Home Body: Interview with Jamie Boer RMT
Today I’m happy to announce a brand new series called Home Body. I was inspired to reach out to some of my favourite folks and see how they are doing with Covid-19, isolation and the lock downs this year. With the world in flux, I thought this would be a good opportunity to reach out to some inspiring folks in the wellness community and see how they’ve been getting along. In Toronto we are currently in an active lock down until the end of December.
To start off the series I thought I would welcome on of my favourite Toronto practitioners Jamie Boer. Jamie is a Registered Massage Therapist and owner of a size inclusive wellness shop and massage studio called Eastwood Wellness co. Jamie has incredible touch and her treatments are some of the most relaxing and revitalizing experiences I’ve encountered, I highly suggest you book in with her! Jamie and her team are so thoughtful and her space just has the most peaceful energy and beautiful local apothecary ( a great place to grab a gift for you or someone special! ). Jamie takes self care seriously so I knew I had to ask her some of her tips and tricks for this season at home.
How have you been feeling in this new normal?
In the beginning, every time someone asked “How are you?’, my usual response was “I don’t know!”
Some moments I felt alive and full of purpose and hope. Other times, I feel totally lost. Then there are those days where it’s a feelings salad with a little bit of all the feels mixed in!
More recently I have made the conscious decision to slow down and keep my to-do list to the bare minimum. I feel lighter and more hopeful and then I have in months!
Jamie’s cute shop and massage studio Eastwood Wellness co.
What has this time taught you?
Since March there’s been this constant pressure to ‘Pivot’. Since I made the decision to slow down and stop trying to keep up with this notion of constantly having to produce, I have felt SO much happier!
My 3 big takeaways from this time:
Changing my mind is ok. Allowing myself to take back some things I said I was going to do has been a game changer for me. Even though we want to make something happen, it doesn’t mean it’s the right time.
Doing more doesn’t equal being a better human. Embracing time to slow down has worked wonders for my mental health. I have 3 tasks a day and then check in. Do I have the capacity to do more? If yes, then I’ll get more work done. If not, I honour my energy and focus on rest.
Boundaries. For me this meant setting times where my partner and I aren’t allowed to discuss work. This has allowed space for us to connect on a deeper level and just hang out! Also, no cell phone in the bedroom has been a game changer for sleep and setting boundaries around social media intake.
What are the things you miss most about pre-covid life?
All the hugs! I find them so healing and nurturing. I really miss those special moments of embrace with friends and family. I’ve been getting more Massages which helps!
Has your self-care changed during this time?
Self-care used to be a thing that I squeezed in IF I had the time and usually meant going to Body Blitz, getting a fancy body scrub or a Facial. During this time I’ve found a deep sense of caring for myself in the day-to-day ‘normal’ stuff. Being mindful when brushing my teeth, spending time in nature, and taking time to rest have all played a meaningful role in keeping myself cared for. Also, pampering myself with new natural skincare for an at-home ‘spa day’ has been really nice!
What have you been doing to feel good during this time?
Daily movement outside gives me all the good feels. Whether it was stretching in the backyard or challenging hikes at Rouge Valley, it always gives me a boost of energy and mental clarity. Also, the impromptu kitchen dance parties have been amazing!
Do you have any favourite products, rituals or recipes you are loving lately?
I’m a huge hydrotherapy person, baths are my jam! Now that it’s getting cold out, there’s nothing like soaking in hot water at the end of the day. To set the mood, I light my favourite Seventh & Oak Zen Candle, throw on some chill tunes, and sprinkle a little Skwalwen Botanicals Rose & Yarrow Bath Salts in the bath (they smell INCREDIBLE!).
When I’m feeling the feelings I happily turn to comfort food. To me, that means home-cooked Greek food. The aromas and flavours remind me of being a kid helping my mom or Yayia (grandma) in the kitchen. This is my go-to vegetarian soup for the colder months.
Fasolada (Navy Bean Soup)
Recipe adapted from my fave cookbook Greece The Cookbook by Vefa Alexiadou
Serves 6
2 3/4 C dried navy beans, soaked overnight in cold water and drained (I use canned in a pinch!)
1/2 C olive oil
1 large onion
1 lb 2 oz (500g) tomato puree (to make your own blend together 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and one large can of diced tomatoes)
2 carrots sliced
1 celery stalk, sliced, leaves reserved
crushed dried chillies (optional)
4 C hot water
Salt & pepper
Rinse the beans, put them into a large pan and pour in cold water to cover. Bring to boil, cover, and simmer for around 30 minutes, until almost tender. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large heavy pan. Add the onion and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add the tomato puree to the pan. Then add the carrots, celery and chillies if using, and pour in the hot water.
Bring to a boil, add the drained beans, and simmer for 1-2 hours. Check frequently during cooking and add more hot water as necessary. The cooking time and amount of water depends on the quality condition, and age of the beans.
Serve hot, add salt and pepper to taste. I like to serve this soup with olives, feta cheese and fresh crusty bread.
To learn more about Jamie and her incredible studio visit: www.eastwoodwellnessco.com
*they are still open and available for massage treatments during this phase of lock down
You can also find them on Instagram @eastwoodwellnessco or reach out over email to hello@eastwoodwellnessco.com