As the cycle starts over, some of us get “the January Blues,” and need help finding our stride. In fact, the third Monday of the new year, January 15th, 2024, is known as Blue Monday and is reported to be the most depressing day of the year. With this in mind, January mustn't be just a re-do of our daily lives, and instead, set an intention for January to be a time of renewal, rebirth, and rejuvenation, acknowledging the winter solstice’s power and potential.
As we head back to work after the holidays and perhaps even fully commit to our resolutions, there is always a need to take the best care of ourselves possible. For me, that always starts with talking to my people – my friends, my therapist, nature, whatever gets the thoughts from mind to body to spirit. I often strive to treat myself once I have done this internal work. Knowing there is a difference between self-care and self-coddling, I do my best to balance both. At Beauty Beyond Skin Deep, patrons can luxuriate in a suite of services, including massage, laser treatments, waxing, lashes, and more. Although it may feel indulgent, and we talk ourselves out of filling our own cups, we give so much to others and do so much to keep juggling. Sometimes, giving ourselves permission to be pampered is key. Located at 36 Athol Street East, this spa has what it takes to help us with our dry skin, cracked lips, and our hands and feet, which are in rough shape during this fluctuating (and frighteningly mild) weather. Check them out, even if it is only once, and see if you feel uplifted.
You can double your spa day as an educational opportunity if you get your treatments done at the Durham College Spa (2000 Simcoe Street North). Students get to practice their skills in a real spa environment, and on real clients (and at some really good prices). Whether you are interested in a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, or makeup application, a practitioner is ready to assist. A spa day every once in a while, by yourself or with friends, is always a good way to add some pep to your step and remember that you are worth feeling good.
For even deeper care, there is always energy work: yoga, meditation, reiki, breathwork, and anything that connects your mind to your body. There is PowerYoga Canada in Oshawa (866 Taunton Road West, Unit 1), Oxygen Yoga and Fitness (1383 Wilson Road North, Suite 0090), and many more. Yoga encourages us to work with our body’s own fire and breath to connect to the mind, witness sensations throughout ourselves (mind, body, spirit), exercise discipline over thoughts, and let go of the heaviness that we have been carrying all week. We know from texts such as The Body Keeps the Score and When the Body Says No that stress, tension, and unexpressed emotions can take a toll on our mental, physical and emotional health. If it is your resolution to speak up more, take breaks from people-pleasing, and sweat it all out, perhaps give yoga a try. Oshawa has so many excellent studios and styles to choose from.
To target something specific, Oshawa’s Wellness Centre (231 King Street East) may be another hub to look into. They offer services in naturopathic medicine, well-being, and IV therapy. This last one sounds the most interesting to me, so I looked into it further. As their website suggests, “Intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy is an infusion of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants delivered directly into the bloodstream. It allows higher concentrations of these nutrients to be delivered to the cells as the digestive system is bypassed. Intravenous therapy is gaining more recognition as a preventative and therapeutic treatment for many health conditions.” Apparently, IV therapy can help with targeted concerns such as energy, headaches, gut repair, flu-fighting, allergy relief, detox, mood boost, healing, reset, anti-aging, hormone help, fertility, and more.
Whether it is gathering for moon ceremonies/supporting your local Indigenous communities, or having a good ugly cry by yourself, it is important to find what works for you to keep your wellness in alignment as best as possible given the daily pressures we face. Sometimes a tea and a deep breath just don’t do the trick. Sometimes, it’s a rage room, finally cutting off that frienemy that constantly disturbs your peace and ending emails with a satisfying “this concludes our business.” I have finally learned how to put the Aries in boundaries. Self-care is complicated and oh-so essential. Hopefully, this list helps us all customize what we need this season.