Santa Barbara is known for the four W’s—wellness, weddings, wine, and weather. It has a mix of people really enjoying themselves with food, drink, and leisure, and all kinds of different health and holistic experts. Santa Barbara has it all. You can get very healthy or indulge in hedonistic pursuits. However, if you want to get healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually, the resources are in the city. Below are five ways to stay well in Santa Barbara.
Exercise in Nature
One of the best things for your body and mind is to exercise in nature. Being around living things and exercising your body brings you back to your natural biological state. Our biology is designed to hunt, gather, and defend ourselves from predators. Now that we simply don’t have to do that, the result is the lack of mental and physical wellness. In Santa Barbara especially, taking a run, going on a hike, or exercising in a natural area does wonders for the body, mind, and spirit. Combining working out with the surroundings of the area will show results.
Practice Yoga & Meditation
A holistic practice that is widely available in Santa Barbara is mindfulness. Mindfulness comes in many forms, but the most popular are yoga and meditation. There is no shortage of yoga classes in the area. Whether you want to do hot yoga to really sweat and get rid of harmful toxins or want to do it outside and connect with nature, there are all kinds of different classes to take. Every instructor has their own style and approach, but no matter what the act of stretching, holding poses, breathing, and focusing on the moment is good for you in countless ways.
Meditation is the other one. You can do guided meditation or meditate alone in nature or at home. There are also many types of meditation, but a basic session includes sitting down on a comfortable surface, closing your eyes, and focusing on your breathing. You allow your thoughts to pass through, always bringing yourself to the present moment. With meditation, you are literally teaching yourself to think differently. It will help you stay well in many ways.
Buy Local Foods from Farmers Markets
Santa Barbara has incredible local produce that you can buy from the farmers themselves. There is no excuse to eat bad food in this city. You can go to a restaurant and eat very healthy stuff, or you can cook with fresh ingredients at home. Most people like to eat, but that doesn’t need to be a bad thing! If we all focus a little bit more on what we put into our bodies, we can find better ways to treat ourselves. One of the best parts about being in Santa Barbara is that you can eat great, healthy, and fresh food every day of the year.
Take Introspective Breaks
When you are spending time in Santa Barbara, you should be sure to make use of the land and many places to take an introspective break. There are all kinds of places to take a walk, sit under a tree, or look out onto the ocean. Life can get hectic no matter where you live. It’s important to allow the landscape of Santa Barbara to heal and soothe you. If you allow it, the area will show you acceptance and comfort. You can feel oneness with the ocean and the trees.
Seek Professional Treatment
Since Santa Barbara is so holistic, with a lot of professionals and institutions for health, it is no surprise that it is a great place to seek medical, psychological, and physical assistance. Whether you’re looking for pain management, mental health services, or addiction detox near Santa Barbara, there are plenty of high-quality facilities with experience and educated personnel. If you need treatment for something, you might want to leave LA to get long-term care that will prove to be calming and effective. Santa Barbara has many professional ways to get well.
Santa Barbara has cultivated a reputation of wellness for some time. It is outside of Los Angeles and the hustle of Southern California. It has holistic and health services, things to eat, and places to go. Whether you’re moving to the area or are just visiting, Santa Barbara provides these and many other ways to improve your health and wellbeing.