Finding some time for yourself in this busy city is a must. And heading into the holiday season, you’ll likely want to book some spa services to combat the stress and exhaustion. Don’t worry – the Bluff City has plenty of luxurious spas to help you unwind. Here are some of our favorite spas around Memphis that will make you feel brand new.

The Spa Midtown

This luxury spa on North Cooper offers laser treatments, facial treatments, spa packages, and more. They even offer enhancements for their massages, including a scalp treatment, foot scrub, a soothing muscle gel, and other relaxing add-ons. Be sure to check out their specials for seasonal discounts on services and retail products.

Jasper Float Spa and Wellness

Jasper Float Spa focuses on rest and recovery with a touch of luxury. This is one of a few Black-owned spas in Memphis, TN, but what makes this business special is its options for float and rest therapy. They also offer packages for everyday stress and burnout, like the Digital Detox Wellness experience, the Focus Flow Wellness experience, and more. We recommend the Jasper Signature massage to make your day more tranquil.

Feathers Spa at the Peabody

Even if you don’t have a reservation at the Peabody, you can still enjoy this hotel’s luxury spa services. Feathers Spa (named for the famous Peabody ducks) was named one of the top 10 Spas of 2023 by Spas of America, making it a must-see spot for some R&R. One of the unique treatments offered at this local spa is the Vichy Shower Bed, and the Peabody is the only location in Tennessee that offers this indulgent experience.

Isle of Indulgence Spa

This Memphis spa has just about everything – body wraps, facials, peels, massages, eyelashes, hair restoration, and more. You could easily fit a rejuvenating day of self-care at this spa, from their skincare to full body care. They also offer custom facial treatments for your specific needs to help you look and feel your best.

Amazing Hands Day Spa

Rated “the best massage in Memphis,” this spa is the place to visit if you need a little me-time. Amazing Hands offers a wide range of services, from massages to body treatments. Their massage therapy includes many types of needs, such as prenatal, deep tissue, lymphatic, sports, and more. You can even book a body wrap or foot scrub after your relaxing massage.

The post 5 Relaxing and Luxurious Spas in Memphis, TN for Some Self-Care appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Declutter Your Space

If you want to get rid of your old belongings, try donating them. Many in great shape can be repurposed and given to those in need.

• Memphis Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• AMVETS Thrift Store (Memphis location)
• Ronald McDonald House of Memphis
• Memphis Union Mission
• Junior League of Memphis Repeat Boutique

Volunteer/Donate

You can volunteer your time or donate to any of these meaningful organizations around the 901.

• JUICE Orange Mound

• OUTMemphis

• ITN Memphis
• Memphis Pets Alive 
• Memphis Urban League

• Choices – Memphis Center for Reproductive Health

• Memphis Artists for Change
• Literacy Mid-South

• The Haven

• Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
• NAACP Memphis

Move Your Body

Exercise is a great way to focus on your mind and body this New Year. And there are plenty of spots around Memphis where you can connect to nature or join others in your community to stay active.

Exercise studios:

• High Point Climbing and Fitness
• ZenStudio Fitness
• Irontribe
• Envision
• Memphis Rox
• Shed Fitness
• Brwnskyn Yoga
• East Memphis Athletic
• Delta Groove Yoga
• Any Body Yoga
• Evergreen Yoga Memphis
• Downtown Yoga
• Sana Yoga Studio
• Bikram Yoga Memphis
• Better Bodies Yoga
• Mind Body Haus
• Eastern Sun Yoga

Local parks:

• Memphis Botanic Garden
• Shelby Farms
• Agricenter Sunflower Trail
• Overton Park
• Lichterman Nature Center
• Mud Island
• Tom Lee Park
• River Garden
• Dixon Gallery and Gardens
• The Greenline

Visit Local Spas

Indulge in the ultimate relaxation with one of Memphis’ many spas and wellness centers. Whether it’s a facial or massage you’re looking for, these spots have it all.

• Memphis Massage Masters 
• Amazing Hands Day Spa
• Fermata Massage and Wellness
• The Skin and Wax Room 
• Bowtie Massage
• Girl Makes Face 
• Calming Influence Massage and Bodywork Salon
• Midtown Massage and Bodywork

Learn Something New

There’s something so fulfilling about learning a new skill, and these classes can help take your skill set to the next level.

