Making time for self-care

My colleague Stephanie Lyew looked at my outgrown manicure with alarm and said, “What’s going on there?” My retort, with the knowledge that my nails were not in their usual form and in dire need of a new polish was, “I know, I haven’t had the time.” She quipped, “Make the time.” She was right, and it was at this very moment I realised I had been neglecting my self-care.

As humans, we often become so consumed by the everyday happenings of life and overlook the most important thing: ourselves.

Rushing out of town on assignment and on arrival at Half Moon in Montego Bay, it seemed like the universe knew exactly what I needed. A chance occurrence had my schedule open up, and the opportunity arose to visit the location’s Fern Tree Spa.

Upon entry, I was greeted by Herga, the same therapist who provided my services when the spa opened in 2007. Happy to see her, she walked me through the beautiful open ranch-style setting that has rooms named after Taino words such as ‘Bana’, which means greatness, and ‘Cayo’, which means light. I was immediately offered orange-infused water and asked to change into a robe. My heart rate rose as I locked my phone away in their combination locker. I could miss an important call or email, but I knew I needed to be present for my wellness treatment and that leaving it behind for a few was only for the best.

Herga took me to the Relaxation Room, and I wondered, ‘Whatsoever will I do in there?’ Admittedly, relaxing is not one of my strong suits, but I am trying to be more intentional about carving out time for it. The name of the room, as indicated, is to relax as you wait to begin your selected treatments.

Nadia, a massage therapist who has been with Half Moon for 22 years, came and got me and led me to the Ri (Braveheart) room. Starting with a welcoming Cerasee foot bath that made my weary feet tingle and come alive due to the detoxification benefits, it was then time for my personalised therapeutic massage, where your massage therapist customises a massage treatment specific to your needs, combining Eastern and Western massage techniques and modalities to create the perfect massage for you.

I opted for the CBD massage. CBD’s full name is cannabidiol. It is non-psychoactive, found in high concentrations in cannabis and hemp, not to be confused with THC, the psychoactive part of cannabis that people associate with a high feeling. While not a regular menu item at Fern Tree Spa, it is known to calm inflammation, soothe anxiety, reduce chronic pain, and melt tension, among a host of other benefits.

With a CBD-infused oil, Nadia’s magic hands soothed my aching and sore (from a new workout programme) body for 60 minutes. It was bliss and just what I needed.

“Our bodies will actually give us the time if we don’t take the time. And why wait until we come to a full stop? It is important to take a pause to be able to continue and make the most of life,” said Fern Tree Spa Director Tanya Vassell. “We’re in a climate now where COVID has brought many people’s attention to how important it is to remain healthy and connected with others.”

After my massage came a soothing soak in a secluded location outdoors that refreshed my skin in a warm stone bath of oats steeped in coconut milk. I lay there as my body thanked me while watching palm trees swaying in the wind. Feeling relaxed and inspired, I thought to myself, ‘I need to do more of this.’

Refreshed and revitalised, I knew what needed to be done next. The nails! Nadia, who is also trained in cosmetology, provided both a manicure and pedicure, services that are also available at the spa.

When I finally got to my phone, the missed calls, WhatsApp messages, and emails were plentiful, but I noted that the world had not come to an end, and with my treatments completed, I could answer everyone with more ease and was happy I had made a little time to take care of me.

debra.edwards@gleanerjm.com