunrise yoga by the C&O Canal. It was a typical steamy morning but we were in the shade so it wasn’t uncomfortable and heat is actually ideal during yoga because it helps your muscles stretch more than if you’re in cooler temps.

Christina, our yoga instructor, put us through a great class. It was a nice pace and I had fun people watching while we went through our poses.

After yoga we got to try their very popular Green Goddess juice made from kale, basil, honeydew and mint. I was nervous to try it because I don’t normally like kale but it was delicious.
 I had part of a superfood muffin before we went up to breakfast but I didn’t want to eat the whole thing and be too full. It would have been enough breakfast on its own!

We sat down to breakfast and they surprised us with a treat – fresh fruit with chocolate. But not just any chocolate…

The pastry chef put our Instagram profile pictures on chocolate for us. How cool is that? We were all so impressed that not one of us actually ate it.

Breakfast was incredible, of course. The special of the day was the “Green Machine” – an egg white frittata with kale, spinach, artichoke, asparagus, green onion, avocado, goat cheese and herbs. I really thought about trying it but when I saw Eggs Benedict on the menu I couldn’t pass it up.

While we ate, Liliana, our host for the day, talked a little bit about Global Wellness Day and the other great initiatives The Four Seasons is involved in. For example, every Tuesday morning at 6:30am the have “Run My City” where hotel guests can go for a run with the hotel’s General Manager. It’s ideal for travelers who may not realize how close they are to some of the great city sights. They’re also hosting the Sprint Four the Cure 5k in September where all proceeds go to cancer research (which you know is near to my heart).

Following breakfast we were given full run of the spa’s sauna and steam relaxation rooms and treated to a makeover with Gavin Hebert using Jane Iredale cosmetics. Jane Iredale is a mineral-based makeup line that’s non comedogenic and free from fillers (like talc). I’ve been dying to try it since my hair stylist first mentioned I might like the products since they’re made from safer ingredients. Gavin, the makeup artist who did our sessions, explained that this makeup is actually sold in some doctors offices because it’s the only makeup that’s safe to apply right after a procedure.

You’ll have to excuse the post-workout look, but here’s before:

And here’s the after!  

It’s very different from my usual heavy coverage makeup, that’s for sure, but I do like knowing it’s a safer alternative and not quite as heavy for summer.

I have to admit I miss my fun colors but this was so pretty and a perfect neutral look for daytime. It’s very wearable and definitely a nice compromise between not wearing anything and having a ton of makeup on. I learned a few new tricks from Gavin too!

It was such a nice start to the day that I was sad to leave. But it was a good reminder that self care doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t require too much time. It doesn’t even have to mean chocolates with your face on them (though that was pretty cool). In fact, the whole philosophy behind Global Wellness Day is that one day can change your life. So why not find one little thing to do for yourself each day?