7 Days of Bleisure in Carefree: Days 4 through 7

Mindfulness & Self-care

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hose terms are thrown around a lot these days. In fact, media mogul Arianna Huffington is now writing guides like Thrive and The Sleep Revolution. So, don’t forget to pump up the L in Bleisure when you can. You’ll be more effective at work when you take care of your mind and body. Here’s how sleep can impact your business performance. Don’t forget to get eight hours while bleisuring.

Other than writing (which I don’t consider business, really), I vowed to put all business on hold for the 4-day weekend.

I am reformed!

Day 4 began with Pilates. The Boulders has a great little studio with state-of-the-art equipment. I opted for a private session and emerged an inch taller. (Not really, but I did get a great stretching.) Time even says  Pilates is good for you. I don’t think that’s fake news.

After a day of sloth and sun, I dined at one of my fave bleisure spots, Bandera (part of the Hillstone family). More about my Hillstone fandom in an upcoming post.

Sunday, Funday!

I recommend starting a bleisure Sunday with The New York Times. If you don’t want to be bothered by world events, focus on the Style, Sports, and Sunday Magazine sections.

A great way to experience a new city while bleisuring is checking out a ball game (I went to one at Chase Field — which has a very cool retractable roof and sells local food and regional booze) and a local Target store (which sold fireworks). Familiar, but with regional flavor. Speaking of flavor, at the stadium I discovered jalapeno cheese popcorn, made by Cactus Corn.

Film & Food

Escaping from day-to-day routine is what bleisure living is all about, and what could feel more escapist than taking in a movie on a weekday? Even if you’re on an intense business trip, sitting in the dark for two hours can feel like a mini-vaca.

What would a trip to the Southwest be without Mexican fare? When you’re bleisuring, be sure to sample local cuisine. The bell staff at the Boulders will take you on a short golf cart ride to The Spotted Donkey Cantina. It seems to be a destination for locals and hotel guests alike. In an unassuming shopping/business center, its margaritas and food are definitely worth the extra calories. (You can always work out at the Boulders Spa the next day to burn them off.)

Return to Reality

I had my final cup of coffee on the porch, extending this bleisure trip by a couple of hours. Checking-in to your flight, arranging airport transportation, and even doing the bulk of your packing the day before will make those last few moments of travel less stressful.  (Packing tip: Put your dirty clothes on top, separated from the clean ones by a plastic bag. You can just lift them out and throw them in the hamper or wash when you return.)