Health & Wellness

5 Ways to Kick-Off the Holidays on the Right (and Rested!) Foot

The start of the holiday season is thrilling, don’t you think? The hustle and bustle, great food, fun parties and concerts, joy and song swirling through the air! But if we’re not careful, we can easily run ourselves a little ragged with festivities. So, this year just before you jump into the festive season, why not take a bit of time for yourself to rest and relax? Focusing on our own wellness is the best gift you can give yourself and PEI is just the place to do it! Go ahead and unplug, go off-grid, and rest-up Island-style!

Relax Off-Grid

If taking time off to go on a vacation feels impossible, why not opt for a staycation somewhere new? To get the full effect, we suggest going off-grid for a night and staying under the stars! Treetop Haven is a retreat in itself, self-described as a nature and wellness destination that gives you the chance to bask in the quiet of nature, slow down to take in the beautiful surroundings, and enjoy the blissful relaxation of sleeping (and hot tubbing!) under the starry sky.

Photo by Janik Robichaud

Photo by TreeTop Haven

Photo by Janik Robichaud

Get to Know Mother Nature

If you’re on PEI, you already know this but it bears repeating: going to the ocean or getting some of that rich red dirt under your feet is the best feeling in the world. There’s nothing that a good trip to the sea or walk along the trails can’t fix, and when it comes to getting your mind, body, and soul ready for the upcoming season, a quiet walk along Blooming Point or Brackley, or maybe a hike through Bonshaw or Dromore will work wonders!

Bonshaw | Photo by The Redhead Roamer

Blooming Point | Photo by AtlNorthEast

Bonshaw | Photo by @wanderlust

Totally Spa-tacular

Even saying the WORD “spa” is relaxing. After a long year you deserve something special and, trust us, that something should be a visit to Pure Spa in Charlottetown for a little pampering. What will it be this time? An invigorating facial to warm and cool the skin, that cleanses, exfoliates, and ends in an arm massage? Or maybe the mani-pedi you’ve been dreaming about for months now. Definitely a therapeutic massage with some added aromatherapy. Choosing your treatment will be the ONLY difficult part of this visit. Just breathe in… and breathe out.

Photo via Pure Spa Charlottetown

The Complete Experience

Photo via Pure Spa Charlottetown

Time to Dig In

There’s an extra spark of joy that comes when the cooking and the cleaning up does not land on your shoulders for the evening, so of course a good meal out is key to your wellness staycation. But you know what sounds even better than going out? Getting cozy in your pyjamas, turning on your favourite movie, and digging into your favourite meal from one of the Murphy Hospitality Group restaurants! So instead of hitting the town, stay in your comfy-cozies, order some local goodies straight from the MHG Delivered app on your phone (might we suggest the cheese dip and pretzel bites from Gahan? And maybe a dozen oysters to go with it?), and enjoy!

Photo by Murphy Hospitality Group

Photo by Murphy Hospitality Group

Sweat It Out

There’s nothing like a good sweat when it comes to a well-rounded getaway! And no matter where you are in your wellness journey, you’re sure to find a good fit for your level of comfort. If you’re looking for some high-intensity training, something new, or some one-on-one coaching, call ahead to Kinetic Fitness to join a class, meet with a personal trainer, or check out their open gym! If you’re looking instead for a good burn and the chance to refresh and recharge, Modo Yoga offers in-person classes for flows, barre, pilates, yin, and others, and their online classes are an incredible option to check it out on your own time in your own space.

Photo by Modo Yogo

Photo by Modo Yoga

Photo by Kinetic Fitness

Now that you’ve fully experienced the rest, relaxation, and all-around wellness boost you so deserved, it’s time to head into the holiday season with a lighter heart, a clearer mind, and that can-do attitude that will get you through all the shopping, parties, and late nights to come!