“Wellness retreats” have become a bit of a joke recently — White Lotus, anyone? — but it’s pretty clear that taking a vacation or trip really can do wonders for your mental well-being. Recent studies have shown that for every additional 10 hours of vacation time an employee takes, their year-end performance improved by 8 percent.
Where and how you vacation matters, of course, whether with a beach read in the sunshine or adventuring in a new place with good company. According to the Institute for Economics and Peace, Maine is the most peaceful state in the country — one of the reasons why so many choose to restore and recharge with a trip north.
If you’re waiting until Memorial Day to make your trip up north, you might be missing out. Here are some ways to mark May Mental Health Awareness Month in Maine.
1. Bring a friend, or make a new one.
It sounds like a no-brainer, but social connections and a sense of purpose is key for mental health. Good company is good for the soul. It’s a fact that adult friendships, especially high-quality ones, significantly predict well-being and can protect against mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. However, there is a ‘loneliness epidemic’ in America.
Some live entertainment is a shoe-in good time for everyone, and the perfect setting to meet new friends. The Ogunquit Playhouse is a world class theatre known for Broadway calibre performances and talent. They’re set to open doors with the highly anticipated ‘Come From Away’ on May 15th (by the way, our hotel guests get 15 percent off tickets!).
Keep heading past the Playhouse into Ogunquit and Perkins Cove to enjoy some of the best nightlife, dining and shopping around. Don’t miss Talking Threads Market for Maine inspired, upcycled, wicked-rad thrifts and unique homemade pieces. Markets are one of the best places to make new connections.
Another Ogunquit staple, the Leavitt Theatre, was established in 1925 as a silent film theatre, and has been a beloved gathering space for 100 years. Good times are always had here, with live music, comedy nights, a swanky bar with tasty food and drinks - catch the Celtics playoffs here for free all of May + June!
Finally, the York Gateway Farmers Market starts up this month as well! This is one of our favorite ways to meet new people on the seacoast with similar values — while also supporting local farms and businesses.
2. The Viewpoint Gala for Mental Health
Join us at The Viewpoint Gala for Mental Health in effort to support mental health programs in Maine for local non-profit, Sweetser. Featuring dishes — from lobster to beef — by Chefs Ken Oringer, Jay Hajj, and David Bazirgan, and our very own Chefs Tobey Ambrosino and Javier Vite. We’ll also host a powerful panel discussion on mental health in the hospitality industry, have live music, and more.
3. Get out on the water.
Decades of research has also shown that being near natural bodies of water, especially the ocean, has proven numerous health benefits. The best way to fully experience Maine’s coastline is by getting out in it, on it, or at least with feet in the sand.
For a unique way to enjoy the water and an authentic Maine experience, try a tour with Rugosa Lobster Tours. Take it from their reviews, ‘...the time with Rugosa Lobster tours was definitely the best event of my trip. I learned all about lobsters, was able to hold a live one, and I have such an appreciation for the lobstermen…’ Not to mention a spectacular way to see the harbor.
Of course, you can always do a traditional harbor cruise or tour. Being out with wildlife is good for the soul, too. If you hop on a Boone Island Lighthouse Seal Watch Tour, in addition to seals you might see sunfish, turtles, and rarely whales or even shark. Bring your camera for postcard worthy photo ops.
Be one with the waves, with the Grain Pass. The Grain pass is the wooden card that gives you access to surf, community and more. Designed for those who live and breathe the ocean, and more than just a membership; it’s your all-access pass to boards, wetsuits, gear, discounts on products, and the community that makes Grain what it is.
4. Wellness programming
It’s almost cliché to say that we’re too tethered to our devices, but it’s important to repeat because disconnecting can be huge for a mental reset. The Viewpoint has wellness programming inspired by the therapeutic properties of Maine’s coastline — from a full menu of relaxing, organic spa treatments, to yoga with Nubble Lighthouse views to start your morning right. The Spa House by The Viewpoint is open daily, and Nubble Light Yoga kicks off on June 2nd.
We have to mention that it’s always worth strolling the beach, maybe even do a bit of sea-glassing for classic beach mementos. What’s great about a May trip is that you’ll have the place mostly to yourself, but there are still plenty of places to find the social connection we all need to thrive.