Taking some time out to relax at Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny - Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland Australia.
For less than $100 and a window of 8 hours, you can bring yourself back from the brink.
Here’s how.
In 2011/12, I went through an incredibly difficult time.
I’d lost my house, my relationship, my business and the entire life we had built, (including all the money). This separation absolutely floored me, yet, it was my decision.
Unsurprisingly, I was diagnosed with clinical depression.
Rebuilding a new life for myself as a singleton was challenging to say the least and it took around 3 years for me to fully come out the other side of this challenging time.
One of the biggest lessons I learned from all of this was the importance of taking time out for myself.
I call it my Mental Health Day, and on this day, I go off grid.
Going off-grid as I like to call it, even just for a day, has proven to be my saviour, back in those difficult days, and even now.
If you’ve ever experienced a difficult time (which I have no doubt you probably have) or you’re feeling burnt-out from the day to day challenges of life, you’ll know just how physically and emotionally debilitating life can become if you continue to ignore the signs. Your body and soul need to rest and re-set. Listen to it and take action. Your life depends on it.
As an Independent Buyer’s Agent running my own business in the very masculine world of real estate, I know all too well the feelings of mental and physical exhaustion.
Even superwoman needs a break every now and then.
As professional business women, we are usually doing it all because we can.
Building a career for ourselves, managing the family, being a mum - wife - friend - counsellor - confidante. You name it and we’re probably doing it.
Our multi-tasking skills have left us in a pickle because forcing ourselves to place the focus back on Us goes against every grain in our bodies. We are natural nurturers and we want to help everyone else except ourselves. Finding the time to switch off from the day to day and take the much needed time out for ourselves can feel impossible, but we must do it.
For our own health and for the well-being of those we care about, it is important we maintain a level of balance that allows us to continue to thrive rather than just exist.
I know that if I don’t take this time out for myself, I become less productive, more irritable, and I start making mistakes I don’t usually make. Physically, my body aches, and I just can’t function at the optimum level I need in order to show up as the true professional I am.
For me personally, I’m also aware that a depressive episode could be triggered if I don’t take note of the signs that I need some rnr.
But how do you make the time? and when?
Life gets in the way but I’m here to tell you that you just need to make room for it. Plain and simple.
Book a day out to yourself just like you’re booking a dentist appointment.
Since 2010 I have been coming to Spicers Tamarind in Maleny on my off-grid days, and specifically, to their day spa - Spa Anise.
Sadly, this heavenly spa retreat is no longer due to a fire event in 2022 that destroyed the entire building, but the restaurant, accommodation and remainder of the property continues to welcome guests from near and far.
I originally published this article on my Buyer’s Agent website in 2020 when the spa was in full operation mode and I wanted to share this experience with you because, despite my happy place being gone for now, the concept of my off-grid routine is still very relevant and important to share.
But first, here’s a little insider tip…
The take-away of committing to this “Day Off-Grid thing” is so incredibly empowering that if you follow in my footsteps and do it for yourself, you’ll realise just how powerful and transformative this day can be for your own well-being.
The mental health benefits are off the charts.
You’ll feel relaxed. Your head will be clear and you’ll likely be more productive in the days to follow. It’s so worth it.
So here it is…
My Off-Grid routine:
Step 1 - Wake up early and drive one hour 15 minutes to Maleny. No radio. No music. No podcast. No noise.
Maleny bookstore. This book now sits on my coffee table as inspiration.
Step 2 - I head to my favourite bookstore in the Maleny township and grab a latte. Here, I read a book that has NOTHING TO DO WITH BUSINESS. Personally, I like to escape into Travel books and dream of / plan my next travel escapade. (1 hour)
Step 3 - Day-spa retreat. I head to Spa Anise and treat myself to 30 minutes in the Hydro Room. Afterwards, I sit in the relaxation lounge for another hour or so with a cup of herbal tea, snuggle with a blanket and get lost in the fantasy of another non-business related book or magazine. (call it 2 hours)
Step 4 - Lunch at the retreat. I pre-plan a delicious, award winning chef’s lunch that is either brought to me at the spa or enjoyed in the restaurant. I usually treat myself to a glass of champagne at the same time. (30 minutes)
Step 5 - I head down to the local Swimming Hole where I take a walk in nature and dip my toes in the cool waters of the rapids. There’s no phone reception here so it’s total bliss. (1 hour)
Step 6 - I finish my day with a light snack at one of the local cafes, and then I hit the road, top down if the whether’s pleasant, on my journey back to Brisbane.
All in all, I’ve accomplished a full day’s R n R, I’m back in Brisbane by the afternoon and it has cost me less than $100.
Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny is the destination. I highly recommend it. - PS I’m not paid to plug it. I just love it.
If you have found your own version of your Happy Place, I’d love to hear about it. Please feel free to share in the comments.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wendy Russell writes about Property, Career and Success. She is a self-made woman and Independent Buyer’s Advocate based in Brisbane Australia, representing busy professionals in luxury home purchases.
