A Simple Tip to Reduce Stress: DO NOTHING!
There’s nothing better than scratching off that last item on a to-do list so you can let your mind and body relax. I’m sure that happens all the time right? Yea, in your dreams!
If you’re still waiting for all that free time to start enjoying doing absolutely nothing, you’ll be waiting a LONG time. With our ever-growing to-do lists and everyday stresses, you need to take action now to keep your mind and body healthy and happy. Practice the art of doing absolutely nothing. Here’s how:
1) Small Nothings to Start
Doing nothing can be a little trickier than you might think, especially when we have so much on our minds all the time. It’s important to start small by doing small nothings only 5-10 minutes at a time
Do NOTHING but breathe. Close your eyes and inhale deeply through your nose. Let your lungs drink in the oxygen. Exhale slowly and let the air escape your body. If your mind starts to wonder (which it will naturally), calm your thoughts. Focus on doing nothing and thinking nothing. It will take some practice but it can be accomplished.
If you can’t find a quiet room at your house, then visit your nearest Planet Beach location and relax in the Hydration Station or HydroMassage to do your 10 minutes of nothing for the day. Give yourself this break… you deserve it!Find the time in your busy life to do this simple task each day. I promise you will reap amazing benefits. You’ll feel more relaxed and rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.
Despite a diagnosis of Stage III breast cancer in March, Mendy Bowen remains strong and positive
Two diagnoses of endometriosis left Mendy Bowen little hope that she’d ever have a child. So when the Planet Beach franchise owner in Fort Myers, Fla., got pregnant and delivered a beautiful baby boy last February, four days before her 37th birthday, she named him appropriately: Chance.
When she felt a lump in her breast six months after his birth, she dismissed it. Lots of mothers suffered from clogged mammary ducts during breastfeeding. She went to a doctor anyway, and sure enough, an ultrasound showed what appeared to be a blocked duct.“I never thought I would ever have a child,” Mendy says. “I prayed really, really hard for him. He was my chance.”
Five months passed. Then her primary care physician ordered a mammogram.
When the results came in, they wouldn’t let Mendy leave the doctor’s office until she scheduled a biopsy.
She had Stage III breast cancer.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we celebrate Mendy Bowen, one of our franchise owners. Despite her cancer diagnosis, she continues to run her Planet Beach franchise while juggling motherhood and radiation treatments.
Letting Go
After her diagnosis, Mendy devoted herself full-time to her treatment. She underwent a lumpectomy and 18 weeks of chemotherapy. She had an emergency surgery due to a post-operation infection. Some weeks, she couldn’t get out of bed. Her staff had to handle all of the franchise’s operations during the tough moments.
“I gave it all to God,” Mendy says. “I knew there was only so much I could do. If there’s one thing this experience has taught me is to worry about the things I can, and let go of the things I can’t control.”
She says she wouldn’t have managed without her family’s support. “My family would come down from New Orleans and Texas for a week at a time,” she says. “It was their support that helped me get to where I am now.”
Mendy came to Planet Beach after working 13 years in banking. A love for the beach and the desire to be closer to her best friend, Arianne, brought her to Fort Myers, Fla. in 1996. She was looking for a change and decided she wanted to start her own business.
When her younger sister, Alex, a spa director at Planet Beach Uptown in New Orleans, introduced her to the automated spa concept, Mendy said she knew she had found her next career. She opened her Planet Beach franchise in 2007.
New beginning
Mendy Bowen continues to operate her Planet Beach location despite undergoing radiation treatments.
Today, Mendy’s daily schedule looks a lot different now than it did a year ago.
Every morning, she takes Chance to school by 8:45 a.m., then works at Planet Beach until her radiation treatment at 1 p.m. Afterwards, she either returns to the automated spa by 2 p.m. or works from her home office.
She picks up Chance by 5 p.m., then begins their evening routine — Chance’s bath, dinner and bedtime by 7:30 p.m. Then, in the quiet, she takes care of paperwork for Planet Beach.
With only five weeks of radiation left, Mendy is slowly easing back into her rhythm. She’s focusing on increasing her store’s memberships — numbers dipped during her surgeries and chemotherapy — and spending time with her son, now 19 months old.