• Five in One Social Club
• Muddy’s Bake Shop Cooking Classes
• Arrow Creative Art Club
• Church Health at Crosstown Concourse Cooking Classes
• Art Project
• Falling Into Place – Candle-Making Workshops
• Board and Brush – Workshops
• Flicker Street Studio

The post Our Favorite Ways Memphians Can Practice Self-Care in the New Year  appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Biking the new Tom Lee  Park to Arkansas and beyond

The post My City, My Soul – Goldie Dee Collins + Micah Winter-Cole appeared first on We Are Memphis.

January is Self-Love Month, and there’s no better time than after the holidays to really focus on yourself. True self-care isn’t as simple as taking a bubble bath here and there, or journaling some thoughts. It’s all about showing yourself some compassion while drawing much needed boundaries around the things that take too much. Here are some ways you can celebrate this self-care month in the 901.

Connect with Nature

Even though the Memphis weather can’t make up its mind most days, it’s a good idea to get some sunshine (even if you have to bundle up). Explore one of our many parks and areas full of wildlife, greenery, and open space.

• Memphis Botanic Garden
• Shelby Farms
• Agricenter Sunflower Trail
• Overton Park
• Lichterman Nature Center
• Mud Island
• Tom Lee Park
• River Garden
• Dixon Gallery and Gardens
• The Greenline

Dog-Friendly Parks

• Bartlett Dog Park
• Mud Island Dog Park
• Memphis Dog Park
• Shelby Farms – The Outback
• The Barking Lot
• Overton Bark

Buy Fresh Foods

Incorporating a healthy diet into your everyday can do wonders! Who knew our parents weren’t lying about fresh fruits and veggies when we were kids? Memphis has a ton of spots where you can buy locally-grown produce, thankfully.

• Winchester Farmers Market
• Charlie Sciara and Son Produce
• Agricenter Farmers Market
• Jones Orchard
• Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market
• Memphis Farmers Market

Find a New Hobby

Your spare time should include some fun, don’t you think? Whether you want to dive back into things from your childhood or explore new games and activities, there’s something for everyone on this list!

• Mid-South Hobbies and Games
• Art Center
• Comics & Collectibles
• Kandi Sparklez Craft World
• 901 Games
• A Makers’ Studio
• The Cellar Tabletop Games & Comics

Stay Active

Exercise is a great way to release endorphins, especially during these cold months where it’s so easy to fall into a daze. And exercising doesn’t have to have an end goal. You can just do it because you enjoy it! From rock climbing to cycling, here are some local places that’ll help you work on your fitness.

• High Point Climbing and Fitness
• ZenStudio Fitness
• Irontribe
• Envision
• Memphis Rox
• Shed Fitness
• East Memphis Athletic

Treat Yourself

Treat yourself 2023! Whether you want a full spa experience or just to indulge in a mani/pedi combo, here are some places in Memphis that will take care of you, for you.

• Memphis Massage Masters 
• Gloss Nail Bar
• Champalou Spa
• Pixie Lab by Jenniexnails
• Fermata Massage and Wellness
• The Skin and Wax Room 
• Bowtie Massage
• Girl Makes Face 
• Midtown Massage and Bodywork
• Daisy Nails
• Nail Bar and Co.

Add Greenery to Your Space

Livening up your indoors can drastically shift your mood. Plus, living plants can increase the air quality in your home, so it’s a win-win. If you don’t already have a green thumb, don’t worry. There are plenty of plants for beginners that will brighten up your space in no time.

• Greenhaus Memphis
• Terra Cotta Nursery
• Flowers and More
• Midtown Bramble and Bloom 
• Urban Earth
• Gurley’s Plant Nursery
• Country Gardens
• Dabney Nursery

Explore New Media

Nothing beats a good book, album, or movie. Immersing yourself into new stories is a great way to take time out of your busy day for you. Here are some shops in the Bluff City where you can find books, movies, music, and more.

• Novel
• Goner Records
• Burke’s Book Store
• Shangri-La Records
• DeMoir Books and Things
• 901 Comics
• River City Records
• Second Editions Book Store
• Xanadu Music & Books
• South Main Book Juggler

You might also be interested in: Explore Memphis | Things to do in Memphis | Memphis Attactions

The post Celebrating Self-Love Month in Memphis This January appeared first on We Are Memphis.

