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An easy equation for self-care and love

Posted 1/14/25

Most people believe it takes years of practice to achieve self-care and love. On the contrary, it’s one of the easiest things you can do to improve your wellness and it begins with simply wanting to care for yourself better. Below is a list of...

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An easy equation for self-care and love

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Some people believe it takes years of practice to achieve self-care and love. On the contrary, it’s one of the easiest things you can do to improve your wellness. It begins with simply wanting to care for yourself better.

Below is a list of ways to care for your body, mind, and spirit, with a list of local businesses that can help.

Nature

At the top of the list, and considered by psychologists as the least expensive way to improve mental health and sharpen cognition, is spending time in nature. If you’re reading “Body, Mind and Spirit,” you’re most likely spending time in the mountains or living in them, making it even easier to offer yourself the gift of nature. 

There’s no need to spend hours traveling to get your dose of Mother Nature’s medicine. Sitting on your porch or walking around your property will do the trick. Do it often, even if just for a few minutes at a time.

For more ideas on where to go, check out The Mountain-Ear’s  Peak to Peak Visitor’s Guide here: https://themtnear.com/stories/peak-to-peak-visitors-guide-2024,19824 or pick one up along the Peak to Peak Highway, from Central City to Allenspark. 

Books

If you’re not a fan of reading, no worries. Any book will do, including puzzle games and coloring books. Some second-hand shops in Central City and Black Hawk sell used books at a bargain price. These places are always a good place to look for your next page-turner.

Check out Blue Owl Books & Boutique in Nederland.

From journals to books, you’re sure to find something to enjoy. They are located at 176 Highway 119 or call them at 303-258-3695. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BlueOwlBooks/. 

Boosting confidence

It’s no secret that the more highly motivated and energized you are, the more likely you are to take immediate action to boost your health. No, we’re not talking about a complete makeover – simply a treat for your hard work. You can improve your confidence without the gym or yoga class. 

Hit the local saloon, or get a haircut or manicure, or pick up a new soap – you’d be surprised how doing something nice for yourself will change your mood.

Here are a few places across the Peak to Peak region offering indulging experiences.

Black Hawk

Ara Spa at Ameristar Casino

111 Richman Street

720-946-4300

https://www.ameristarblackhawk.com/hotel/ara-spa#

Spa Monarch 

488 Main Street 

720-460-4000 

https://monarchblackhawk.com/wellness/spa/spa-monarch

Central City

Wild Bergamot Soap

720-347-5516

wildbergamotsoap@gmail.com

https://wildbergamotsoap.square.site/

Coal Creek Canyon

Health Naturally

970-591-3472

april@healthnaturally.com

https://healthnaturally.com/

Mountain Aire Hair Salon

30509 Highway 72

303-525-0891

tina@mountainairehairsalon.com

http://www.mountainairehairsalon.com/

Wildflower Wax

30509 Highway 72

720-491-9814

https://www.vagaro.com/wildflowerwax

Gilpin County

Beautiful Complexions Skincare Studio

3247 Golden Gate State Canyon Road

303-385-7919

bcss@skincaretherapy.net

https://bcsstudio.fullslate.com/

Nederland

Attune Holistic Skin Care

34 E First Street, Unit 3

970-412-4113

attuneskin@gmail.com

https://www.attuneskin.com/

Forget Me Not Skincare

1 W First Street

720-899-8992

sabel@q.com

https://www.forgetmenotskincare.com/

Hair by Holly

75 E Second Street

304-417-6990

https://www.hairbyhollyllc.com/

Hair by Tracy

75 E Second Street

303-258-9464

tstyrer@gmail.com

Wild Poppy Salon

20 Lakeview Drive, Suite 211

720-790-1028

alicia@wildpoppysalon.com

https://www.wildpoppysalon.com/

Habits

Let’s face it, we all have habits. Why not pick one up that’ll help improve your health?

Did you know laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases the endorphins released by your brain? Why not make laughing your new habit?

It’s as simple as reading a funny book or watching funny videos. Go ahead, try it. Find something funny to laugh at for 30 seconds and see how you feel.

Art, whether creating or viewing it, has proven to reduce stress and anxiety. But you don’t have to be a professional to be artistic. From gluing sticks together to splashing paint on a canvas or a piece of wood, you will find it liberating to enjoy art.

You don’t need a writing degree to keep a journal. Among the many benefits of writing is improving memory. Journaling can also help you relax and cope with depression. Writing about stressful experiences can help manage them.

You might think telling someone to “breathe” sounds strange, since it comes naturally to humans. However, you’d be surprised how often we forget to breathe for our health. Stand or sit up straight, and relax your shoulders and stomach. Take a slow four-count inhale, hold for four counts, and release for six. Repeat as you wish. 

There you have it – a few ideas for caring for yourself. Now, show yourself some love. You’re worth it!