Your Road to Wellness: Megan Melgaard
Image courtesy of Gino De Grandis
Wellness is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. We all approach it differently. And I think we can benefit from hearing one another’s stories and strategies.
The “Your Road to Wellness” feature highlights people from all walks of life and their thoughts on wellness. (Would you like to be featured or know of someone who would be a good fit? Let me know!) This week, let’s catch up with Megan Melgaard, who works with Tower 26 (a triathlon company based in Los Angeles) and teaches private swim lessons.
Q: Who is your wellness inspiration?
Lately, my wellness inspiration has come from within. After competing in sports for the majority of life, that inner voice has encouraged me to take care of myself in a different way — especially as I age!
Q: What is one piece of advice you’d give your younger self about wellness?
I’d tell myself to start paying attention to overall wellness earlier! If I only knew then what I know now about overall wellness and recovery, I wonder how that might have changed a few chapters of my life along the way. Training the mind is just as important as training the body. Balance is key.
Q: What do you typically do for exercise?
For exercise, I love to swim, paddle a kayak or stand up paddle board, hike, and ride my mountain bike. I was also recently introduced to a class called LIFTED with Holly Rilinger, which I love attending online each week.
Q: What do you consider your greatest wellness indulgence and why?
My greatest wellness indulgence was a stay at Canyon Ranch in Woodside, CA. I was seeking an immersive retreat to give time and energy back to myself, and this experience was better than I could have ever imagined. It truly was life changing. (Editor’s Note: I met Megan while I was attending the same retreat. For more about our experience, check out the article I wrote for Vacayou Magazine.)
Q: What is your greatest self-care/wellness challenge, and how do you deal with it?
It’s giving away too much energy and not always listening to my internal compass. When I remind myself to breathe, slow down, and listen, awareness and decision-making becomes more clear. Then, I’m able to better support myself — and others.
Q: What resource (e.g., website, blog, book, etc.) do you look to for wellness/self-care and why?
Exercise is a big part of my wellness balance, so the resource I look to most frequently is Mother Nature and being outdoors. I get outside, breathe, and move with gratitude.
Q: Which do you prefer to drink — green juice or bubbly? Why?
Who says you can't enjoy both? Just not mixed together, please!
Q: If you received $1 million to use for your wellness/self-care, how would you spend it?
I would take family and friends to the California Canyon Ranch to experience the joy and wellness journey that I was incredibly fortunate to experience. Additionally, I would love to start a canine therapy center that would benefit both humans and dogs.
Whether you’re looking for a morning filled with fitness; healthy food; and an IV therapy, or an indulgent afternoon that includes a massage; pedicure; and glass of bubbly, I’m here to make your personalized wellness dream a reality.