“The way I see it, I’m at an advantage. I know what it’s like to struggle, to have a hard time. So even an ‘OK time’ is fabulous to me,” she says. “Having a positive attitude no matter what—that’s the only way to look at something like this. When your medical bills are thousands of dollars, there’s nothing to do but get your butt out of bed. Everything else will work out.”
Mendy is running a special at her Ft. Myers location in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Any woman who brings proof of a mammogram in October will receive a complimentary day at the automated spa.
The stress of today’s world can make relaxation seem unattainable. But there’s really no reason why you should let stress take over your life. If you are aware of how to cope with it by using relaxation techniques, you will be more productive (and a lot less cranky).
Relaxing mentally, physically and emotionally is not something people automatically know how to do. It is a skill that must be learned and practiced…often.
Here are just a few ways you can reduce stress:
1) BREATHE
The way you breathe affects your whole body. Deep breathing is not only relaxing, but it has been scientifically proven to affect your heart, brain and immune system. Breathe slowly and regularly. Inhale feeling your entire belly, sides and lower back expand. Exhale sighing as you drop your chest. Repeat this 10 times, relaxing more each time.
2) LISTEN TO MUSIC
Believe it or not, music can have a profound effect on you physically, although you might not even realize it. How many times have you played a song on repeat to help get you through that hard workout? Aside from energizing you, music can help you relax. Soothing music decreases your heart rate and provides distraction from external tension. So next time you’re stressed, listen to a Pure Moods track on your ipod.
3) DRINK GREEN TEA
Green tea contains an amino acid called Theanine, which is proven to reduce mental and physical stress and promote feelings of relaxation. When Theanine is taken in conjunction with low levels of caffeine such as those found in tea, Theanine actually improves your mood.
4) GET A MASSAGE
Getting a massage regularly is one of the most effective methods of combatting stress. For some people, getting a massage by a therapist is actually MORE stressful than helpful. That’s where we come in… Our massages at Planet Beach are all fully automated so it takes away that awkwardness. You’re all alone in your room with no distractions.
Try these four techniques and I know you will see a world of difference in your life. Don’t let the everyday stress of the world weigh you down. Learn to let go of the worry and anxiety. Just breathe.
“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” – Sydney J. Harris
After months of searching across the globe, having 1000s of models compete at regional casting calls for our TOP 100 model positions and then compete for online competitions and formal interviews; we have selected our TOP FIVE Cover Models for 2013!
We are excited to introduce the 2013 Cover Models who will be representing the Planet Beach brand over the next year! These lucky ladies truly encompass the values of Planet Beach and believe in the services and products available at our automated spas. Our Cover Models will have the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to exotic destinations for photo and video shoots and be spokes-models for Planet Beach at our Annual Convention, tradeshows, and other special events. Each of the ladies chosen will represent one of the amazing results Planet Beach customers can benefit from using our spa services that include skincare, weight management, total wellness, sunless tanning and relaxation. We’d like to congratulate these ladies. We look forward to having them as the faces of Planet Beach for the upcoming year!
And NOW for the 2013 Cover Models…
BRITTANIE WILLIAMS – Glow Representative
Brittanie is 21 years old and lives in Marrero, LA. She is a full time student studying Business Administration and has danced for the Arena Football league, the New Orleans Voodoo. As a former Spa Consultant for Planet Beach, Brittanie feels that she would make an excellent spokes-model because she is a true believer in the services and products that Planet Beach offers. Her goal is to make people aware of the brand and share her experiences as a Planet Beach member.
She loves to take on new challenges and ultimately would love to own her own Planet Beach spa.
Her favorite spa service is the Hydration Station because it prepares her skin for the Mystic service to prolong her tan.
SAHER UDDIN – Skincare Representative
Saher is a 26 year old mom and Geo-science Tech. She graduated from the University of Houston and works for an oil & gas company. She feels she will be a great Cover Model for Planet Beach because she is already an avid spokesperson for the brand and understands the benefits of escaping for a while. She signed up for a membership before she even went into the spa!
She enjoys modeling because it gives her the opportunity to act out anything she wants to be.
She loves Planet Beach’s hi-tech services, especially the Hydration Station to keep her skin soft and smooth.
