As I shared recently with all of you, I left an executive leadership job and started re-engineering my life to allow more balance, healing, and family time. Now, my schedule is heavily focused on self-care, time with my darling 9-year-old daughter, and my small, but growing business. Everything is right-sized. One of the things we do for self-care now is a simple 1-day migraine retreat to be near nature and good, healthy food.
Lucky for us, Pacific Northwest is full of such destinations, many of which are less than 2 hours of commute for our family. Let me take you through a 1-day migraine retreat we did a few days ago. It can be easily replicated to create a day of migraine wellness in your life, no matter where you live.
After checking in at The Inn at Langley and dropping off our bags, we head out for a stroll on the beach to hunt for some cool rocks and other sea treasures. Spyglass Beach is a hidden secret, known for sea glass. Walking is one of the best things you can do to exercise and not trigger a migraine. Fresh air and some sunshine are great for us migraineurs. The trip is successful – 45 minutes of walking and some cool finds.
Having worked up some appetite, we head for one of our favorite spots for casual dinner on the island – Saltwater Fishhouse and Oyster Bar. Seafood and fish are luckily not one of my migraine triggers. You guessed it! I go for oysters and salad! Rich in minerals, oysters are a great source of protein. One of the keys to migraine wellness is not skipping meals and choosing healthy sources of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The food is delicious! We slowly watch the sun dissipate over the water as we enjoy our walk back to The Inn. Our Migraine retreat is off to a very good start.
I wake up to the sound of waves and seagulls and no migraine. The water this morning is dark grey. The sky is covered with big, fluffy clouds. It is serene and peaceful! One of the things that helps me with migraine prevention is the morning gratitude practice done daily. Today we are looking at the beautiful during daily practice!
We come to the large dining room for our breakfast. The head chef is heavily focused on healthy farm-to-table foods, that are simple and wholesome. The kinds of foods that will set you up for a successful day!
My breakfast consisted of some coconut milk-based yogurt with chia seeds and fruit. Followed by a gluten-free ginger muffin and some coffee. Yum!
Every migraine retreat needs a spa visit in my opinion! Many migraine patients get relief by having a steam shower or warm bath. The key is to go easy and not overdo it. I take only 10-15 minutes maximum in the steam room. Then a warm shower, followed by a rose mask while I am cooling down and waiting for my massage. My skin is positively glowing! While the steam room is very relaxing, it also flushes toxins out of our bodies and eases muscle tension. Today, I get the deep tissue massage with a little bit of myofascial release therapy. I feel lighter, taller, and more peaceful afterward! We finish our visit with cucumber water for some extra hydration. Migraine – you have no chance with me today!
Our favorite place in Langley, WA is called Prima Bistro. Cozy place on the second floor that overlooks the water! They never disappoint with their fantastic food. Everything on the menu is literally delicious. I go for trout with lemon butter and a healthy salad. Protein, fiber, and omega three fats are essential in keeping good health, no matter what condition you may be battling. My indulgence today is a Seabiscuit bakery baguette! Must live a little. I slowly eat 2 small pieces, savoring every single bite.
We try to add a little bit of walking to every activity that we do – while it is not strenuous to have 10-15 minutes of walking, it all adds up and helps with staying active. Walking around quant shops, we stroll around mindlessly to soak in this little town, and take in its welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Some locally made soaps and beautiful glass from Firehouse – little things to take home as a reminder of this wonderful migraine retreat! My wellness app says we already clocked in 3,000 steps.
Time to head back home and catch the ferry to Seattle! See you later!
