Dec 29, 2022

My Visit to Wellness in the New Year

By Julia Mortimer

As we ring in the new year, many decide to go on a health kick, and I am no exception. I began to feel inspired by a fresh start, so I did some research on wellness activities. I am someone who struggles with the wintertime blues, so I will try just about anything to get myself out of it. 

Along with trying new wellness activities, I have consciously tried to drink at least 16 ounces of water in the morning before coffee. This is a difficult feat since I need coffee as soon as I open my eyes in the morning. Throughout the day, I try for at least another 40 ounces of water. 

I have also started to journal much more. I am making a habit of writing before bed. I find it helpful to check in with myself, even if it is just a few sentences about how I am feeling or what I can improve on. 

I talked to my therapist about how I struggle through the winter months, so we began brainstorming ways to lift my mood. He mentioned cryotherapy could assist in depression, so I was ready to try it!

There are many benefits such as helping to treat mood disorders, arthritis, migraines, muscle aches and more, so why not give it a go? There are a few cryotherapy spots in the Monmouth County area, though I chose Chill Cryotherapy in Red Bank for convenience purposes. I brought my mom along with me because she struggles with joint pain. Without knowing what to expect, we parked right on Broad Street and walked into Chill.

Floatopia puts clients in a sensory deprivation space that allows them to float in isolation and silence.

We were greeted by a friendly woman who explained everything we needed to know. We then changed into robes and headed for the chamber! They supply you with clogs, socks, a headband and gloves. You are in the chamber for three minutes, and you get to choose what song plays while you “chill.” The feeling is hard to describe, but to put it simply, it is just cold! You feel the cold sensation mostly on your legs. As soon as I stepped out, I felt a surge of energy. I was sore from a workout the day before and felt a slight relief in my muscles. We were told you should do it at least once a week to see the lasting effects. My mom claimed she did feel relief in her knees. 

Next on our wellness journey was Floatopia. Floatopia is a sensory deprivation healing space. The tubs are filled with warm water, hundreds of pounds of Epsom salt and total silence. Again, without knowing what to expect, my mom and I signed up. 

Located right off Route 35 in Middletown, we pulled up to Floatopia. I brought a change of clothes because you shower after floating. The small shop emulates a spa-like feel. It was relaxing with the smell of essential oils. You are given a room that has a shower and a tub. You shower before going into the tub using shampoo and body wash to eliminate extra oils on your body. You then step into the warm tub while the jets are going. Once the jets stop, the floating begins. It was an interesting feeling, as there was no tension in my body. It forces you to quiet your mind and embrace the silence. Once the hour is up, soft music begins to play. I then took another shower, washing the salt off. I was surprised I felt so good after; a lot of tension and stress were released, similar to the feeling after a massage. We did our float in the morning. When I do it again, I will opt to do it at night because I wanted to go to bed right after. 

These are a few ways to up the ante in your wellness journey this year. It is so important to take time for yourself because you are all you have to get through the tough days!