Fit Fare

Cellphones and email and To Do lists, oh my! Sometimes the stresses of every day life can make you feel scattered and overwhelmed and just plain cranky. So what do you do when you just can’t take it anymore?

Having just returned from a week of mud and sun and delicious smoothies in Costa Rica, I highly recommend a trip down south. But if you can’t spare the time or the cash, I’m going to share with you some tips to create a Costa Rican relaxation experience right in your own home. No passport, bugspray or raincoat needed, just an open mind and a free weekend or lazy Sunday.

Pura Vida
In Costa Rica, you hear the term “pura vida” everywhere, all of the time. Literally, it means pure life, but in local terms, it’s more of “no worries” sort of statement. According to Wikipedia, “Costa Ricans use the phrase to express something akin to a philosophy of strong community, perseverance, good spirits, and enjoying life slowly and celebrating good fortune of magnitudes small and large alike.” Make slowness and celebration your mission for this at-home getaway.

Unplug
Commit to being unplugged. This means no TV, no phone and no email. That alone would calm most people into a state of pure bliss. Add to that no newspapers, no Internet and no American radio stations, and you’ve practically transported yourself to another planet. Create a playlist of soothing sounds of the rainforest or calming yoga music, and play it softly in the background. The goal is to escape from the pounding, constant noise of everyday life. The world will continue running if you don’t answer your email or check in with CNN. In fact, if you’re nervous, put an away message on your computer or change your voicemail to let people know you’re on a mini-spa vacation.

Pamper
In one week in Costa Rica, I had two hour-and-a-half massages and a 90-minute body treatment. Tough schedule, huh? With the help of a friend or two, you can easily recreate the pampering experience in your bathroom or living room. For the body treatment, get some organic coconut oil, a fresh papaya and some old (but clean) towels. Have a friend apply the coconut oil and then slather your body with the papaya. Put it in the blender with the seeds to form a nice exfoliating pulp. Resist the urge to nibble on your arm and cover yourself with a towel for 10 minutes to soak up the nutrients. Then rinse without soap and enjoy your smooth, delicious smelling skin. And, of course, return the favor to your friend.

Nourish
Stock your house with yummy tropical fruits like mango, papaya and pineapple. In the morning, cook up my favorite Costa Rican breakfast: a corn tortilla topped with black beans, two eggs any style, cheddar cheese and some fresh pico de gallo (tomatoes and onions). Serve with half of an avocado and enjoy the mixture of flavors and textures. Chew slowly and take your time. Notice what it’s like to eat without TV or a newspaper to distract you.

Reflect
Without the annoying buzz of TV or the dinging of your inbox, you’ll have plenty of time to just be. Lay on the couch and enjoy the feeling of having nothing to do and nowhere to be. Read your favorite magazines – trashy or otherwise – or start that book you’ve been wanting to read. (I recommend Eat, Pray, Love.) If you’re up for it, try writing in your journal. Congratulate yourself for all of the wonderful things you’ve accomplished in your life and say thanks for everything that is going well. And don’t forget to breathe.