The benefits of mindfulness are well established, with everyone from psychologists to scientists attesting to its power to produce tangible changes in our brains. And becoming more mindful, or better said, more fully present in the moment and connected with the spaces around us, does not necessarily mean taking up yoga or starting a self help course. It can be as simple as making small changes to some of the spaces where our lives can feel the most challenging.

The workplace, whether it is a home office or an office building, can be a center of stress. But even our own homes, which at their best are sanctuaries for us and the hubs of our lives, can include plenty of whirlwind and chaos.

We cannot always take back power by reducing our responsibilities and obligations. But we writers are both busy professionals who have, in effect, reclaimed our spaces so we can reflect back calmer and anxiety-reducing sensations.

Not everyone will want or need Marie Kondo-style minimalism. Creating a more mindful space will vary from person to person, but the point is for you, your family, and your team if you are sharing an office space, to operate inside rooms and buildings that decrease your stress levels rather than add to them.

Absolutely anyone with a home or an office in need of a bit more mindfulness can lean on these four questions to get them started.

How does your space make you feel now?

Perform a quick and easy sensation check. Close your eyes for five seconds, draw in a deep breath from your nose, and blow it slowly out of your mouth. When you reopen your eyes, notice what you see, feel or smell. Look around at the room, your bed, or your work desk. What is the first thought that comes to your mind? Does it feel neat and organized, or a bit cluttered?

A different exercise, especially for your office, is to ask yourself how long it would take you to retrieve an important document that you or a client or co-worker needed right away – including on your computer. If the very thought of having to find it would stress you out even more in a tense situation, that in itself is probably a signal for a re-do.

How do you want your space to feel?

Both interior designers and anyone involved in clinical practice consider what feelings a room both holds and generates for those entering them. Some people may want to feel excited and energized, while others need their spaces to provide a calming reprieve. They might find bright colors refreshing or stressful. White or gray walls could either be boring or soothing. All depend on the person.

If you’re improving a space that others will use, ask for their input, too. A good way to bridge any gap is to try fixing things like lighting or plants, which may also allow for multiple people to “personalize” a space.

How can you maximize what you have?

Regardless of your budget, you should be able to experience a level of calm. Something as simple as implementing a new organizing system for your office, such as marking and putting away materials you’ve already dealt with, or even implementing a paper-free policy for your teams, can all make a world of difference.

If you can afford a trip to Target or even an interior designer, this may be an option for you. But if you can’t, it’s never a deal-breaker for creating a mindful space.

Is it your space – or something deeper?

Stress in our lives can sometimes lead us to misinterpret or displace our feelings. Self-care is essential, but if you feel like what is wrong has less to do with your space and more to do with your mindset or personal circumstances, it’s always a good idea to seek help from a therapist, spiritual advisor, or your physician. Listen to your gut. If you’ve been struggling with a problem for a while, never continue to put it off, hoping it will simply “pass.”

Our outer environments and inner selves have an uncanny way of mirroring one another. Whatever investment we make in more mindful spaces in turn can help generate better moods, more productive work environments, and fuller, richer lives true to ourselves and our experiences.

Jennifer Balink is the executive director of Kindred Place, a Memphis-based counseling and education center for adults, children, and families.

David Quarles is a Memphis-based interior designer, jewelry designer, content creator and fitness instructor.

You also might be interested in: Explore Memphis | Things to do in Memphis | Memphis Attactions

The post Creating mindfulness in your space: Four questions to guide you appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Stay local and support a small business today! With the economic effect of the Pandemic, it’s only right to help out our local entrepreneurs as much as possible. Some of the pros to shopping at small businesses are circulating our dollars within our communities and avoiding the crowded spaces of major-chain stores just to name a few. While the importance of our finances and health has grown to an even greater importance than usual, here are five places to support locally! 

The African Place

581 N 3rd St, Memphis, TN 38105

Located Downtown is one of Memphis’ essential gems, The African Place.  Standing as one of the largest African imports in the South, they provide several goods to improve your physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional health.  Stop by for some of the best natural oils, soaps, personal care products, meditational items, conscious books, and so much more! You can definitely count on The African Place to be open and to serve you with the absolute best customer service!

Maggie’s Pharm

13 Florence St, Memphis, TN 38104

Resting in the heart of Midtown in the Overton Square area, we have Maggie’s Pharm!  Providing top-quality herbs, oils, and other things, you can stop by for curbside pick-up of coffee/tea, hair care items, cooking spices, and more!  If the natural or healthy lifestyle is for you, then definitely start being one of Maggie’s Pharm loyal customers.

