JUST ADD WATER

At this stage in the game, multiple weddings are a fact of life! Nearly every other month finds me and my husband traveling to the latest nuptials to cry happy tears and sip champagne with our newly wedded friends.

And I'm not sure what it is about turning 30, but now it seems as though exponentially more things have me feeling every single one of my years, especially jet-lag! Sometimes it's the length of travel time, other times it's the break in the usual routine, but whenever jet-lag hits now, it hits hard! And since sleeping until noon is no longer a possibility (much less an option), I had to find a new way to recover from our most recent epic wedding weekend.

I'm known to describe myself as being "part-houseplant," so I like to take advantage of any chance I have to get to soak up some rays. And hydrating was also a no-brainer given its ability to nourish + support the body and promote cell renewal. So when we got back to St. Louis on Sunday, I knew I needed to get in a little yoga and a lot of water under the sun at my new favorite park!

One of the things I've always loved about practicing yoga is the way it draws you into the present moment. Everything else falls away for a little bit. It forces you to tune everything else out and focus simply on your breath and your movements. It's all about being aware and present exactly where you are!

And what a place to be! The lush greenery of St. Louis is truly remarkable...in fact, it's one of the first things I fell in love with here.

Growing up in Texas Hill Country, the sight of emerald-colored grass and statuesque trees came to signify a sense of continuity and calm as I got older. So when I found myself under this little tree in Lafayette Square, it was like I was coming home all over again.

The word yoga means "to unite," and it's one part of an ancient tradition designed to re-establish one's physical, mental, and spiritual connection with the Divine. In a way, it's the art of reconnecting with your truest and most fundamental self...of getting back to basics...and there's something so vital and restorative about that.

So the next time work, travel, school, the kids, or just the everyday challenges of life have you feeling stressed or just a little out of sorts, try doing something that brings you back to yourself + helps you to regroup.

And don't forget to add water!