While the time to commit or recommit to your health and wellness is always right, the new year always offers an extra dose of motivation. To help you capitalize on those goals — whatever they might be — we chatted with scouted health and wellness experts throughout the valley. Each is an incredible resource that lends Phoenix and Scottsdale residents access to world-class services, technology, and practices.
From insight from Optimyze’s Michael Roviello, MaED/AET to tips from Hydrate IV Bar’s Danielle Withycombe, guidance from Framed Ewe Christi Kimball to wisdom from Beauty & Propaganda’s Zulieka Zaragosa, keep reading for better health and a brighter spirit in 2023.
Photo by Scott Foust Photography.
CHRISTY KIMBALL of FRAMED EWE
Invest in great sunglasses. Like snow boots and a warm coat are essential components of winter gear for colder climates, sunglasses are an essential part of desert gear. And for Phoenicians planning on upping their outdoor time — say with a new workout regimen or commitment to hiking — a great pair of sunnies is essential to protecting your eyes and the surrounding skin.
Schedule your eye exam. Eye exams aren’t just for testing your eyesight. In fact, you can learn a number of things related to your eye and general health at your yearly exam. Dry eye, focusing issues, and glaucoma are common maladies that many don’t realize they have. We like to schedule an hour per exam to ensure we address all of their eye needs, in addition to narrowing in on the right prescription, of course.
Get the right prescription. There are so many ways to customize lenses to protect eyes, reduce, eye strain, and get crisp vision. A great optician, like our partner at In Focus Solutions, will interview you on your lifestyle and occupation to fit you with the right prescription, down to the lenses. The proper fitment can improve eye strain and posture, which can lead to a dramatic improvement in lifestyle.
Tell Framed Ewe that this article directed you to them for 20% off your first purchase. Some restrictions apply.
Photo by Carl Schultz.
DANIELLE WITHYCOMBE of HYDRATE IV BAR
Set aside the time. No matter what wellness commitment you’ve made — meditation, healthy eating, quality sleep — make sure you budget time for it. Being intentional about your time will help you stay committed to whatever wellness routine to which you committed.
Be consistent. Daily commitment to your wellness practice will yield impressive results over time. For example, consistent Vitamin IV therapy helps the body maintain a healthy immune system and keep hydration levels up — especially important in a desert location
Start small. “Some days are harder than others,” admits Danielle. To avoid burnout — and stay motivated even on those hard days — Danielle recommends starting small. And while goals should be challenging, Danielle emphasizes they should always be realistic. Bonus points for designing fun, attainable goals and teaming up with a friend with similar goals for built-in accountability and support.
To celebrate the opening of its third location, Hydrate is offering the first 50 clients a lifetime membership for $99. Plus, enjoy Wellness Wednesdays weekly, which feature a Wellness IV for $100 and 50% off Vitamin D3 injections.
Photo by Michael Franco.
ZULEIKA ZARAGOZA of BEAUTY & PROPAGANDA
Embrace your individual beauty. Experiment with trends, try new styles, but always honor the unique attributes that make you, you. Comparison is the thief of joy.
Tap an expert. Whether it’s for health, wellness, or beauty, don’t be afraid to ask for help from the pros. Beauty & Propaganda makeup artists are on standby to help you brush up on your glam skills with a private or group makeup class.
Pamper yourself! Nothing motivates you toward a goal quite like a little reward, and Beauty & Propaganda has some of the best. Meet a milestone? Schedule a blowout, manicure/pedicure, spray tan, or other service as a pat on the back.
For the month of January, spend $100 in product and receive $25 back in the form of a B&P gift card!
Photographed by Carrie Evans.
MICHAEL ROVIELLO of OPTIMYZE
Add more stress to your life. The good kind, that is. “We cannot hide from stress and pretend it doesn’t exist,” explains Michael Roviello, MaED/AET. “Nor can we numb ourselves with alcohol, busy work, or medication.” What we can do, however, is train stress responses by working with natural resources like cold water (showers or plunges), saunas, fasting, and weight training. Such tools mimic what our ancestors experienced daily — the very things that made them resilient, resourceful, mentally tough, and emotionally strong.
Connect with nature. Make time to enjoy the sunlight and walk barefoot in the grass. Grabbing a few minutes of morning sun is an easy hack for improving mental and physical health. How? Circadian rhythms, of course. “When setting our circadian clocks, light is critical, as it releases the stress hormone, cortisol, which acts as a ‘wake-up’ signal, promoting wakefulness and focus throughout the day.”
Embrace discipline. Michael stresses that “discipline is the key to happiness and health.” Create new routines and non-negotiable. When you create a non-negotiable — whether it’s in the form of a daily sauna, movement, yoga, meditation, diet, or whatever might suit your goals — you eliminate the opportunity to get in your head and negotiate your time or ability to stick to your commitment. But don’t forget to find the fun in it all! At Optimyze, we’ve made wellness accessible, easy, and fun.
Optimyze is currently offering discounted rate for new clients, including upgrades such as Red Light Therapy, Biocharger, Halo Therapy, and more. Client’s choice! $49 first time, 1-hour includes upgrade. Don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!