LAUREN MEROLA – Weight Management Representative
LauRen is 28 years old and just moved to North Carolina from Miami where she did sports broadcasting for the Miami Dolphins. She started modeling when she was 14 and has loved it since. She even competed for Miss USA!
She feels she would make the perfect spokes-model because although she enjoys modeling she wants to be more than just a face. She’s a believer in the Planet Beach brand and uses the spa 2 to 3 times a week.
She loves detoxing and using the Planet Beach Saunatox to stay healthy and fit
LINSEY TOOLE – Relaxation Representative
Linsey is a 28 year old Certified Nursing Assistant and lives in Plant City, FL. She began her modeling career when she was 19. She has since modeled for popular brands such as Nike, Sketchers, CMT, and the Outdoor Channel.
She has a thrill for life and feels her positive personality and ability to adapt to all sorts of environments makes her the perfect Cover Model for Planet Beach.
Her favorite spa service is the HydroMassage, which she uses to relax and de-stress after a long day.
JENYA MOUGEL – Total Wellness Representative
To achieve Total Wellness she enjoys using her favorite service, the Saunatox.
Congratulations Ladies!
First stop on this exciting adventure is Cancun, Mexico at the Grand Palladium Resort, October 12th-19th! The ladies will participate in their first television and photoshoot for Planet Beach!
Mexico, aqui vamos!
The kids are fighting, your husband can’t find his work suit, your casserole burned in the oven, and your boss is calling about a last minute project with a deadline of yesterday… Is it any wonder you can’t find a moment to relax?!
Well, you need to. No excuses.
October begins the Planet Beach Total Relaxation campaign. For many, the fourth quarter is a busy time full of holiday stress, school projects & exams, sports, school activities, work parties, etc. When things start to get hectic (and you know they will), you need to remember to take care of yourself and relax your mind, body and spirit.
We’re here to help you keep your sanity. Throughout the next three months, we will provide you with some great tips for staying stress free despite your crazy schedule. Make sure you “Like” our Facebook page because we’ll be posting helpful tips regularly!
Sit back and prepare yourself for Total Relaxation!
Planet Beach has gotten one step closer to choosing their 2013 Cover Models
Online Voting has begun on pbmodels.planetbeach.com
After months of searching across the globe and having 1000s of models compete at regional casting calls, we have selected our Top Finalists to compete for the five open cover model positions for 2013.
As Cover Models for Planet Beach, these five lucky ladies will receive a rare opportunity to advance their spokes-model careers. They will be whisked away to photo and video shoots at various locations throughout the year where they will be able to show off their talent and promote the Planet Beach brand, all while being filmed for a TV show series! The first photo shoot will be held at the breathtaking Palladium resort in Cancun, Mexico in October of this year, only a couple of weeks after voting has ended. The Palladium has become one of Planet Beach’s premier partners offering Planet beach members amazing getaway deals to their resorts.
Each cover model will represent a different campaign for 2013. They will essentially be the FACE of that campaign on all printed material, website, social media and other marketing initiatives. They will be asked to participate in special events throughout the year such as Grand Openings, our annual convention and so much more!
Along with being the face of one of the Planet Beach marketing campaigns, each Cover Model will receive a $10,000 prize package including a one-year membership to Planet Beach. The Cover Model of the Year will also receive a Franchise License worth $39,500 and be on the cover of our e-catalog!
Bottom line… these girls are in for a life-changing experience!
Voting Has Now Begun!
This week we launched an exclusive Cover Model voting portal with photos, bios and videos of the top finalists from around the world. Let the voting begin!
We have a fantastic selection of ladies to choose from to represent our brand for the upcoming year. We have ladies representing a variety of ages, ethnicities and backgrounds that range from being contestants on America’s Next Top Model and Miss USA pageant, professional cheerleaders, students, mothers, breast cancer survivors, college students, and so much more. We are looking for five women to truly represent the Planet Beach lifestyle and be an inspiration to others. After all, we are a brand devoted to helping people look and feel their very best! These ladies must share our passion and truly believe in our services and products!
We invite you to be part of the excitement and cast your votes for the next 2013 Planet Beach Cover Models. Please visit: pbmodels.planetbeach.com between now and September 30th! Let us know who you think will represent Planet Beach best!
