Nteboheng Kennedy, Manager of @Sandton Spa shares a refreshing approach to self-care – one that works with your busy life rather than against it. The best part? It doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul or a second mortgage.
Picture this: you’re rushing between meetings, juggling deadlines, and somehow trying to squeeze in everything that makes you feel human. Sound familiar? What if we told you that the most effective wellness routines are already hiding in your day, waiting to be discovered?
Smart Skincare That Makes Sense
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it deserves the same thoughtful care you give to your overall health. The exciting part is understanding how everything connects – your hydration, stress levels, sleep quality and even what you eat all have an impact on your skin.
The first step is understanding your skin so that you ‘feed’ it appropriately. Professional skin consultations help you understand your unique skin needs, taking into account South Africa’s varied climate and your lifestyle. When you know your skin type and the right products for your environment, you can create a routine that actually works rather than hoping for the best or randomly selecting products.
But here’s the clanger – professional skincare products often get a really bad rap, when the truth is that quality products actually work out more economical in the long run. That R1,500 professional cleanser might seem steep initially, but when it lasts six months compared to a R200 one that’s finished in four weeks and has not been professionally formulated, you’re actually saving money while getting better results. In this instance less really is so much more.
And lastly, the sequence in application of products really does matter (this is where a professional consultation can guide you too). The proper sequence – cleanse, tone, serum, then seal with moisturiser – can become a lovely evening ritual when you allow time for each product to absorb. It’s a few minutes of calm in your day where you’re doing something purely for yourself.
Your Body’s Natural Wisdom
As the saying goes, beauty is not just skin deep. This could not be truer of our bodies: your body has an incredible natural affinity with salt water, which makes perfect sense when you consider we’re roughly 55-78% water and 0.4% salt or sodium chloride (if you want to get technical). Water is crucial for various bodily functions, while salt, a vital electrolyte, plays a role in nerve function, muscle contractions, and fluid balance. This natural connection explains why certain wellness practices that involve water feel so instinctively good (steam rooms would fall into this category too).
After a long day in heels, soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salts provides genuine therapeutic benefits. Your body recognises and responds to these natural elements, helping reduce inflammation and tension.
Simple swaps make a real difference too. Replacing one daily coffee with green tea gives your body inflammation-fighting antioxidants while helping maintain a healthy pH balance. It’s a small change that compounds into significant benefits over time.
For those inevitable tight shoulders from laptop work, a warm compress works wonders. Heat naturally relaxes muscle fibres and signals your nervous system to release tension. Even a microwaved bean bag can provide instant relief and a moment of comfort in your day.’
Building Your Personal Wellness Rhythm
The beauty of sustainable wellness lies in how naturally it fits into your existing routine. Starting your morning with lemon water instead of immediately reaching for coffee gives your body a gentle, hydrating boost. Using breaks for simple stretches rather than scrolling social media helps reset your energy.
Creating an evening skincare routine becomes a peaceful transition from work mode to personal time. When you allow products time to absorb while you unwind, you’re giving yourself the gift of slow, mindful moments.
The most successful wellness approaches don’t feel like additional pressure – they feel like small acts of self-respect woven throughout your day. When movement restores rather than exhausts you, when skincare becomes a mindful pause, and when hydration becomes second nature, you’ve found your sweet spot.
The Value of Professional Guidance
Professional consultations for both skincare and movement ensure you’re making informed choices that suit your individual needs. Just as you’d consult a specialist for any other aspect of your health, understanding your skin type and movement requirements helps you invest wisely in practices that truly serve you.
Professional guidance means you’re not guessing or following generic advice that might not suit South African conditions or your lifestyle. Instead, you’re getting personalised recommendations that work with your schedule, environment and goals.
This personalised approach to wellness recognises that every body is different, every skin type has unique needs, and every schedule requires different solutions. When professionals help you understand what works specifically for you, wellness becomes much more achievable and enjoyable.
Movement That Actually Feels Good
Here’s something wonderful that movement specialists like Clarisa Strack from COCO Pilates: gentle, consistent exercise isn’t just easier on your schedule – it’s actually more beneficial for your body and mind. When you shift from thinking “harder is better” to “gentler is smarter”, everything changes.
Your nervous system responds beautifully to regular, nurturing movement. Short sessions help your body find its natural balance, and you’ll notice improvements in energy, mood and even weight management as your system settles into a happy rhythm.
The magic happens right at your desk. Sitting forward in your chair naturally improves your posture. Rolling your torso in gentle circles while taking calls releases built-up tension. Even making star movements with your fingers above your head helps your lymphatic system do its job better. These tiny moments of movement transform how you feel by the end of the day.
Think of it as giving your body little gifts throughout the day – no gym membership required, no special clothes needed. Just you, being kind to yourself in small, meaningful ways.
Your Wellness, Your Way
The most encouraging news about modern wellness is how accessible it’s become. You don’t need perfect conditions, unlimited time, or a complete life reorganisation. You just need to start where you are, with what you have, and build gently from there.
Your wellness routine should feel like a series of kind choices you make for yourself throughout the day. Small, consistent actions create lasting change, and regular professional support helps ensure you’re on the right track from the start.
The path to feeling your best isn’t complicated – it’s simply about treating yourself with the same care and attention you’d give to someone you love. And the wonderful thing is, you can start right now, today, with your very next choice.
The @ in our name isn’t just a flourish; it’s a symbol of our commitment to staying modern, memorable, and just a little magical.
For more information on relaxing and unwinding visit @Sandton Spa website. You’ll find us on the ground floor of @Sandton Hotel. For reservations @Sandton Hotel or more information, please contact our concierge at +27 11 395 4777 or visit our website. @Sandton Hotel is located at 5 Benmore Road, Benmore Gardens, Sandton, Johannesburg.
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