I used to think I could have a good time doing just about anything. Put me around good people, give me a new experience, and I could usually find something to enjoy. But today taught me a simple truth...
I'M NOT BUILT FOR RELAXATION!!!! 😂
Now don't get me wrong. I love trying new things. I enjoy new experiences, exploring different places, and doing things that some people might consider extraordinary while others might think are completely mundane. I'm usually the person willing to say, "Sure, let's try it."
Today, however, I learned where my limits are.
I went to a day spa in Duluth. The idea sounded great in theory. Peaceful atmosphere. Relaxation. Self-care. Stress relief. Everybody kept talking about how amazing it would be.
So we went from sauna to sauna, sweating like crazy, detoxing, and doing all the things spa people apparently do. Then we would come out, sit down, and do...nothing.
And I mean NOTHING.
People were stretched out in lounge chairs, staring into space, quietly existing, looking completely content with life. Some were napping. Some were meditating. Some looked like they had achieved a level of inner peace that I may never understand.
Meanwhile, my brain was running laps around the building.
After about twenty minutes, I was looking around wondering if there was a mission, a side quest, a book, a football game, a documentary, or literally anything else to do.
The longer I sat there, the more I realized that my version of relaxation apparently still requires activity.
Honestly, I would have been happier at Barnes & Noble with a Starbucks in one hand and a book in the other. At least then my mind would have something to chew on while my body relaxed.
So today I discovered that while I enjoy adventure, experiences, and trying new things, spending hours doing absolutely nothing may not be my spiritual gift. 😑😂
At least I tried it. Now I know.
Some people leave a spa feeling refreshed.
I left feeling like I completed a mandatory training course on professional relaxation and somehow still failed the exam.
Trying a day spa for the first time can be a surprising experience, especially for those who thrive on activity and mental engagement. While spas are designed to offer tranquility through peaceful atmospheres and stress relief techniques like sauna sessions and meditation, not everyone finds doing 'nothing' relaxing. From my own experience, sitting in a quiet, dimly lit room and attempting to empty my mind proved more challenging than expected. I noticed that my mind kept wandering, searching for something to engage with—be it a book, a game, or a simple task to break the stillness. This highlights an important point about relaxation: it is not one-size-fits-all. Some individuals find bliss in complete mental rest, achieving mindfulness or inner peace through meditation or quiet reflection. Others, like me, need some form of mental stimulation even while their body rests. For such people, relaxation might look like reading a book with a cup of coffee or walking through a calming bookstore, activities that blend rest with gentle cognitive engagement. Understanding this difference has helped me redefine what self-care means for me personally. Instead of feeling guilty for not fitting into the 'professional relaxation' mold, I've embraced more active forms of decompression that suit my temperament. Activities such as nature walks, creative hobbies, or light social interactions can provide restorative effects without the discomfort of forced inactivity. So, if you find yourself feeling restless during traditional spa days or other passive relaxation formats, don't be discouraged. Explore varied ways to unwind that align with your natural preferences. The key is to honor your limits while seeking activities that rejuvenate both your body and mind. Personal experience in trying spa relaxation opened my eyes to these nuances, encouraging a more tailored and fulfilling approach to self-care and stress relief.