We wish all of our contestants much luck and look forward to working with the new 2013 Cover Models!
Congratulations to Andrea McNeil, one of our Planet Beach franchisees for being named a ‘Woman of Empowerment’ by 2012 Minority Report. Please read the article below!
Congratulations Andrea!
Planet Beach Spa Owner Breaks Down
the Stereotypes of Ownership
by L. Kasimu Harris
Andrea McNeil was nervous, excited and anticipated opening the doors for the first day of business. She ran campaigns for political candidates in New Orleans and led multi-million dollars fundraising drives for non-profits. But, this was different, she was about to open the doors of her Planet Beach in Terrytown.
She recalled the hard work, but didn’t celebrate too much after her first customer. “I knew it was just the beginning,” she said. “I’ll feel accomplished after the one year anniversary.” Even on her opening day, she was thinking about the 80 percent of new businesses that fail within the first year. Now, she’s moving toward year two.
In year two, she aspires to expand Planet Beach’s Business Partners in a mutually beneficial program that shares discounts and increases clients for both companies. McNeil will also heighten awareness of the corporate wellness program, which helps reduce health care cost for companies that are associated employee’s obesity and smoking, while also increasing their productivity, by being happier and healthier.
McNeil’s path to opening Planet Beach wasn’t a straight one, but the right one. She relocated to New Orleans and started direct sales and marketing company, a year after graduating from Northeastern Illinois University in 2002, with a degree in chemistry and math. In August 2005, like most New Orleanians, Hurricane Katrina forced her from the city. McNeil returned to the city and transitioned to working on political campaigns and later did fundraising for nonprofits.
“Non-profits were doing a lot more change and growth than politics,” she said. In 2010, she earned her master’s in public administration from the University of New Orleans. Seeking a business she was passionate about led her to Planet Beach. The company’s model is a contempo spa, which is an automatic day spa. “It’s really a passion of mine, helping people look and feel good,” McNeil said “That’s what health and wellness is about.”
She referred to the state’s obesity ranking, which is always among the worst in America and her business addresses that problem. In McNeil’s posh Planet Beach with hardwood floors and brightly painted orange walls and yellow trim. Planet Beach is more than tanning, it’s also weight management. One program is the Saunatox, where users can burn 300 to 600 calories during a 20 to 30 minute sessions while relaxing. They also offer massages, tanning, facials, and skin care and teeth whitening, McNeil’s spa offers 13 different services. McNeil combats offering a non-essential service during an economic down turn by offering a superior product.
“We’re in a wellness revolution,” she said, “people want to be healthier an anti-aging is important.”
McNeil describes the business as a service for everybody and membership for anybody and on cue a tall athletic man completed his session then walked towards the door. The attendant addressed the client by name as he set up his next appointment and said his goodbyes.
“We see our members between one to five times a week and get to know them,” she said.
McNeil hails from an entrepreneurial family; her father owned one of the first Subway restaurants in Chicago. But, she has never formally studied business.”It’s a spirit, it’s a mindset it’s characteristics,” she said about thriving in business and added that people’s environment are paramount. She attributes her solid upbringing to her family and her faith in God. “The turning point in my business,” she said, “is when I decided to make God my business partner.”
We are Changing the Way the World Rejuvenates! Convenient, affordable and self-automated spa services to help you achieve total skincare, wellness and stress relief!
Planet Beach – Terrytown
867 Terry Parkway, Suite 1
Terrytown, LA 70056
(504) 324-8473
andrea.mcneil@planetbeach.com
2012-2013 Minority Report
The Minority Report represents all that is good and unique in the top diverse businesses in New Orleans, Louisiana. Our goal is to assist and be responsible for $1 billion in minority business inclusion activity over the next 5 years by matching these listed minority companies with city, state, and federal opportunities who subcontract tasks/jobs through requests for proposals or direct hire agreements.
We finally made it to the final wellness principle…DETOX!
From the air we breathe and the food we eat to the water we drink and the solutions we clean our house with…our bodies are exposed to toxic chemicals every day. These toxins disrupt the natural functions of the body and can make you sick. They can affect your digestive system, circulatory system, and your immune system if they are not regularly flushed from the body. Fortunately, nature has provided a solution to the toxic problem – detoxification.
