We are all human, and sometimes, life can simply get the better of us. Stressors including familial responsibilities, work duties and social obligations can all add up and create a stressful environment. Over time this can cause burnout, which involves feelings of exhaustion, lack of focus, and increased negativity and cynicism. When this happens to us it is important to make time to recharge and reset and what better way to do that than in a wellness centre?
Here are 6 tips to help you choose the right wellness centre for you.
Location matters
While the idea of a wellness centre is to get away from home and take a break, you do not want to be hours and hours away as this can inadvertently cause you more anxiety. Being away from home can be hard if you have a family or people who rely on you. So, one way around this is to go to a centre that is close enough to home that you could get back if there was an emergency. However, you still want to be far enough away to allow yourself to feel disconnected. Try to work out what is the most realistic distance you can be away from home and remain comfortable, and use that as a starting point for your research.
Alternatively, sometimes the further away the better. A fresh, clean break can be better for fighting off burnout when you allow yourself to temporarily cut ties with your home environment. For example, places such as the White River Manor wellness centre boast a secluded location that allows you to focus on your recovery and nothing else. Do not underestimate the importance of a good location, as this can make or break your recovery experience.
What benefits do they offer?
One way to help you decide on the right wellness centre for you is to research what benefits different places offer. There will be huge varieties of places and benefits and it may feel overwhelming to whittle down the options. Instead of getting carried away in places that do not interest you, try to think about what benefits are calling to you. If you are someone who enjoys the outdoors, then it is worth seeking a place that offers lots of different outdoor activities for you to choose from. If you are not an outdoors person, you might be seeking something a bit more luxurious so that you can enjoy some time inside without feeling bored. Activities tend to include movie nights, spa options, scenic day tours, adventure sports and more! However, it all depends on where you go. As a rule of thumb, the more expensive the centre, the more enticing the rewards, with some places even offering the chance to go out on safari while you stay with them.
Consider Reputation
Before signing up for anything, it is important to consider the reputation of any centre that you might be considering. If you have any friends who have visited wellness centres, ask them about their experiences, if they had heard of any other places and whether or not they would recommend staying there. While researching places, it is also important to get a feel of what they are known for. For example, are they a luxury centre? A low-key outdoors focused centre? You will want to know before you get there because otherwise, you might be in for a stay that you really do not want. The centre’s website should give you a pretty clear indication as to the sort of place that they are, just try not to be fooled by colour enhanced and filtered photos.
Always check reviews
This one goes without staying, but make sure that you always check the reviews! It can be time consuming and boring, but it is well worth it. You can find reviews on pretty much anything these days, so take advantage of this. Also, try to cross-reference reviews and check multiple sites to get a fuller, more accurate image of any centres you are considering. This is vital because a lot of places can put fake reviews up on their websites, and so it is worth checking which? Tripadvisor, Google Reviews and so on. It is not the most thrilling of tasks, but you must take the time to do thorough research. Picking the right wellness centre is an essential part of your recovery process, so you do not want to get it wrong.
Cost
Everyone’s budget will be different, so you have to go into the research process with a relatively clear budget in mind. There are two main reasons for this, firstly, having a price in mind will help you to narrow down your options. You will not end up wasting time scrolling through options only to find out later that you cannot afford them. Secondly, you are less likely to be talked into extra options or features that could amp up the cost of your stay. Going into the booking stages with a clear ceiling on your budget will make sure you don’t waste time talking about options that you do not want.
Staff
Another key point to consider when choosing the right wellness centre is what the staff are like. You could have the most beautiful centre in the world, but if the staff are cruel and unattentive, then your experience will be tainted. The best way to know what you are in for is by searching through reviews online that are specific/focused on staff experience. Additionally, consider calling the wellness centre and discussing what staff are hired to do there, so you can get a stronger understanding of their job role and their responsibilities towards those who are staying there.
Overall, it will take some time and effort to ensure that you find the right wellness centre. However, consider this an investment in your own mental and physical wellbeing. To get the most out of your time away, it has to be in the right place. So do what you can and thoroughly research your options before committing to anything. Remember, the road to recovery is a marathon and not a sprint.
Tommy Williamson did his degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. He has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.
