After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, a little peace and quiet might be the best resolution for many. Proponents say taking time to relax and clear one’s mind is just as important to one’s health as physical exercise.

A mind is never “fully resting,” according to Jennifer Garcia, owner of Spiritual Spectra in Columbia.

“The body is at rest, but the mind is going,”

Garcia said. “People need to de-stress and calm their minds. Let go of all that mental chatter.”

Tessa Newton, marketing manager of Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center in Marriottsville, agreed.

“You need to take that time for yourself to get away from the busyness and craziness of life,” Newton said. “Circle back to yourself.”

There are several spots around the county where one can take a step back to chill.

“At home, you get distracted. You see a pile of laundry,” Garcia said. “If you have a place to go to, you’re more willing to say ‘I’m going to do this.’”

Garcia offers a meditation session the first Monday of every month at her office in Columbia. The sessions, which she began in See RETREATS, page 6