Hailing from Houston, Allison Bevan joined The Spa at The Joule in 2015 as a spa coordinator and worked her way up to spa director in 2021. She now oversees operations of the facility, ensuring guests have a relaxing and memorable experience. Through Bevan’s leadership, The Spa at The Joule has developed a following of loyal clientele, and the spa often tops best-of lists regionally and nationwide. Here, she shares some of the ways she practices self-care and maintains her own wellbeing.
What does wellness mean to you?
To me, wellness is balancing and nurturing your physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. It’s about having creative outlets. As an art major, painting has always been a really great way for me to focus on self-expression and meditation. It’s also about setting boundaries and learning what your limits are physically and mentally. I’ve had to prioritize rest and sleep because I am so much more productive when I’ve truly slept, not just rested. Utilizing my calendar in ways that give my work or personal events a hard stop to create consistency for sleep was a huge game-changer for me. Social connections are also key. I’ve found that spending time with the people who give me peace and happiness is one of the quickest and easiest ways for me to de-stress and feel happy. It’s the people you can be around in complete silence sometimes—these relationships, including family, can take time to nurture but are well worth it.
What are your favorite things to do to maintain your personal wellbeing?
Exercising regularly but changing the activity every so often. Running and cardio have always been something I have done to take time for myself to really think and/or clear my head, but lately, resistance training has been great for me. The ability to see myself grow physically and keep my energy levels and stress in check is helpful for me. Again, social connections are another big one for me. Surrounding myself with people who provide support and love unconditionally is an immediate de-stresser for me and so critical for my emotional wellbeing.
What is your favorite healthy food, and do you have a favorite way of preparing it?
There is not a vegetable or fruit that I have not liked so far, but my favorite healthy food right now is edamame. It’s so simple and easy to prepare, but it is also filling and has so many health benefits. It’s a great plant-based protein but also high in fiber, magnesium, and potassium, which I probably don’t get enough of in a normal day. Grilled edamame is so good and super simple. You can just toss them with a bit of olive oil, add any seasonings you like (I usually add salt and crushed red pepper), grill them for five to 10 minutes, turning them maybe once or twice, and they are done.
What is your greatest wellness achievement?
I think it is cultivating meaningful relationships. I moved from Houston to Dallas with my husband when I was 19 and did not have any friends or family in the area at the time, and for the first three or four years, my husband worked overnight and slept during the day. I created some friendships during that time that will truly last a lifetime and that contributed to my identity and helped me to find new experiences and hobbies to enjoy.
What person in wellness do you most admire and why?
My mom. She is an ICU nurse but has always exercised daily as a non-negotiable and has always encouraged such a healthy and positive lifestyle, both mentally and physically. She taught jazzercise when I was growing up, and it was such a great example of how exercise can be fun and super beneficial for you both physically and mentally.
What is the best piece of wellness advice you have ever received and from whom?
My previous mentor and spa director would say to me often, “You can only control what you can control.” It’s a very common saying, but it continues to resonate in such meaningful ways so often in my day to day. It’s how I remind myself that I’m doing a great job, especially in those moments where I’m wondering how I can be better and what more can I do, so that I don’t push myself past a certain limit where things become overthought and less productive.
What is your go-to for de-stressing?
It’s spending time with my family. My husband and dogs are such a safe haven and supportive space for me. I also have three sisters who are everything to me. They’re so honest and supportive, and we all know each other so well. It’s so effortless and fun spending time together. It’s a great and easy way to get my mind reset.