Raw Girls

5502 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119

Raw Girls has multiple locations spanning from Midtown to East Memphis and is one of the few plant-based, raw businesses within the city. You can never go wrong with ordering anything off of their health conscious menu.  Serving us cold-pressed juices, raw and hot foods, as well as cold-pressed coffees and smoothies will definitely give your body and tastebuds the boost that it’s been looking for!

Dr. Champion’s Pharmacy & Herb Store

2369 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38106

Dr. Champion’s Pharmacy & Herb Store is located in South Memphis and continuously provides a holistic approach to living a healthier life. With service you can trust, Dr. Champion’s has a vast selection of natural vitamins, home remedies, custom made products for your specific diagnosis, old time-hard to find items, and more. You too can live like a champion, with the aid of healthy essentials to boost your body!

Buff City Soap

944 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104

With several locations around the city, Memphis-bred business, Buff City Soap is on a mission to provide handmade products that are free of harsh ingredients and full of nourishing plant-based goodies to make your skin happy. You can find several essential items here- from laundry detergent and dryer balls to shampoo and bath bombs. Whichever you choose, they’re all here to help you stay fresh and clean! 

Satisfy your cravings with the best BBQ in Memphis

The post Staying Healthy During the Pandemic with these 5 Local Healing Hubs appeared first on We Are Memphis.

1. Keep Gatherings Within the Household – Holiday dinners should look a little different this year. Dr. Jain recommends that you keep your gatherings limited to those within your household. Look at it this way, you can avoid the awkward dinner table questions from your extended family! 
2. Save the Massive Meals for Later – If you can’t skip the big gatherings, think about skipping the meal. Dr. Jain says that the best way to stay safe is to stay masked and distant. You can’t wear a mask while you’re chowing down, but you can while chatting it up (six feet away!). Quality time is the reason for the season – not just the turkey!  
3. Get Tested! – Can’t stay away for the holidays? Dr. Jain reminds us to get tested and quarantine before heading to events. Testing – and quarantining – is the only way to be sure that you’re negative and won’t spread COVID to family members, especially ones that are high risk.
4. Talk About Staying Safe –  It’s up to us to be proactive about staying safe. Whether you’re thinking about your loved ones’ health or considering your own, Dr. Jain suggests having frank conversations about the risks of socializing. Not only do these conversations keep everyone informed, but they also provide everyone with a sense of responsibility. Keep each other accountable!
5. Get your flu shot! – COVID is dangerous, but COVID plus the Flu is a recipe for crisis. Dr. Jain shares that the effects of having both illnesses can be devasting, so taking the extra step to protect yourself is more important than ever. It probably won’t cost you much, either – most health plans cover flu shots, so be sure to check your coverage before you go.

As a last reminder, Dr. Jain stresses that “the control or the ability to reduce risk of infection is in our hands. Our behavior determines the way this epidemic will turn in our community.” If we all take these tips into consideration, we can significantly clear up the spread of the COVID-19 in our communities. 

Have a safe holiday!

The post How to Stay Healthy this Holiday Season! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

1. Manage your Expectations. 

Managing the stress of the holiday season is pretty hectic, however, you should do everything you can to manage your own expectations, while taking care of yourself. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you are unable to maintain the exact workout schedule and diet that you strictly follow. After all, the nature of the holidays means that you are probably going to eat a little bit too much of “the wrong things” and not find as much time to exercise as intensely as you typically do. There are many ways to continue living a healthy lifestyle during this time, and putting more stress and pressure upon yourself to maintain your temple isn’t always the best way to approach your mental health positively. 

2. Indulge on specific days – not the entire Season!

Overindulging is not only encouraged, but expected during the Holidays. It’s so easy to let yourself dive into that mound of food on the table, eat ALL the candy, and drink ALL the punch in front of you. Everyone else is doing it! While this is fun and delicious, the post-binge consequences, both physically, and mentally can take you off track and bring you down to a place of self-punishment and anxiety. An easy rule to follow is to indulge for a night, but toss or donate the leftovers out as soon as you can. Your family will love a little doggie bag of the delicious meal and treats that they just enjoyed, and you don’t need the lingering temptation of heavy Holiday food sitting around.

