Pamper & Polish: Pedicures and Healing Your Inner Self

by Kerry Andersen

Cozymaxxing is a viral trend that’s easy to embrace. 

It’s the practice of actively engaging in self-care and intentionally creating a comfortable and calming environment to counteract the burnout that comes with constant productivity in our hustle culture. The next time you are tempted to carve out some “me time,” know that experts say go for it—it promotes well-being, lowers stress and can even improve your sleep quality. Here’s a roundup of comforting rituals to try:  

Beyond Basic Nails – So many of us pop into the nail salon for service over a hectic lunch hour or when we’re in a rush, but Camellia Nail Room (5400 Nelson Road) encourages you to slow down and treat yourself to a bit of pampering. The Nelson Road salon offers a full experience complete with an indulgent atmosphere (check out the marble floors and opulent lighting), relaxing massage chairs and an atmosphere that encourages you to exhale and step away from your busy schedule. Grab a glass of champagne, slip into a cozy leather lounger and be pampered with a sugar scrub, moisturizing cucumber mask or hot stone massage. The 18k Gold Champagne Pedicure even includes a mask with honey and 18k gold foil.  

Healing Vibes – Sometimes self-care means soothing your mind and soul. Edgemont Healing Center (1800 Kirkman St.) focuses on spiritual wellbeing with restorative yoga, energy healing services and sound baths. The Therapeutic Sound Healing Immersion uses instruments like crystal bowls, chimes and other healing tones to calm your nervous system through sound and vibration. When the lights come up, you’ll head back out into the noisy world in a more focused and calm manner. This oasis in the middle of town also offers a Midweek Midday Meditation and free community yoga. And exhale.  

Chill Out – The stress of daily life can lead to painful inflammation in our bodies. Cryotherapy, exposing the body to extremely low temperatures for a short period of time, can benefit us in ways both physical and mental. At Elite Cryotherapy (134 W. McNeese St.), three minutes in the cryo chamber can improve your skin health, decrease stress and anxiety with a boost of dopamine, and reduce aches, pain and discomfort from arthritis, muscle soreness and other conditions. It’s a cool way to pamper yourself!