Work is great, but play is essential. Sometimes, we’re so swept up in making a living that we forget to live and relax. AXA Philippines took a group of media guests out of town this January to remind us how important holistic health is in caring for ourselves so we can better care for others.
We arrived at the resort early, greeted by greenery and a wonderful breeze. Brunch was served in what was to be our activity area for the day, a lounge with indoor and outdoor seating. The tall plants in the garden gave us privacy while we ate alfresco. I enjoyed the bagoong and buko pie (separately) the most.
We had hours to kill before check in, so we were sent off to get our first dose of me time. The resort was verdant and teeming with life, and the sun was behaving so we were able to comfortably explore the grounds. Alone time with nature sounds as background music was revitalizing.
I ran into some mom bloggers at the gazebo. They were care-free as could be, laughing and posing while taking pics and vids for the event’s social media contest that three out of four of them would later win. The fourth would get a PHP 500 cut from each of the winners, they jokingly agreed that afternoon.
The group met back at the lobby, where we were given our activity schedule. Then, some of us were golf-carted to our villas, while others chose to walk. Our bags were already in our rooms, along with our AXA welcome kits.
After a quick shower, it was time for our first activity. We took a mindfulness walk around the garden, taking in the patterns of leaves, which we would later incorporate into our mandala drawings. Our class began, and cards of affirmation were distributed to the tables for inspiration. While we were coloring like kindergartners, delicious ham and cheese sandwiches were served with fries and ketchup, a welcome afternoon snack.
Next up was our evening rituals session. I half-expected chanting and blood, but we did nothing of the sort. We made our own massage oils with chamomile and lavender essential oils, and a pinch of lavender buds added for infusion and aesthetic. Our gorgeous facilitators then taught us techniques for self-massage using our coconut concoctions, then led us on a guided gratefulness practice that almost had us snoozing in our seats.
The relaxing ritual worked so well that one of our friends didn’t make it to dinner. In his absence, we got to know our other companions on the trip and even lingered afterward to sniff some briny Laphroaig whisky. Since we were stuffed, we decided to take a walk and inspect the gym and the spa. My almost-roommate planned on using the treadmill the next morning, but alas, she succumbed to the comfy, warm bed until she barely had time to get ready for our morning yoga.
I had yet to finish my step goal for the day, so I strolled along the resort’s dramatically lit driveway. There were signs to slow down and stop, reminders of what we came here to do. The wind provided the evening’s soothing soundtrack of rustling leaves and cracking bamboo.
I dropped by the library that I’d been planning to visit since morning. I didn’t read a book, but at that time of night, it was a great nook for some quiet me time. On the way back to my room, I couldn’t resist taking more photos. The resort looks different after dark. A cat was also out on an evening stroll.
Me time for many means coffee time. I consumed four out of the six capsules of the room’s coffee machine by bedtime. Leftover mandala sandwich and the unopened welcome drink in the mini fridge comprised the midnight snack. Messages were sent, TV shows were watched. Apparently, some of us were even chatting away until 2 am. Then the turned-down bed was finally used for it’s ultimate purpose, sweet slumber.
Getting out of bed was a battle the next day, but those yoga mats were waiting on the grass by the heated pool. We woke ourselves up with lemon essential oil and palms facing up. We grounded ourselves with box breathing and palms facing down. We stretched and balanced until the slight drizzle signaled the end of our morning movement session and the beginning of our buffet breakfast. That hot dark chocolate on a cold morning was the equivalent of the 12 hugs we need per day.
Breakfast ran late, so we had to quickly pack our bags before our final activity of tapping and learning to weave me time into our typical day. The winners of our social contest were announced, and AXA Philippines raffled off spa vouchers. More food was brought into the conference room, but since we went all out that morning, we had to pace ourselves while joking about what could happen on the bus ride home if we ate some more.
AXA Philippines’ me-time retreat felt like a grand vacation. When I got back home, I took a quick walk and meditated a bit before crawling into bed. I massaged my face and shoulders with our massage oil and slept like a baby. Self-care is indeed essential and does a world of good in reinvigorating the spirit. I was ready to face the world again the next day.
If you’re still reading this, this is a reminder and permission for you to make time for yourself. Do something, or don’t. Rest, swim, gym, crochet, sing, talk to yourself, journal, cook for a sumptuous meal for one, listen to loud music, stretch, go for a walk, cry, laugh, smile. Be guilt-free when indulging in self-care. Take care of you so you can take care of others. Never forget to #MakeTimeForMeTime.
Health Care Access, Health Start, Health Start Lite, and Global Health Access are some of the insurance plans available to make sure you and your family are covered in times of need. You can learn more about AXA Philippines‘ health offerings at axa.com.ph/health-protection.
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