3. Remember, It’s only a few Single Days.

Holidays are a wonderful time to come together to enjoy food, fun, and shared beliefs with those we care about. We all want to let go, be thankful, celebrate, and yes, even indulge a bit, or even alot! In reality, these single instances of indulgence will have little impact on a healthy lifestyle. Let yourself have those moments and enjoy the seasonal food and drink you look forward to all year. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and when the party is over, so should be the indulgence. Keep it tightly reigned in so that you can keep yourself guilt-free, and also truly enjoy the Holiday. 

4. Find the time to Stay Active.

With a bit of planning, taking the time for a short workout isn’t that difficult. Even if you can’t make it to the gym, it’s easy enough to schedule a quick workout, run, or even a 15 Minute HITT session before bed. The key is to not let the stress of NOT working out how you normally would cause you to suffer mentally. Do what you can, when you can, and everything will be alright!

5. Remember there is always time for self-care

The post Staying Mentally and Physically Healthy through the Holidays appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Tip 1: Exercise

Research shows us that when we exercise, blood flows to our brain and improves our overall mood. If you’ve been feeling sluggish or if you have been feeling so drained and tired lately, get up and move! Exercise for about 30 minutes a day, or if you have any health or physical limitations, 10-15 minutes daily would be perfect. That way, it increases your blood flow and increases the chances of an overall good mood for you. 

Tip 2: Unplug from social media 

We are hit with so much information and it can be very overwhelming. Unplug for 30 minutes to an hour right before you go to bed, that way you are able to meditate and decrease the mental impact of all of the negative information that you might have watched. 

Tip 3: Journal 

Often times we are very hesitant to share our true feelings with friends or family members. Try journaling a goal that you have or a simple thought or a mood that you were feeling that day. Don’t hesitate and don’t hold yourself back when you’re journaling. Allow your mind to flow freely, that way you can get the best out of your journaling experience. 

Tip 4: Try aromatherapy 

Any oil would be great to try, but lavender oil can produce calming sensations throughout your house. Oftentimes it can help if you take an aromatherapy bath. 

Tip 5: Sleep

Research says we need about 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Natasha’s favorite quote is, “if the body is burnt out, the brain cannot produce.” It’s very important that we get enough sleep at night. 

We hope these self-care tips can improve your day to day functioning. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please consider reaching out to a local mental health professional. For more mental health tips and tricks, following Natasha at @vintagecounselor on Instagram, check out her self-reflection journal here, or visit her website www.harmonizingminds.org. 

You might also be interested in: Explore Memphis | Things to do in Memphis | Memphis Attactions

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It’s not like we forgot the positive effect physical activity can have on our mood, overall well being, or on the body’s defense system. But for many of us, exercise just became the non-essential business of everyday life during a pandemic. 

But as with all good things—and not so good things—they all eventually come to an end, self-isolation included. Are you ready to give up spending all your time binge re-watching Joe Exotic while eating pints of Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream?

We hope so. To help accelerate the comeback of fitness, We Are Memphis is gladly taking on the thankless job of Virtual Fitness Boot Camp Drill Instructor. You know what time it is, private! You’ve had enough quarantine and chill. It’s time to get physical.

Here is a list of local fitness studios and trainers offering virtual, online workout classes amid the Coronavirus outbreak:

1. Better Bodies Yoga: The Studio is scheduled to reopen on May 16. In the meantime, you can attend Yoga Classes virtually on Zoom. Each class costs $20. You must sign up at least 30 minutes before class start time. Sign up through the MINDBODY app. Better Bodies also offers a variety of on-demand yoga classes and workout equipment. Send an email to reserve blocks, blanket, bolster, strap, and a set of weights if needed.  

2. Core Collective: Founded to grow wellness within the community by providing balanced, whole-body exercise, Core Collective offers six different classes: strength, interval, fundamentals, Vinyasa flow, circuits, and a private Reformer. Get two weeks of unlimited online classes for $49. Classes are offered on Vimeo.

3. F45 Training: Specializing in innovative, high-intensity group workouts that are fast, fun, and results-driven, F45 Training offers cardio and resistance training as well as hybrid workouts. Classes are 45 minutes long and are guaranteed to get your blood and heart pumping. For $20 a week, you’ll get five custom workouts, exclusive content, and support for maintaining your fitness goals. Sign up through the MINDBODY app.