Detoxification is not a fad diet designed to temporarily shave off a few pounds. It is the amazing natural ability of the body to renew and recharge itself.
So how does it work?
Our body is a complex and wonderful organism made up of many specialized parts, each with its own unique job to do. When all organs are functioning properly, you enjoy good health and energy. However, like any fine tuned machine, your body requires routine maintenance to ensure against a breakdown. Many of your organs are given the job of converting the food and drink that you digest into a form that your body can use, and removing the by-products of those foods before they make you sick. Some organs that are involved are the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and the skin.
If you have any of these signs, you may need to Detoxify:
– Allergies
– Skin abnormalities
– Body odor or sweating
– Dependency on sugar, caffeine, alcohol
– Headaches
– Lack of energy
– Absent-mindedness, confusion
Planet Beach has a fantastic 14 – Day Detoxification program called DETOXIFY. Here’s how it works.
The basic principle of the detox program is to eat 4 to 6 small meals each day made up of healthy, detoxifying foods. The program is not meant to deprive you of flavorful foods or feel like a “diet.” You should simply consume healthy foods you enjoy that have a high content of nutrients and fiber to aid your body in its journey to health. During detoxification it is important to avoid processed foods, white sugar, white flour, red meat, alcohol, caffeine, and any other “unhealthy” item. Also, you should try to eat foods as close to their natural, raw state as possible (except for eggs and meats of course). For a Detoxify Shopping Guide, click HERE!
It is imperative that you keep your body well hydrated during detoxification. Water is what your body will use to flush itself of toxins and impurities. It is recommended that you consume at least three quarts (about 100 ounces) of water each day. You can also drink any herbal teas or fresh fruit and vegetable juices that you desire. Avoid sodas, alcohol and any drink containing added sugars, colors, caffeine and artificial sweeteners.
Aside from eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water, you will need to take three capsules of the detoxification formula both morning and night with a meal.
As you make your way to better health, find some time to focus on yourself. Any activity that you can do to rest your body or relieve stress will help with the detoxification process. Get a massage or facial, take a nap, or spend some time outside in the fresh air. Do things you enjoy!
Imagine how you might feel 14 days from now…. Alert, energetic, revitalized, happy…HEALTHY! You can achieve all this and more with detoxification.
*It is important to check with your doctor before participating in any detoxification program. You should NOT detoxify if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, a diabetic, being treated by a doctor for a medical condition, have anemia, or are underweight.
Surprise, surprise… exercise is GOOD for you. But do you know HOW good? By exercising regularly, you can:
– Control your weight by burning calories
– Combat health conditions like heart disease and high cholesterol
– Boost your energy by improving muscle strength and endurance
– Improve your mood by stimulating brain chemicals to make you feel happier and more relaxed
So ok, you know exercise can help your health, mind, and spirit but how much do you need? According to the Department of Health, you should aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderately intense cardio five times a week. This includes things like brisk walking, bike riding and swimming. In addition, you should do 20 minutes of vigorously intense cardio three days a week, which are things like running and aerobic dancing (like Zumba). Finally, you should do 8-10 strength-training exercises two times a week.
If you have a specific goal in mind like weight-loss or muscle gain you will need to adjust your exercise routine to accomplish this goal. You should consult your doctor and a certified trainer before engaging in any physical activity.
After you’ve decided on the goal you are trying to accomplish, you need to choose an exercise that will not only accomplish your goals but keep you motivated too. Researchers have found that if you choose an exercise you enjoy, you are much more likely to stick to it. Use the buddy system to help. Find a friend and get moving! There are TONS of options when it comes to exercising. Take a kickboxing, pilates, cycling or zumba class, go bike riding, find a local boot camp, or go for a swim.
But first, make sure you stretch! Stretching is the key to a great workout. Stretching before you exercise can improve flexibility, increase mobility & endurance, and can help alleviate muscle soreness and stiffness. It’s just as important to stretch after your workout!
So pick your goal, choose your exercise and have some fun while reaping the many health benefits of getting in shape! Then, stop by your local Planet Beach to relax those muscles!
