With the introduction of COVID-19, health and wellness have become primary concerns for everyone. Not only is it important to follow safety guidelines during this time, but it is equally vital to be active—and maintain sanity—in the process of finding a “new normal.”
The mind and body are inextricably linked with a complex relationship between the two known as the mind-body connection. Just as how we treat our physical body (with what we eat, how much we exercise and how much sleep we get) affects our mental state, our minds (or our collection of thoughts, feelings and attitudes) can also positively or negatively affect our biological functioning. As a result, it is important to devote time each day to both aspects of our lives. Here are a few ways to do just that right here in the Crescent City.
PREVENTION
AmeriHealth Caritas New Orleans Community Wellness Center offers a plethora of resources that can help improve health and wellness. For example, this national leader in managed care offers health screenings and innovative community programs on topics such as health education and safety awareness events.
Gentilly Shopping Center, 3155 Gentilly Blvd., 218-2972, amerihealthcaritasla.com.
STUDIO WORKOUT
Another great place for fitness is Romney Studios and MVMT by Romney. With everything from cycling and boxing to Pilates, yoga and trampoline cardio classes, there’s something for everyone. The highly trained instructors work hard to keep classes fun and clients motivated. And if you’d rather work out from the comfort of your own home, there’s even an online studio offering a large collection of videos and classes for all levels of fitness.
1320 Magazine St. and 5619 Magazine St., 895-1167, romneystudios.com.
RECHARGE
For an instant boost, head Uptown to the Remedy Room. Here, you’ll meet with a doctor who will assess your needs. Then you just sit back in a comfy chair, while a registered nurse starts you on a hydrating IV. The process takes about an hour, but you’ll feel fully recharged the entire day.
1224 St. Charles Ave., Ste. 1C, 301-1670, theremedyroom.com.
WELLNESS
Located on the second floor of the former St. Matthias School, the Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center combines creative programs and holistic wellness services. Offerings here include music lessons, nutrition classes, citizenship tutoring and parenting workshops. Through its programs, the community center aims to provide individuals with a supportive network, a sense of belonging and increased self-worth. And hey, those are all things we could use a bit more of right now.
3900 General Taylor St., 249-5130, broadmoorimprovement.com.
CALM MIND
Another resource for a much-needed mental respite is Meditate New Orleans. CEO Stephanie Osborne, who has studied meditation for more than 25 years, leads weekly guided group meditations as well as private sessions. Her approach blends different aspects of meditation and its traditions from techniques ranging from mindfulness and stress-reduction to primordial sounds and Zen Buddhist meditation. Overall, the purpose of meditation is to be in the present moment, and to practice stillness and gratitude, which can only be beneficial to mental health.
Locations vary, 884-4567, meditateneworleans.com.
HEMP AID
Another alternative therapy that has been gaining a lot of traction is the use of CBD products. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD is used to treat pain, stress and insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, substance abuse, and neurological and seizure disorders. Simply CBD is a super chic hemp wellness dispensary that offers CBD oils and tinctures, edibles, body and pain creams, and even CBD for pets.
Multiple locations, simplycbdshop.com.
SPIRITUAL CONNECTION
The New Orleans Healing Center bases its programs on the United Nations guidelines for sustainability, meaning it is structured to help, heal and empower the community at the economic, social, environmental, physical, mental and spiritual levels. All of the businesses located within the center contribute to healing on some level. In addition to in-person offerings like yoga classes, the Healing Center offers a bunch of virtual classes. For example, some recent classes have included Meet Your Spirit Guides, Reiki Master Certification, Understanding the Law of Attraction and Monday Night Meditation.
2372 St. Claude Ave., Ste. 260, 940-1130, neworleanshealingcenter.org.
YOGA CLASS
For something a little different, head over to Swan River Yoga. In addition to yoga classes, which are great for both the mind and body, there are a number of other offerings that are equally healing and interesting. Take for example the conscious music concerts, holistic medicine consultations and energy clearing classes. Be sure to check out the sound baths, a practice using repetitive notes at different frequencies to help bring your focus away from your thoughts.