Migraine retreat – welcome to Whidbey Island, WA
We arrive on Whidbey Island by ferry for a Monday/Tuesday stay special. The ferry ride is only about 20 minutes. Breathing in the fresh, salty air and watching dark blue waves lapping around our ferry, it already feels far away from the hustle and bustle of our daily routine. Whidbey has a lot to offer – forest hikes, countless beaches, and cozy places in small towns to grab a bite to eat. Close to Seattle yet so far away. Perfect for a migraine retreat location!Beautiful stroll on the beach – without exercise – induced migraine
After checking in at The Inn at Langley and dropping off our bags, we head out for a stroll on the beach to hunt for some cool rocks and other sea treasures. Spyglass Beach is a hidden secret, known for sea glass. Walking is one of the best things you can do to exercise and not trigger a migraine. Fresh air and some sunshine are great for us migraineurs. The trip is successful – 45 minutes of walking and some cool finds.
Light dinner and sunset watching to finish the evening
Having worked up some appetite, we head for one of our favorite spots for casual dinner on the island – Saltwater Fishhouse and Oyster Bar. Seafood and fish are luckily not one of my migraine triggers. You guessed it! I go for oysters and salad! Rich in minerals, oysters are a great source of protein. One of the keys to migraine wellness is not skipping meals and choosing healthy sources of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The food is delicious! We slowly watch the sun dissipate over the water as we enjoy our walk back to The Inn. Our Migraine retreat is off to a very good start.
Morning gratitude practice
I wake up to the sound of waves and seagulls and no migraine. The water this morning is dark grey. The sky is covered with big, fluffy clouds. It is serene and peaceful! One of the things that helps me with migraine prevention is the morning gratitude practice done daily. Today we are looking at the beautiful during daily practice!
- Grounding 2-minute meditation
- Listing 3 things we are grateful for
- Visualizing a pain-free day ahead
- Prayer for family members, friends, or anyone else that needs help
Migraine friendly breakfast
We come to the large dining room for our breakfast. The head chef is heavily focused on healthy farm-to-table foods, that are simple and wholesome. The kinds of foods that will set you up for a successful day!
My breakfast consisted of some coconut milk-based yogurt with chia seeds and fruit. Followed by a gluten-free ginger muffin and some coffee. Yum!
Steam room, rose mask, and massage
Every migraine retreat needs a spa visit in my opinion! Many migraine patients get relief by having a steam shower or warm bath. The key is to go easy and not overdo it. I take only 10-15 minutes maximum in the steam room. Then a warm shower, followed by a rose mask while I am cooling down and waiting for my massage. My skin is positively glowing! While the steam room is very relaxing, it also flushes toxins out of our bodies and eases muscle tension. Today, I get the deep tissue massage with a little bit of myofascial release therapy. I feel lighter, taller, and more peaceful afterward! We finish our visit with cucumber water for some extra hydration. Migraine – you have no chance with me today!
Lunch in town plus some trinket shopping
Our favorite place in Langley, WA is called Prima Bistro. Cozy place on the second floor that overlooks the water! They never disappoint with their fantastic food. Everything on the menu is literally delicious. I go for trout with lemon butter and a healthy salad. Protein, fiber, and omega three fats are essential in keeping good health, no matter what condition you may be battling. My indulgence today is a Seabiscuit bakery baguette! Must live a little. I slowly eat 2 small pieces, savoring every single bite.
We try to add a little bit of walking to every activity that we do – while it is not strenuous to have 10-15 minutes of walking, it all adds up and helps with staying active. Walking around quant shops, we stroll around mindlessly to soak in this little town, and take in its welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Some locally made soaps and beautiful glass from Firehouse – little things to take home as a reminder of this wonderful migraine retreat! My wellness app says we already clocked in 3,000 steps.
Time to head back home and catch the ferry to Seattle! See you later!
Conclusion
You don’t need to travel away to create a simple retreat day in your own home and town by following the day format that I outlined above. Walking in nature coupled with some healthy food and a potential spa visit could be your mini-retreat. And if you don’t have a spa in your budget, no biggie. Get some basic sheet masks in our local drug store and dedicate 20-30 minutes at home for some pampering.Migraine Blog
If you are interested in reading more from Anastasia on living with migraine please click on the button to the right to see the full list of her blog articles!