Everybody knows that eating right and getting enough exercise are keys to wellness, but there are many reasons that rest, relaxation and spending time in nature are just as good for your health — both mental and physical. The first, most obvious reason, is relief of the stress and anxiety of everyday life. Even a long-range view of the Blue Ridge mountains in the distance can lift your spirits, slow your heart rate and help you wind down.

Here are some basic ingredients for a self-care retreat in Georgia’s Blue Ridge:

A “cabin” in the mountains is the key ingredient for a rest-cation. It’s like having your own “all inclusive” resort with the option of doing as little or as much as you like – guilt free. What’s your idea of the perfect setting? Book a vacation home with an amazing mountain view, a deck or a screened porch, indoor and/or outdoor fireplaces (maybe even a hot tub). Your ideal mountain retreat could be luxury or rustic -- on the shores of Lake Blue Ridge or the Toccoa River (where you can fall asleep to the sound of rushing water) -- or could even be a treehouse in the forest!

Most Blue Ridge vacation rental homes have fully equipped kitchens, game rooms and wifi. Rent a cabin through a local property management company, Air BnB, VRBO or other online travel agencies, but the blueridgemountains.com website is a great place to start looking.

With 100,000+ acres of natural forest, the Blue Ridge area is ideal for surrounding yourself with nature, and you don’t have to take a single hike (although we do recommend it) to benefit. Nature is a proven stress reducer, with a calming effect on the brain, reducing cortisol levels and increasing feelings of happiness and wellbeing. The Japanese practice of “forest bathing” i.e. immersing yourself in nature, is thought to bring about mindfulness and release “feel-good” hormones like serotonin and dopamine. When you’re surrounded by nature, you focus on the present moment. Unfortunately "forest bathing" can't be replicated at home, unless you live in the forest! (source: Cleveland Clinic)

Take a deep breath of clean mountain air and immediately slow your heart rate and blood pressure. Deep breathing can be both invigorating and relaxing at the same time, and Blue Ridge air is free of the pollutants of the city. When it comes to clean water, Blue Ridge is at the top of the food chain – with zero chemicals added to water from the Toccoa River as it flows into Lake Blue Ridge. Clean mountain water transforms into beautiful local waterfalls and streams, and the chance to catch a mountain trout!

The dark skies and quiet nights in the mountains will bring you blissful sleep. No alarms allowed! Give yourself as much sleep as your body needs to detox and renew. Dark skies in the evenings are for sitting by the fire, watching the stars and finding constellations.

Slow mornings on the deck or porch with a cup of coffee can be the highlight of your day. Wake naturally and give yourself time for living in the present moment. Read a book, take a quiet morning walk, do some yoga stretches or simply relax.

Embracing the tranquil beauty of Blue Ridge’s mountain trails, forests and streams offers you the opportunity for a profound retreat into nature, where each breath of fresh air and peaceful moment can rejuvenate your body and spirit, restoring balance and wellness to your life.