2940 Canal St. and 5422 Magazine St., 301-3134;
7011 St. Claude Ave., Ste. 213, 985-240-9384, swanriveryoga.com.
GYM WORKOUT
A number of gyms have been reopening, including the new Body Shoppe on Freret Street. Founded by Kelsey Greenfield, the group fitness and community space is home to four different class types: Tempo Dance Cardio; HIIT; HIIT + Flow; and Flex + Flow—all in a colorfully lit, heated studio. There’s also an infrared sauna; genderless bathrooms boasting luxe showers with high-end beauty and body products; a retail area; and a juice bar. Body Shoppe also hosts events, talks and workshops.
4537 Freret St., 766-0062, nolabodyshoppe.com.
NATURE RETREAT
Being out in nature is always good for the soul, and the New Orleans Botanical Garden at City Park is the perfect place to get some fresh air. In addition to its stunning array of beautiful blooms, the garden plays host to live music performances, garden shows and educational programs. Don’t miss the new Kitchen in the Garden, a large outdoor kitchen and vegetable garden. The Sunday Picnic Brunch is especially fun: Pick up a boxed meal created by Chef Pat White, and choose a spot in the garden to enjoy your picnic.
5 Victory Ave., 483-9488, neworleanscitypark.com/botanical-garden
CLEAN EATS
Of course, nutrition also plays an important part in overall health and wellness. There are a number of local meal-delivery services that take the hassle out of meal planning and prep. For example, Clean Course Meals offers affordable, gourmet meals made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The company sources locally from farmers markets and sustainable farms, and the menu is ever-changing. Choose from all-protein, vegan and pescatarian meal plans—all delivered right to your front door.
1800 E. Judge Perez Dr., 265-0417, cleancoursemeals.com.
HEALTH COACH
Meanwhile, EveryBody Wellness is a weight-loss and weight-management center that helps clients achieve their ideal bodies. The company’s team of registered nurses, dietitians, nutritionists and certified weight loss coaches determines individual goals and educates clients on how to best manage their lifestyle.
8216 Oak St. and 2901 Ridgelake Drive, Ste. 101, 287-8558, everybodywellnessnola.com.
SPA DAY
A healthy lifestyle wouldn’t be complete without taking some much-needed R&R. Thankfully, The Woodhouse Day Spa fits the bill. This full-service, luxury day spa offers more than 70 rejuvenating spa treatments from massage therapy and facials to sleep and body treatments.
4030 Canal St., 482-6652, neworleans.woodhousespas.com.
ACUPUNCTURE
Traditional Chinese medicine is a popular form of alternative medicine that has been used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness for more than 2,500 years. Acupuncture, a key component of TCM, is used for overall wellness such as pain and stress management. It involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on the body. Don’t worry—it doesn’t hurt. Try it out at Acupuncture Wellness Center, which also offers chiropractic services.
3712 MacArthur Blvd., 362-8020, nolaacupuncture.com.
GO KETO
For something sweet, yet still nutritious, check out Everyday Keto To Go. The bakery offers sweet treats specific to the Ketogenic diet, and everything is made gluten-free, sugar-free and low-carb. The company sources all ingredients locally and even delivers in the area. So now you can have your cake, and eat it too.
957-9033, everydayketotogo.com.
HEALTH ROUTINE
With all of these local resources, there are plenty of options for integrating health and wellness into your life. The trick is making it part of your routine. One way to do so is to plan ahead and keep track of your progress in a daily calendar. By establishing a positive daily routine, you’ll create excellence in your life by becoming your best possible self.
SLEEP TIME
Also be sure to get plenty of rest, as most people need a good eight hours of sleep per night to be fully functional the next day. While it’s true that 2020 has been a tough year so far in many ways, that’s all the more reason to make yourself a priority. By focusing on health and wellness, you’ll have less time to dwell on negativity—all while looking and feeling great. And who doesn’t want that?
