Drained. Fried. Cooked. That’s how I’d describe my physical and mental energy after two weeks of Mardi Gras madness, followed by a week with the kids home from school. Oh and then a water main break on Monday that left us unexpectedly together for yet another day.
Yes, it’s time to recover from the alcohol and high-fructose corn syrup fueled daze I’ve been living in. Recovery, however, isn’t as easy as it once was. It now requires planning, ample time, and more often than not, spending money. Still, after what we’ve collectively navigated these past few weeks, I’d say it’s worth it.
To reset and reclaim my pre-Gras mojo, I’m taking a multipronged approach. First up was a girls’ dinner before catching “Wuthering Heights” at the Prytania Theatre. IYKYK. While not a conventional recovery strategy, it certainly didn’t hurt. As for my official post Mardi Gras recovery plans, here are the five categories I’ve explored so far.
Movement:
There’s nothing like a good sweat and shimmy to get out of your own head and recharge your energy. Bonus points if you can detox at the same time. Romney Studios offers a class called Bounce that delivers exactly this kind of physical reset. The studio highlights benefits such as improved digestion, increased muscle tone and enhanced lymphatic drainage; all compelling reasons to roll out of bed and onto a trampoline.
Alternative Healing:
I am open to all modes of healing. You don’t know until you try! At the top of the alternative list is the LightStim Red Light Therapy Bed at Spyre Center. According to the center, this full-body treatment is designed to soothe aches and pains, accelerate muscle recovery and support skin rejuvenation. After weeks of indulgence and excess, a little high-tech healing sounds just about right.
A close second is booking a Reiki session at Vibrant Market. If you’re unfamiliar, Reiki is a Japanese, energy-based practice in which a practitioner uses light touch or hovers just above the body to reduce stress, promote relaxation and support healing by balancing the body’s energy. I experienced a session years ago at a spa in Arizona, and it was nothing short of transformative.
Nutrition:
The advice I have gotten repeatedly from my healthiest friends is to simply eat whole foods to reset. You don’t necessarily need to eliminate any foods if they are healthy and organic. Erin Romney Cazes of Romney Studios has a great Italian Penicillin Soup and Lemon Orzo soup I’d love to try. There’s something so soothing about a warm soup, regardless of the temperatures outside. Both recipes are full of nutritious, whole imgredients.
Spyre Center also offers a great menu of soups, broths and smoothies that taste delicious! And Raw Republic has a detox juice cleanse for those who want to go all in. Just always consult your doctor before opting for the full cleanse.
Beauty:
My face is in dire need of a calming and depuffing treatment. I’m going to start by using this multi-use Gau Sha tool from The Vibrant Market to smooth and depuff. I will also book a facial at the Skin Bar or with Marlen at Le Visage Spa. It seems indulgent but honestly, if not now, when?
Mantras:
Mantras are personal and you don’t even know you need one until you do. I read this on a Substack called Graceful Living and Wellness recently and loved the message. While not a full mantra, it might help.
If your mind is loud – Write.
If your mind is empty – Read.
If your mind is racing – Walk.
If your mind is tired – Sleep.
If your mind is sharp – Build.
Most problems are just mismatched energy.
When all is said and done, you want to lean into the things that bring you back to center. Whether it’s none or all of these things. Just don’t forget to prioritize yourself!
