A little while ago I actually had a week off of work. I was not very motivated to take some expensive trip somewhere to rejuvenate even though I was feeling out-of-sorts and run down. It occurred to me that I could take a vacation right here, as everything I needed, I had here at the Alaska Club. So I decided to make it a week of “personal renewal” and indulge myself in yoga, insanity classes, swimming, weightlifting, saunas, massages and Jacuzzi soaking. What a difference! I had no idea that the stress relief I experienced as well as the physical well-being would make such a change in my overall well-being. I had confirmation of this when I read an article by Robert London, MD, a practicing psychiatrist for more than three decades and a national columnist for Elsevier/Frontline who spoke to this very newness of mind and body. “From crying to sweating, panic attacks…and even physical illness — relentless anxiety can swing a person into a tizzy.” Dr. London specifically noted the power of self-renewal could be easily accomplished and stress levels diminished through yoga, exercise, and even just rest. I knew that some of my work and personal life stressors were causing all manner of weird problems such as back pain, anxiety and even indigestion, and that I needed a comprehensive makeover. The week of personal renewal taught me the healing power of not just exercise, but of taking a mental break as well such as I did in the yoga classes and the sauna. If your stress levels are getting out of hand and you’re feeling out-of-sorts: have a personal renewal week, day or even hour at the Alaska Club and get your mental and physical well-being back.