4. Hot Yoga Plus: Founded on the belief that when a person finds harmony of the mind, body, and spirit, they can also find healing, health, and joy. Hot Yoga Plus offers 6 classes: power flow, espresso flow, hot 26, fusion, sculpt, and restorative. Sign up through the MINDBODY app. The classes cost $10. 

5. Pike Yoga: Guaranteed to keep you zen between your LIVE studio practices, the team of highly trained and qualified instructors At Pike Yoga believe that EVERYONE needs yoga. Pike offers 2 subscription models. Monthly Membership for $16/month with a 7-day free trial. Yearly Membership for $160/year with 2 months free and 14-day free trial.

6. Shred415: Offering up to 6 live-streamed workouts daily, Shred415’s classes alternate between total body strength, total body strength, and cardio, and guided running routines. Workouts feature four 15-minute intervals all guaranteed to keep your heart rate elevated. Shred415 also offers free live Instagram and Facebook workouts. 

7. ZenStudio Fitness: View 8 workout videos for free on ZenStudio’s website. Classes are in sculpt, barre, bounce, cycle, kick, core, yoga, and dance cardio. The studio also offers on-demand classes featuring all 13 of their unique class methods. Sign up through the MINDBODY app. The classes cost $20.

8. Soul is Fitness with David Quarles IV: Our exclusive Soul is Fitness Virtual Soul event is FREE to access anytime! Hosted by David Quarles IV, this hour-long event will keep your feet dancing and soul smiling!

How are you staying fit at home? Drop us a line on Twitter and let us know!

You may also be interested in: Movies Set in Memphis: How we made it on the big screen

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One by one, states across the country are joining the global race to stop the spread of COVID-19 by implementing a variety of social distancing protocols. As a result, achieving one’s basic goals of eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting a good night’s sleep seem a whole lot more complicated. You’re deluged with doubt and a litany of rhetorical questions: How am I going to eat right while living on non-perishables? How can I stay fit when I can’t go to the gym? How am I going to sleep tonight with all this looming doubt? Changing your motivation from “because of” to “in spite of” would be a great start. Now say it with me: In spite of COVID-19, I won’t just survive, I’ll thrive! 

Here’s a holistic guide to staying physically and mentally healthy while staying at home: 

Ensure A Well Balanced Diet

• Stick to a regular meal schedule and be mindful of how much and how often you are snacking.
• Stay hydrated by drinking a glass of water before every meal
• If possible, stock up on nutrition-packed foods that will stay fresh for a week or longer like bread, grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, cheese, frozen seafood, and sauces. 
• Ordering out? Before placing your order take a look at this comparison of the best delivery apps and these helpful tips for ordering delivery. Don’t forget to support your locally-owned restaurants.
• Regulate consumption and prevent overindulgence. It’s easy to reach for a snack when you are bored!

Stay Physically Active 

• Break up your day with short active breaks – it’s amazing how 90 seconds of jumping jacks can get your heart rate going!
• Stand or walk while taking work calls. If you decide to go outside to walk be sure to maintain at least a 1-meter distance from other people.
• View free workout or yoga videos on youtube! We love tuning into MillennialFitChick’s Instagram for motivation!
• Many gyms and clubs are now offering live streaming or online classes. Check your local centers’ social media pages to learn about their recent events
• Create a home workout routine using these home-based exercises or freshen up your routine with these 4 bodyweight exercises
• Get your own personal Dance Party on with the jams at WeAreMemphisMusic.com!

Manage Stress and Anxiety

• Get a full night of sleep every night with these 6 tips for better sleep from Healthline. 
• The American Institute of Stress recommends using technology to mind your mental health
• Jamie Gold, a wellness design consultant and author of the upcoming book Wellness by Design, suggests setting aside a specific area in your home that’s free of technology. She recommends stocking this area with things that calm you, like your favorite blankets and pillows, a scented candle and house plants. “Over-exposure to news, over-exposure to chaos, creates a lot of anxiety,” Gold says. “If you can create a quiet space to reflect, to journal, it helps to calm you.” She also recommends, to the extent possible, designating specific areas for work and fitness, to mentally separate the parts of your day.

Know the Difference Between Isolation, Quarantine, and Social Distancing

• “Isolation is when you are sick, either at home or in the hospital,” says Benjamin. “Infectious disease precautions are then much more rigid than in self-quarantine.”
• This is when — under state or federal law — individuals or groups are essentially on lockdown. Recent examples include passengers from cruise ships where other passengers fell ill with COVID-19; those passengers who didn’t fall ill on the ship were then required to stay at military bases for 14 days to see if they developed the disease.
• This is a broad category. It means not shaking hands, avoiding crowds, standing several feet from other people and, most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.

