The year is dwindling down, and now’s a great time to book some self-care spa treatments on your final onsite weeks.

The end of the decade is upon us, and at every year end I like to reflect. To spend some time thinking, resting, and appreciating. This rings especially true at the end of a decade.

When I think about where I was at the end of 2009 – I was wrapping up my first year at Epic (the healthcare software company). I was absolutely miserable. Working 90-hour weeks, traveling every week, and wanting to leave the frozen tundra of Madison, WI. I was so alone, I had next to no friends there. It was a very isolating time, and it’s interesting to evaluate the parallels to where I am 10 years later.

Now I’m in Park City, UT – also cold, but at least you can do something with all the snow (hello skiing). I’m still working a zillion hours, but now it’s for myself as I own my own ventures, and I’m currently alone again with the exception of my best friend, River. In Madison my mom got me a stuffed black lab because she knew I couldn’t take care of a dog at the time. I remember all I wanted back then was a best friend to greet me at the door – I’m so grateful I have that now; it makes a world of difference.

I find it fascinating how quickly the time from 2009 to 2019 went, and how much I remember from that decade because it felt like the time from 1999 to 2009 took so much longer. Sixth grade (11) to first job (21) to present day (31) lot of life has transpired in those two decades – almost 2/3’rds in fact.

So, when I’m feeling pensive, or exhausted, or just need a subtle dose of self-care, I really enjoy taking advantage of the spa / grooming  options in the cities where I’m traveling.

While in Chicago, I’d make reservations at the best spas on weeks I knew I’d either be exhausted, or really needed a treat (aka all the time last year). Facials and massages are one of the best ways to disconnect from the office, and the pressures of your client (or personal life) for an evening. Also, as I couldn’t get home to Houston for my hair maintenance, I found someone who could handle my highlights, and as the options were better than Park City, I started getting my nails done in Chi too.

To make the most of where you travel… research your city, find the best spa(s), and evaluate your upcoming weeks. If you know you’ll need a reset at some point soon make an evening appointment – most hotel spas take appointments till 8-9 pm, plenty of time to get home from the office and get a massage.

My favorite way to indulge is to head home from the office, go to your hotel, have a bag packed of workout clothes and something to change into after your appointment. Then, if the spa isn’t in your hotel, take a car to your appt, grab a workout first (ex: if you’re staying in a Residence Inn or Courtyard and the gym is lousy, enjoy the fact that a spa treatment also grants you access to the gym and spa facilities. So get there early to workout, sauna, shower, and rest before your appointment) then enjoy a great treatment or two (if you can book a facial and a massage), and then if you’re up for it, get ready and enjoy a great dinner at the hotel where your spa services were, or go back to your hotel for room service and Netflix, and enjoy going to bed early. It makes for a very lovely and restorative evening amidst constant commitments and deadlines.

If you don’t have time for a full spa evening (or if you’re in a city that just doesn’t have great spa options) you can still go get a mani/pedi. I’ve found great nail salons in more client locations across the country than I can count (ex: Northern Kentucky, Indianapolis, Boston suburbs). And that can be a good quick reset when you need to take care of maintaining your good grooming but need to get back to work for a busy evening.

Don’t be afraid to make the most of where you travel… if it’s a metropolitan city, chances are you will be able to find great services that will help you balance. And in reality, a mid-week pick-up can do wonders for a packed schedule. Plus, if you take care of the self-care during the week… you have more time to enjoy your weekends!

Here I’m ‘enjoying’ the  spa at the JW Marriott Downtown Houston. They graciously let me get pictures while we were in town for the most recent photoshoot. My outfit is the always flattering spa robe. 

So, as this decade comes to a close… make sure to find some time for yourself while on site, and seek out a spa for some self-care.

All my best,

Outfit Details: Spa Robe Photographed: JW Marriott Houston Downtown