Planet Beach has a variety of products and automated spa services to complement any exercise regimen. We have several services that can help you achieve your wellness goals. Our massage services can help alleviate muscle soreness and stiffness after a workout while our weight management services like Saunatox and SlimCapsule can give your routine a boost. Ask a spa consultant about some other benefits of these services!
In addition to services, our all-natural nutrition products like Indulge meal replacement can help you achieve your wellness goals. This high protein, nutrient-rich shake is great for breakfast, as a meal replacement or a healthy snack between meals! Click each category to learn more about our MASSAGES, WEIGHT MANAGEMENT SERVICES AND NUTRITION LINE.
Are you getting your beauty sleep?
We all love sleep. Sleep makes you feel revitalized, but its significance goes far beyond just lifting your mood and banishing under-eye circles. Sleep is a key component of total wellness that benefits your heart, mind, weight and more!
Sleep is an active state affecting both your physical & mental well-being. When you sleep, your body rests and restores energy. A good night’s sleep is often the best way to help cope with stress, solve problems, or recover from illness.
So how much sleep do you need? The amount of sleep each person needs varies depending mostly on age and level of physical activity. Infants need 16 hours of sleep a day, while teenagers typically require 9 hours. For most adults, 7 to 8 hours is sufficient although as few as 5 or as many as 10 may be required. As a general rule of thumb, if you feel drowsy during the day or if you routinely fall asleep within 5 minutes of lying down, you probably haven’t had enough sleep!
You’re life is full of daily responsibilities. Whether its work, taking care of the kids and spouse, running errands, working out, they ALL wear you down. Despite the fact that you’re completely exhausted at the end of the day you STILL can’t get enough sleep. Here are some helpful tips to get a better night’s sleep!
First of all, you need to let go and relax after a long day. You deserve it! Take a warm bath, read a book or do another relaxing activity before bed. You can train your brain to associate certain restful activities with sleep. Make them part of your bedtime routine to make it easier to get to sleep so you can wake up refreshed and completely revitalized to take on the day!
Set a sleeping schedule and don’t veer from it. Go to bed at a set time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. “Sleeping in” on the weekends resets your sleep cycle for a late awakening, making it harder to wake up early on Monday morning.
If all else fails, and you STILL can’t get to sleep, don’t just lie in bed awake. The anxiety of not being able to fall asleep just makes things worse. Watch TV, read a book or listen to music until you feel tired.
The amount of sleep you get contributes to your overall wellness in a variety of ways so make sure you get enough of it to keep you strong and healthy!
Planet Beach can help you relax before heading home after work, making it a little easier to get to sleep at night. Try one of our massages, a facial, oxygen therapy, guided meditation or a combination of these to ease your mind before heading home. These services can do wonders for your overall wellness and help you get the sleep you need! Read more about these services HERE!
Many of our members use our services to relax, a special treat to help them unwind from a stressful week.
Other regulars, however, use Planet Beach for a more serious reason: chronic pain.
Massage is known as a “complementary therapy,” which can provide temporary relief from chronic pain by easing muscle tension and increasing circulation in targeted areas. Complementary therapies may also help users cope with stress and improve emotional and physical well-being.
Many of Tami Walker’s customers suffer from the chronic pain of arthritis and fibromyalgia. The Planet Beach franchisee and area representative owns and operates locations in Twin Falls and Boise, Idaho, and a third under construction in Idaho Falls. “They get quite a bit of relief from our services,” Tami says, “especially after using our HydroMassage.”
She remembers one customer who had surgery on a meniscus injury. The customer visited Planet Beach regularly to use the HydroMassage and red light therapy, which uses red-tinted light to stimulate the body’s natural defense systems. “The doctor asked her what she’d been doing,” Tami says. “The doctor said he’d never seen anything heal so fast.”
Even members who don’t suffer from chronic physical pain can benefit from how Planet Beach’s spa services can relieve anxiety, even depression.
“The stress relief from the day-to-day is really nice, and some of our members say it really helps with their depression,” Tami says. “We’ve had a member write to us and tell us how much we’ve helped.”
Interested in opening your own Planet Beach franchise? Visit www.myplanetbeachfranchise.com for more information.