Connect with Friends and Family

• Remember that you’re not alone
• Establish specific chats or channels for conversations unrelated to the pandemic
• If you’re working from home, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype, or Zoom with coworkers.
• Attend a virtual meetup event
• Call, text or video a friend or family member to say hi!
• Have an online movie night with friends through a Facebook Watch Party or Netflix Watch Party.
• Join our Virtual Soul Instagram Live events, every Thursday and Saturday at 7pmcst!

Did we miss any of your favorite at-home healthy tips? Let us know!

You might also be interested in: Memphis Sports: A City of Champions 

The post Staying Healthy At Home appeared first on We Are Memphis.

In December, you’re attending more parties than usual, traveling hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to visit family, shopping like crazy, and fighting with siblings about stuff you (almost) forgot about years ago. It’s the worst time to commit to eliminating bad habits. With so much going on, who has the time—or discipline—to think through new routines that could help you grow emotionally, socially, physically, or intellectually.?

But if you start fresh in February, you’ll find that resolutions are much easier to make and keep just a month or so into the new year. Though it’s still wintry out, we’re all getting ready to welcome spring and what it brings: new beginnings.

Ultimately, it all boils down to willpower… And here in Memphis, we say “yes, you can.” You can stop procrastinating, save for retirement, lose those last 10 pounds, stick to an exercise routine, and avoid various vices such as alcohol and cigarettes. You can still celebrate December like it’s 1999 and spend January letting your willpower recuperate. So instead of sticking to the old tradition of failed resolutions, start a new one to commit to making yourself stronger, healthier, better.

New year resolutions can work. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, researchers found that those who set New Year’s resolutions are 10 times more likely to actually change their behavior than people who don’t make these yearly goals.

Here are 6 tips to get you started and stay on track:

1. Choose a Specific, Realistic Goal: Choosing a concrete, achievable goal also allows you to plan exactly how you are going to accomplish your goal over the course of the year.
2. Focus on One Goal a Month: Taking on too much all at once can be daunting. It can be particularly difficult too because establishing new behavioral patterns takes time. Focusing your efforts on one specific goal makes keeping a resolution much more achievable. By sticking to one realistic resolution a month, you’ll feel SO much more accomplished and more inclined to create even better resolutions moving forward. Want to run a 10k by end of year? Break it down into small steps – let’s start with a run every Saturday morning and work up from there! 
3. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute: Planning is an essential part of achieving any goal. Experts suggest that you should spend some time thinking about how you will tackle a major behavior change.
4. Start with Small Steps: While it may seem like a slow start, these small changes make it easier to stick to your new habits and increase the likelihood of long-term success! Turning down one extra drink, or switching out a heavy lunch for a lighter option are all small steps in the right direction! 
5. Get Support from Your Friends and Family: Explain what your goals are to your close friends or family and ask to hold you accountable and cheer you on! Better yet, enlist the help of others by joining a local Memphian group that shares your goal.
6. Don’t Let Small Stumbles Bring You Down: Encountering a setback is one of the most common reasons why people give up on their New Year’s Resolutions. If you suddenly relapse into a bad habit, don’t view it as a failure. By understanding the challenges you face, you will be better prepared to deal with them in the future.

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It’s the night before you have to go to the office and you’re not feeling it. Here’s what you can do:

Get Organized

Before that first day back, buy yourself a shiny new planner. Get one that lifts your mood. It will help you get organized for the new year. In your new planner, make a list of the first things you need to address when you get to the office. If paper isn’t your style, download an app like Evernote to help you organize your life.

Decluttering your space can also help you ease into your workday. Organizing documents can refresh your memory about the things you were working on before the holidays. It also makes you look and feel extra busy without overly testing your brain.

Get A Good Night’s Rest

The last thing you want when you go back to work is to feel groggy. You will need a clear, rested mind to tackle your work backlog – and that inbox! If you go to bed early, you can wake up early enough to prevent the dreaded morning rush. Less stress will make it easier for you to ease back into your work routine.

