The Perfect Wellness Weekend in Austin

Austin may be famous for its live music and breakfast tacos, but it’s a great place for some self-care, too.

Both permanent residents and temporary visitors to Austin find the city an excellent place to focus on health, wellness and personal growth.

Want to plan the perfect self-care getaway in Austin? The skin care providers at Skin Pharm have some great tips for wellness in ATX.

Schedule a med spa treatment

When you’re not focusing on self-care, aesthetics may not be top of mind. The perfect wellness weekend in Austin should include a little focus on your own needs — especially as it relates to skin care.

We're here to help you with your skin care needs. Our Austin med spa offers an integrative menu of cosmetic treatments, including Botox injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels and more. 

We also offer skin consults, where you can have one-on-one time with a Skin Pharm provider. We’ll discuss a holistic approach tailored to your goals and plan skin care treatments to help you reach them. Treat yourself to our med spa experience during your self-care weekend in Austin!

Hit the dog park

Austin is an incredibly dog-friendly city. If you have a furry friend who goes everywhere with you, why not get some fresh air at one of the local dog parks? 

The Auditorium Shores Dog Park also has a running trail, so both you and your companion can get in some physical activity. You’ll sleep well afterward, too, which is also an important part of self-care — good rest is crucial for optimal functioning of both your mind and your body.

Try out stand-up paddle boarding

Physical activity is a great way to take care of yourself, and stand-up paddle boarding (sometimes shortened to just SUP) is not just fun but also an excellent full-body workout. Bring your own or rent one on Lady Bird Lake — they even allow you to bring your dog! 

You’ll get your daily dose of vitamin D from the sun while enjoying a full-body workout. Just don’t forget to wear and reapply your sunscreen! 

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun can speed up the appearance of the signs of premature aging — like fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and loss of radiance. Taking a moment to apply a nourishing sunscreen can help significantly reduce the risk as well as help prevent skin cancer. 

Head to a park for some mindfulness

Austin is also known for its natural beauty and has abundant parks and green spaces within and outside the city limits. Getting outside for some fresh air can be a huge boost for your mental health — but try adding a little mindfulness, too.

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be in the form of a formal meditation practice. It can be as simple as finding a quiet place under a tree, closing your eyes and just paying attention to the world around you. This kind of rejuvenation is great for the overall health of your mind and body — keeping you grounded in the moment so you can be more present. 

Do some sensory deprivation

Sometimes, it feels good to just get away from it all. Sensory deprivation is gaining in popularity as a way to leave the world behind and have a transcendental experience, reduce anxiety and calm your mind and body. 

Sensory deprivation is usually done in float tanks, where it’s too dark to see and you can’t hear what’s going on around you. Taking away all of those external stimuli can help you quiet your mind and focus on what’s going on under the surface. These tanks are usually rented for a set period of time.

Keep in mind that this can be an intense experience for some people, so use it with caution.

Go for a hike

In addition to the green spaces in the city, there are also plenty of opportunities to hike in and around Austin. Check out Lake Travis (which also has a zipline), Brush Square Park, Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve and River Place Nature Trail for starters. For a day trip, consider driving out to Texas Hill Country, just a few hours west of the city.

Hiking is a great way to take care of your physical well-being, as over time, it can help support cardiovascular health and encourage weight loss. But it’s just as helpful at maintaining your mental well-being (just make sure you bring a map if you’re not familiar with the area). 

You won’t know how amazing just stopping and smelling the wildflowers is for your health and wellness until you try. However, just like with other outdoor activities in Texas, make sure to put on your sunscreen before you head outside. 

Even if you’re in a shaded area, ultraviolet radiation can still impact and affect your skin — both short-term (like a sunburn) and long-term. Sunscreen helps to reduce that risk and keeps you looking youthful and feeling gorgeous for as long as possible.

Explore downtown

If you prefer the hustle and bustle to a walk in the park, there are also many sights, smells and tastes to explore in the downtown Austin area. There are many positive benefits to being out and about downtown — healthy eateries, interesting shops and plenty of unique people to meet. 

Remember, after you’re done hanging out downtown, make sure to wash your face — sweat and environmental toxins can clog your pores, make your skin look less youthful and dull your radiance.

In summary…

Wellness in Austin is easy if you know what to look for and what your options are. In this bustling Texas city, you don’t need to go to a wellness center to have a self-care weekend — Austin has many opportunities to explore, both inside and outside of city limits. 

Skin Pharm Austin would love to be a part of your wellness weekend — we’ll help you look just as beautiful and radiant on the outside as you are on the inside. Make some time for yourself — you deserve it! 

SOURCES:

How Sleep Works - Why Is Sleep Important? | NHLBI, NIH

The physiological, musculoskeletal and psychological effects of stand up paddle boarding | PMC

Sunlight and Vitamin D | PMC

Mindfulness | APA