The concept of physical wellness can easily be associated with pushing our bodies, and eating endless kale, in order to attain a physical appearance that champions society’s expectations, and in turn amps up self-esteem. This approach can turn toxic though, if the drive to work out and eat better (or less) is a response to hating our ‘unfit’ bodies instead of loving and honoring our whole selves, no matter what our body looks like, or how much we can accomplish at the moment.

Our take on physical wellness is more aligned with a yogic approach—where flexibility, strength, and inner peace work together in harmony to elevate not only our physical self, but our sense of connection to the world around us. As one of the 8 pillars of wellness, the physical dimension is simply a single part of a greater whole, and not a stand-alone means to an end.

YOGA IN THE HAMPTONS

One of our favorite ways to embrace physical wellness is by practicing yoga in a studio with like-minded friends. By infusing breathwork, meditation, and mindful movement into our strength and flexibility practices, especially in a group setting, we’re more in tuned with how physical wellness intersects with the other pillars such as emotional and social wellness. We love Yoga Shanti in Sag Harbor, and one of their teachers, Stacy Haessler, has been a huge inspiration in the way we practice and think about physical wellness...

"Physical wellness to me means feeling harmonious with your body and your breath. Taking care of yourself by moving your body every day whether it’s yoga, walks or other forms of exercise.  But then also not beating yourself up if you spend an afternoon on the couch eating chips with your favorite show.  The practice of Yoga is especially important to me because I feel a sense of strength, presence and ease that I can only find on the mat."  -Stacy Haessler 

STACEY HAESSLER OF YOGA SHANTI IN SAG HARBOR

NATURE WALKS

Another way we love to incorporate physical wellness into our daily routine is finding a favorite place to walk in nature. Whether it’s a beach walk at the ocean or the bay, or a hike in the woods at Morton Wildlife Refuge or Shadmoor Park. Stacy's favorite place to take nature walks is Gerard Drive in Springs. In nature, all of our senses are engaged—we breathe in fresh air, smell the salt and pines, view the vast natural space around us, listen to the birds and crashing waves, it’s an entire sensory experience that grounds us and connects us to something bigger than ourselves.

Whether in the woods, at the beach, or in the studio—the essential pillar of physical wellness is a cornerstone upon which our vitality and energy thrive. It dictates how we feel during our day, it sets a mood and elevates our overall health, but it accomplishes all of this most effectively when we leave the self-hate and over the top restriction at the door, and instead simply love ourselves, just as we are, and honor ourselves with the time and space to nourish, practice and connect with our bodies and the world around us. Namasté.

Stacy's Favorite Leallo pieces for nature walks:

THE CHLOE TEE WITH THE DUNE CROP PANT

THE MARIA CARDIGAN WITH CHLOE SLUB TEE

THE BEACH LANE HOODIE 

How do you practice physical wellness? Let us know in the comments!