Health & Wellness: The ABC’s for a Healthy 2024

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As the year comes to an end, you’re probably wondering how you can get your mojo back. You are not alone.

These have been trying times for all of us. So, as you prepare to bid 2023 adieu, let’s make some plans to welcome the new year with a healthy mind, body and spirit. We can help you shake off the same old routine with some new and healthy habits. Florida’s Historic Coast offers lots of ways to ease into a whole new attitude going into a brand new year.

Here are some ABCs for inspiration:

Appreciate Nature

There’s no doubt that simply being in nature revives the spirit and reinvigorates the body. And with the recent opening of the St. Johns Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve, you’re literally surrounded by the beauty of nature. Their mission to conserve rare and endangered species of plants from around the world is a sight to behold. And it’s not just the plants and flora that inspires as you discover the local wildlife and fauna flourishing in this natural habitat. A hike through one of our many state parks provides an ideal opportunity to stretch those legs and strengthen your muscles.

And if it’s your restless mind that needs healing, you won’t do any better than The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche. Recently named “The Most Peaceful Place in the U.S.”, the ivy-covered chapel and its surrounding grounds offers precisely the peace and quiet you need right now.

Become a Beachcomber

This one’s easy and it’s free! Plus, no special skills are needed to become a beachcomber. Florida’s Historic Coast offers 42 miles of pristine beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. From the popular Mickler’s Landing to Vilano and Crescent Beach, there’s a perfect spot to call your own for long walks along the shoreline. You might even uncover some unique shells and shark teeth. Take in the fresh salt air and let the ebb and flow of the waves wash away the stress. This time of year, beachgoers enjoy the brisk weather and ample space to spread out—or, even practice some early morning yoga with friends.

Cultivate Some Culture

A simple walk through the Historic District in St. Augustine is a lesson in history and architecture. Even from a distance, you can appreciate the Spanish Renaissance beauty of the Hotel Ponce de Leon, now Flagler College. There’s nothing like viewing artwork to inspire your creative soul and there are plenty of galleries and shops nearby, and even off the beaten path, to spark your passion.

A visit to Ovico Gallery, by appointment only, is worth the effort to discover the finest in contemporary African art. And if you feel inspired to create some art work of your own, 904 Art House offers workshops in everything from pottery to painting and sketching to sewing, for kids and adults.

Spa time? Or time to stretch?

Ah-h-h-h. Time to relax. A massage therapy using Himalayan salt stones, practiced for centuries, can enhance healing and wellness and is available at Salt Spa St. Augustine, a Zen oasis in the heart of the city. A trip to the Spa at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club offers more than 100 luxurious pampering spa services that will melt away your worries. The Poseidon Spa at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa uses earth’s simplest element, water, in treatments that renew and rejuvenate the spirit. While Essential Energy Spa uses regenerative self-healing modalities, enlightenment and community-building practices to create wellness for all who visit.

Perhaps a stretch is more of what your body needs. Try yoga or pilates on the lawn of the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum with Pilates Yoga Loft. Rise and shine Saturday mornings with Yoga in the Garden at the Lightner Museum. It’s invigorating! Top it off with a martini, mystic tarot reading, mini massage and makeover at Hopcraft Collective. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you for it.

You’ll find there are as many ways to relax and unwind on Florida’s Historic Coast as there are reasons to do so. It’s never been more important to take care of your health and wellbeing. We’re here to help.

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