We live in a time-poor society these days, where everything we do has to happen at the speed of light. The philosophy of ‘work hard, play hard’ is a way of life for most people, and naturally, it takes its toll on us as we literally burn out, both physically and emotionally.

A visit to a spa or health retreat is something that appeals to most of us, but rather than approaching one of these places for a ‘quick fix’, it would be far more beneficial to be educated as well as nurtured and indulged, in the hope that when we return to our everyday lives, some of the benefits experienced will be continued and practiced for more long-term gain.

One of the most highly regarded health retreats in Australia is Gwinganna, located on 500 beautiful acres in Queensland’s Gold Coast hinterland. Apart from offering picturesque accommodation, organic cuisine, indulgent spa treatments and myriad activities, Gwinganna includes a number of educational seminars within their packages that are truly the foundation of a stay at the resort and allow guests to take home plenty of tips and information that they can use in their everyday lives.

Since opening in March 2006, Gwinganna has enjoyed patronage from thousands of famous and not-so visitors who appreciate the benefits of this innovative organic lifestyle retreat that provides guests with a rare opportunity to recharge and embrace a life of health and wellness. Programs range from two-night Spa Weekends to the seven-night Gwinganna Detox program.

Feeling tired and lacking energy? Do you have an aching back or legs and arms? Been burning the candle at both ends with a lack of sleep, too much alcohol, or cigarettes and other bad habits? If any of these apply to you, Gwinganna general manager Sharon Kolkka recommends a five-day Optimum Wellbeing stay, a program that offers a unique combination of activity, education about stress, lifestyle tips, spa treatments, superb organic cuisine and rest during the afternoon Dreamtime. Using integrative health techniques, it is a journey of self-discovery and provides the unique opportunity to balance all essential areas of your lifestyle. Sharon guarantees that at the end of the five days, guests will look and feel amazing and will also be armed with a host of information to integrate back into their lifestyle at work and home.

Having developed all of Gwinganna’s programs and as a key presenter on lifestyle management and stress, Sharon says in a physically challenging job such as hairdressing, the opportunity to live a week learning practical and mental strategies to maintain energy and health would be extremely beneficial.

“These programs contain so many ideas that would assist each hairdresser to still be busy and productive, without compromising their vitality,” she explains. “And of course, the rest, optimal nourishment, and experience within this environment is wonderful, as is the chance to receive energy, rather than give.

“Every day we run seminars that are full of useful and inspiring information that is easy to implement. Simple ideas like not drinking water 20 minutes before, during or after meals to improve digestion. We also encourage guests to be aware of their own internal dialogue to improve their healthy intentions.”

Accommodation on offer at Gwinganna is a choice of beautifully appointed suits and villas, some with private spas. The delicious cuisine is certified organic and partially supplied from the gardens and orchards on the property.

When it comes to spa therapies, few places on earth rival the experience of Gwinganna’s Spa Sanctuary. From the beautiful surrounds and landscaping to the levels of expert service and care, the spa facilities are designed to give you the experience of a lifetime. Choose from organic face and body treatments, a range of massages plus specialty spa experiences such as Sound and Stone, Rockupuncture and Soul Search. Wellness and physical therapies and practitioners are also available, including nutritionists, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, counselling, live blood analysis plus a range of private sessions including yoga, Kinesis, personal training, Pilates and meditation, often taking place on the spectacular Yoga Deck that offers views from Moreton Bay to Coolangatta.

Convinced yet? Well at least I’ve got your attention!

Back to our time poor mentality, and regardless of how tempting a stint at Gwinganna may sound, so many of us think: ‘Oh, I’m too busy to take a break or be kind to myself.’ So whilst you’re contemplating what dates you might be able to block out from the book for your five-day escape, here’s some tips from Sharon based on the principles taught at Gwinganna that all of us stressed, busy poor souls can do on a daily basis to improve the quality of our lifestyles.

“Being at Gwinganna is not an indulgence,” Sharon adds. “In today’s world it is self-preservation. You need a week of complete introspection to make permanent positive changes.”

In the meantime:

Ensure your zinc, magnesium and vitamin B levels are adequate; ask a Naturopath for support and advice.  

Acupuncture is ideal for stress and assisting with insomnia.  

Have 3-4 alcohol free days per week and 1 month alcohol free each year to allow your liver to recover from the heavy loads we place on it.

Reduce caffeine to one or two coffees a day and only before 12 noon.  

Reduce sugar and processed foods, base your diet on vegetables and have protein at each meal. Fresh veggie juice and healthy smoothies are great for busy workers to sip in between clients.   

Your body is a direct result of every decision you make about what you put in. If your energy is low it is probably because you are not supporting the needs of your body. Nothing changes if nothing changes, so start the New Year by changing your belief system and placing value on your health and wellbeing. Take the time and make the effort and the rewards will be ongoing and invaluable.

For more info: www.gwinganna.com