Women in business struggle with many challenges but learning to relax, rejuvenate and turn your mind off from work can be quite a challenge. Sometimes it can lead us to habits that are a detriment to our health. At the end of a long work day we can over stuff with sugars and sweets, a bottle of wine, or recreational drugs that help to ‘turn off’ thoughts about work, ‘turn off’ worry, and ‘turn off’ our brains so we can relax. Unfortunately these choices come with consequences to our health and eventually happiness.
One woman in business found that re-kindling a childhood love helps her relax and rejuvenate from the daily stresses of work and business. Morgan Karagosian is a Manager at Benoits Salon and Spa in Camillus, NY. Three years ago she decided to take over ownership and care for a horse named Addie when her friends no longer could care for him. It had been 10 years since she had ridden a horse but from the ages of 6-17 it was her passion. When other girls were excited to do sports like soccer, cheerleading, and volleyball she was riding horses. She states horsemanship taught her about responsibility, care, and honoring these beautiful creatures.
For the past 14 years she has worked up the ladder of success at the busy salon, spa and store, Benoits in Camillus, NY. She started in reception, cleaning and inventory management. In 2005 she graduated from beauty school and quickly found her salon chair filled with eager clients. Today her average workday is 10-12 hours a day 5-6 days a week. Being a stylist and manager with a 60 plus hour a workweek schedule, vacations are rare. Taking on ownership of a horse may have seemed overwhelming but it was a great decision for Morgan.
Boarded at Daniluk farm and stables and literally minutes from her home, Morgan is able to stop by on busy days to just give Addie an apple and rub. The barn is very de-stressing. When you are there it seems like you are in a totally different world. Your mind turns off to everything outside.
Morgan’s mom and founder of Benoits Kim Pontello finds just grooming Addie to be extremely therapeutic. Morgan has also enjoyed retraining her horse with the help of trainer Erica Freibuger. Training has been therapeutic for both her and her horse who has been known to act like a 3 year old most days. She rides Addie whose show name is Secret Admirer in the local horse show circuit from late spring to fall. As busy as she is, she is able to enjoy the sport she loves and compete. The barn also provides transportation for the horses to the shows.
Morgan says, “Before getting Addie, life and work was hectic and stressful and now I may still have the same life but with Addie it’s not stressful”.
As women in business, working and stay at home moms, we all could learn from Morgan and seek out a healthy passion to help us to ‘turn off our brains’, relax and rejuvenate every week if not daily.
Go over to my Facebook page and let me know what you do or want to do to help ‘de-stress’ your life.
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.