Shake Off Your Holiday Brain Fog

Once you get back to work, you may feel like you can’t get out of holiday vacation mode. Schedule some alone time first thing in the morning to catch up. If you schedule that time like a meeting, then you can get caught up with no distractions. If possible, take small breaks to stretch or take a walk to help you ease back into office life.

Do small tasks first. Usually, experts tell people to tackle the most difficult tasks first. But, after the vacation holiday, your brain may need a little time to ramp up. Doing small tasks will give you a sense of accomplishment and put you in a positive mood before you get to the tough stuff.  If you have no choice about your workload, try to prepare your mind before you go to work. Use meditation, music, massage, or whatever you may find relaxing to give you happy thoughts.

If you don’t get everything done on your first day back, be careful not to be too hard on yourself. It’s likely that you aren’t the only one at work feeling that way. As your week goes by, you will eventually get back into your routine.

Be Appreciative

Being grateful for your holiday blessings gives you a better perspective about going to work. Studies have shown that gratitude boosts positivity, which ultimately spreads to your coworkers and promotes happier company culture. Be thankful. Gratitude is the best attitude.

For more work tips and for help finding a job, check out our Jobs page.

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From Circle B’s smoked sausages to wings from Ching’s, the tangy and smokey air in the city is usually the fault of kitchens across the city working overtime to feed hungry residents. 

Memphis’ food is full of soul – and carbs. As the holidays creep up on us, so will the calories and extra pound we’re all dreading this season. While many of us plan to watch Netflix in our sweatpants and taste testing all the prepared food, knowing where to get healthy food options or where to sneak in on a fitness class can make this holiday season all the kinder to our waistlines.

Healthy Food Options:

Go ahead and indulge in your mother’s dressing and your dad’s famous fried turkey. A plate…or five…won’t throw you off your game. But if you’ll be in town for a while, you may not want to eat the leftover yams every day of your trip.

Instead, visit one of Electrolyfe Juice Bar’s locations (4466 Elvis Presley Blvd or 3724 S. Mendenhall Rd.). Not only do they offer an array of healthy juices that can combat the fat and weather changes, but they offer a slew of healthy entrees. A crowd favorite: the salmon wrap and Honey Love juice with a shot of wheatgrass. It’s not only filling, but delicious. Full of Memphis’ soul with fewer calories.

If you’ll be helping out with the cooking this year, consider shopping at Fresh Market for your grocery needs. They have a range of options from gluten-free breads and snacks to fresh produce and deals on premium meats. The pre-glazed honey ham is already cut and spiraled and will win over your family this year, and the organic turkey is full of flavor without the antibodies. They have two convenient locations: Midtown and East Memphis – White Station Road.

Some other places to give a try:

Next Door – try the Beyond or the Impossible burger.

• City Market
• Office @ Uptown
• Farm Burger
• Juice Bar
• Sunrise Memphis
• Curb Market
• Sprouts Farmers Market
• Napa Cafe

Holiday Bootcamps and trainers:

A good workout before or after your holiday feast can make the carbs worth it. Individual trainers will be offering their boot camp deals across the Mid-South this holiday season. They know people will want to binge out on dressing and Netflix and will need a fitness check before the new year.

Start with one of Memphis Fitness Kickboxing locations – Midtown, East Memphis or Bartlett. These 45-minute classes go by quickly and can easily fit into your fall and Christmas break schedule. Just bring your water and a towel because you’ll be sure to sweat every ounce of your mom’s sweet potato pie.

If you’re looking for more low-impact training, look into Any Body Yoga located in the Chickasaw Shopping Center or Your Inner Yogi in Downtown Memphis. Some of the best yoga instructors facilitate at these locations including Yolanda Clark and Kandace Stewart. Even if you’re not a yogi, the instructors are really compassionate and always assisting with helping you find your right flow.

If you’re looking for more individual or one-on-one workout classes, consider a trainer.  Ambishun Fitness is located on 399 Cumberland Street where trainer, Ricky, is offering training deals for new clients. Trainer and gym owner, Sherika of Sherika Fitness, teaches a packed and high-energy class in the Hickory Ridge Mall with early classes to kick-start your day.

Other classes to consider:

• SpinCult
• ZenStudio
• Core Collective
• Kenetix Fitness
• Recess901

You can avoid the holiday pounds by incorporating a few of these options into your time away from work and school. No need to fall victim to the cabin fever and chilly weather. Tell us how you avoid the holiday calories and what fun and healthy activities you add to your holiday to-do list.

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