Quick Tips: Wellness Trends for Mind and Body
Movement in Meetings, Mind and Body
WE MAY STILL be living in an era of uncertainty around COVID variants, but more than ever before, face-to-face meetings are a part of wellness – including mental health. Networking has suffered in the past couple of years – Zoom meetings and happy hours just aren’t a replacement for the real thing. In-person meetings will not only help us forge connections but get us back to doing business. New work and new opportunities are a guaranteed confidence builder.
Consider bringing in an expert for educational sessions, to learn about addressing not only the mental health of attendees – but that of your team. Lessons learned can become standard practice moving forward, as can the idea of movement in meetings.
We’re not talking hard cardio, but light exercise or simply new ideas in “seating.”
Exercise equipment – rowers, stationary bikes, and the like – allow for a natural spaciousness that doesn’t feel artificial (and reduces worry about being too close to fellow guests). Being able to move while you listen and learn, even simply shifting your balance on an exercise ball – keeps the mind agile and awake. The air between attendees goes a long way in making those still leery about in-person meetings feel comfortable.
Add comfortable shoes into the mix and you may have yourself a wellness winner.
New and Notable
Two New Hotels in Austin
The Thompson Austin and the tommie Austin bring with them a collective 400 new guestrooms to the Live Music Capital of the World, along with elevated F&B (as in James Beard Award-winning), airport convenience and chic design.
Locals and visitors alike will be checking out the new Thompson property, if for no other reason than dining experiences curated by Chef Mashama Bailey and partner Johno Morisano – along with more than 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space amid the brand’s luxe and contemporary digs rife with concrete, metal, wood and a truly unique front desk inspired by raw-cut gems.
At the tommie (part of the JdV by Hyatt brand) the lower-case name is decidedly capital – with contactless check-in kiosks, a counter serving specialty coffee, natural wines and craft beer and Southwestern-evocative design and furnishings.
The sister properties will share public space and amenities.
Next-Level Brewing in Round Rock
Coming this year, 3rd Level Brewing will be a pop-culture museum of sorts – one that makes its own beer. Its motto is “Nerd Out with What Ales Ya,” a nod – says a recent write-up in Austin360 – to its gamer co-owners’ love of the video game, comic and movie subculture. Sounds like a fun place for suds and conversation. www.3rdlevelbrewing.com
Green on the Inside
New in this A&M-centric haven: BigShots Golf Aggieland, a 40,000-square foot dining and entertainment venue that brings to Bryan some 60 high-tech tee boxes to bring virtual golf to both young and old, novice and seasoned and yes, even lefties! The facility features a sports bar, outdoor patio, mini-golf and a full-service restaurant – along with private event space. www.bigshotsgolf.com
Wine Down in Georgetown
$25 gets you a guided tasting of Grape Creek Vineyards’ varieties in their charming room on the square in Georgetown, just across the way from its historic courthouse. It’s common to see repeat guests and regulars here. Founded in 1983, the program produces more than 700,000 bottles of wine annually (that’s from over 800 tons of Texas grapes). Can you think of a better way to wine down? grapecreek.com/georgetownon-the-square
