Carla Rza Betts, Co-Founder, An Approach To Relaxation (New York, USA)

Years In Industry:

I started in the industry over 21 years ago as a silverware polisher. Since then I've been a busser, food runner, barback, server, bartender, & Wine Director. I left the floor of restaurants (at the time, The Breslin, The Spotted Pig & The John Dory Oyster bar in NYC) in 2012 to begin a winemaking project with my husband, Richard Rza Betts. 

 My Biggest Challenge To Wellness:

Travel! Pre-Covid it was extremely difficult to keep any semblance of a consistent schedule as we were traveling close to 200-225 days a year. Finding a nap or a gym whenever possible was the best 'wellness' I could manage. Most of our meals were out, and most of our beds were in a hotel.

Since Covid has slowed the world down, I've found a much slower, more silent space for myself in a consistent yoga and meditation practice. The luxury of being able to make my own food, not wake up at 4:30am for a flight, and stay in one time zone has changed my entire life. 

How I Keep It Together To Stay Well:

I used to be hyper vigilant about working out, and I've found that with the easing of travel stress, my intense adherence to a workout schedule has softened as well. At home I'm able to slip into a much more organic personal wellness schedule that answers to how I feel each day rather than what I think I should be doing. It's opened my heart, my body and my mind to experience this gentle way of being.

When I left New York, I realized how hard and fast I had been living, and a similar thing is occurring post-Covid, where again I am finding that I'm happier and more balanced when I am not working/ traveling/ consuming like a maniac. This is a long way of saying: Slowing Down has helped me keep it together! 

You can connect with Carla on Instagram @carlarzabetts Twitter: @carlarzabetts and Facebook @carlarzabetts or via the website AnApproachToRelaxation.com