February is known for its season of giving candy, flowers and gifts of love to others in the name of St. Valentine. I fully support this, but also want to remind myself and encourage others to take time to love and care for ourselves! The word that I am trying to focus on this year is “delightful,” so what are things that bring me delight and would be delightful to take part in?
I had never really thought about health care as “self-love” until after my third baby and my aching hips! I assumed it would be a pain to live with for the rest of my life until someone suggested visiting a chiropractor. Dr. Sarah Sullivan’s mobile care at Intentional Chiropractic & Wellness (386-227-6151) will come to you and the place that you feel most comfortable!
Her first care session, which I took part in while in my living room, involves testing different pressure points and muscle groups to get a feel for how our nervous and lymphatic systems contribute to our skeletal alignment. I only know that because she explained her process along the way and she gave me some stretches to do after our appointment.
Another delightful service that will travel to you are mobile facials with Rare Skin Haven. I have visited Dy’mond at their Holly Hill office (1615 Ridgewood Ave.) a few times. The space is relaxing, my skin looks healthy, and she sends you off with a gift bag to continue the self-care at home. You can also host your own facial party at a location of your choosing when she brings the table, hot towels, and products to pamper you and your friends. I definitely want to do this sometime this year, so let’s come together, friends, for a party!
While on the topic of pampering, I can’t forget about all the luxury services offered at The Studio at Elite Feet in Port Orange (4319 S. Ridgewood). Elite Feet is known for their advanced foot care services, and I can attest to the relaxing and high-quality pedicures offered! The first visit includes a consultation to educate and recommend ways to continue caring for your feet. I have also had a manicure and hair cut in the studio. I would say that I’ve tried all their services, but they now offer scalp massages that I will need to go back for soon!
Most of these services are passive on our part as the customer to care for our physical body, so lastly I want to share about “Pilates and Spiritual Meditation.” This monthly event is co-lead by pilates instructor, Kyra of Fluid Form Studio, to stretch and strengthen your body, and Pastor Amy Scroggin Armistead from The Gathering Place, to lead your spirit through a meditation and prayer. We often separate our physical health from our spiritual well-being, so I enjoyed the integration of the two. Fluid Form Studio has many classes at their spot in The Trails Shopping Plaza (268 N. Nova Rd., Ormond Beach) and The Gathering Place keeps their website updated with unique gatherings at TheGatheringPlaceUMC.org.
I’m a big fan of the synergy of these services: a delightful experience that has lasting health, beauty and well-being. Giving to others is important, but let’s not forget to take care of our own wellness. And to bring it back to the beginning, if I am going the traditional route for Valentine’s Day, then I can check out the vibes at The Flower Bar by SBY in Ormond Beach (600 S. Yonge St.) to “buy myself flowers,” as Miley Cyrus would say!
