If you’re like me, relaxation usually looks like hiding in the closet with a handful of chocolate, catching two seconds of shut-eye while Baby Shark serenades you in the background, or using the bathroom alone. Pampering: is that the same as Pampers? And Me Time. What the heck is that?!
Well, friends, I’m here to preach to you (and myself) about the importance of taking time to give yourself all of the above this season. You will be a much better parent, spouse, and altogether person for it. And guess what? I found the perfect place to accomplish all three!
This year I haven’t felt like my best self. I’ve been more overloaded, stressed, un-rested, distracted, moody, and just blah. I’ve been working on ways to turn that around, and when I heard there was a new-concept foot spa opening up downtown, one that combined my love for a hot bath and some effective reflexology, I knew I had to try it. This may come as a surprise to those who know me, given that I don’t really like pedicures, doing things that seem indulgent, or spending money or time on myself. But this place is different. I’ll do my best to explain it, but you should really go experience it for yourself!
Just as you begin to feel your shoulders start to relax, the therapist wheels in a gorgeous hand-hammered, self-sanitizing copper basin containing your customized foot soak prepared with herbs, apothecary products, soaps, pure essential oils and salts. I chose Morning Meditation, and it was simply divine. As the therapist placed my feet into the warm bath, I couldn’t help but breathe deeper. It was a feast for all of the senses. The beautiful flower petals, aromatic herbs, soothing background music, and silky, soothing foot bath culminated into one of the most relaxing experiences I’ve ever had.
Wake Foot Sanctuary is unique — different from most pedicure places. Don’t get me wrong; I do like a good cheese grater once a year before sandal season, but unlike a typical pedicure where the goal is pretty toes, the outcome of this is a more relaxed, more present, calmer you.
Honestly, I think the beauty is in its simplicity. It encourages you slow down and just be. Literally just to soak it all in. I had plans afterwards to meet up with my family at the farmers’ market and to grab some lunch, and I knew this was my time. My chance. Phone down, eyes closed, deep breaths.