Lisa Caruso is the founder and wellness curator of JoyWelle, a wellness consulting brand that blends her visionary and strategic expertise that comes from 25 years in corporate PR and Communications with her passion, training, and practice in wellness and energy work. JoyWelle’s mission is to guide clients to live in the power of Joy. She consults and partners with corporations, small companies, and individuals to bring wellness programs and experiences to life. In addition, Caruso guides group and private sessions and ultimately empowers clients to trust in their own ability to heal and live more well-balanced and joyful lives. A certified Reiki master practitioner, breathwork facilitator, and a lifelong intuitive and clairvoyant healer, she focuses on energy healing and teaches sustainable daily practices. Caruso is also an accomplished PR and marketing communications specialist, having led public relations and marketing communications for global luxury travel and spa brands. Drawing on this unique perspective in the wellness industry, she consults with brands to extend the mission of living in the power of joy to the business of public and media relations for wellness-focused clients.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is so much more than the foods we eat, our physical fitness, and how we calm our minds. It’s a holistic balance between our internal and external worlds where one almost begets the other. When we feel internally balanced and approach life from a more centered state of being, that state that is authentically our true nature, we’re then more inspired to act and choose practices and even environments that not only mirror that state of being but also elevate it and are in alignment for us. It’s about tuning into our own energy in any given moment and honoring that, whether it’s something your body is craving, the community you surround yourself with, how you experience playtime or “you” time, your workout of the day, and the list goes on. Sometimes, I don’t feel like exerting myself in a hard-core workout or being still in meditation, for example, and that’s ok as that’s what my energy may need at that time. So, I allow myself the break and come back when I’m feeling it. Wellness is allowing my intuition and energy to guide what that looks like in any given moment and being gentle with myself if my ego wants to chime in.
Is there a specific fitness activity that you love and why?
I love salsa dancing! I have danced for almost 20 years, and it’s an activity that purely lights me up from the inside out. It not only connects me to feminine energy, but it brings me tremendous joy and a permanent smile the whole time. Dancing with a live salsa band is an incredible bonus.
Do you have a secret health or wellness tip you would like to share?
Play! And by play, I’m referring to what brings you joy and how you like to spend time with you. Create a play list from which you can choose from depending on your mood, and let your intuition guide you. Don’t overthink this one.
What is PLAY?
P – Pleasure (or simply Play) – think of the simplest things that make you smile or something you’ve been wanting to do that will make you feel good and carve out the time to do just that
L – Laugh – this alone changes your mood, and it doesn’t take a lot of energy. Try it. Smile, and you’ll most likely start laughing
A – Allow – we’re so hard on ourselves and often put ourselves last. This is simply giving permission to put yourself first and replenish your own energy. As they say when you fly: Put your oxygen mask on first
Y – YOU – Do you, whatever that is
Indulging in PLAY elevates your mood and raises your vibe, and that vibe is wonderfully contagious!
What is your favorite place for a healthy vacation or escape?
Having spent most of my career in the luxury travel and hospitality industry, I learned very quickly that immersing myself in another city, culture, environment, or hemisphere was an almost immediate tonic for my soul. For me, it’s less about the where and more about making the commitment to take that trip a few times a year, even if just for a weekend. I am naturally curious and love exploring the local scene and balancing that with restorative time by the beach or in a wellness space. That blend of exploration, taking in the vibe of the place and then coming back and integrating it all with some Zen time is a wonderful balance for a healthy getaway.
What is your idea of balanced healthy happiness?
Balanced and healthy happiness stems from connecting to ourselves, knowing everything we need is within us, and that we can access it at any time. The more we tune in to our truest self, the more we tune in to that infinite love and joy and the less we need our external environment to provide it for us or validate us in any way. We all have this incredible and innate power to experience balanced healthy happiness, and in its purest form, it starts with an inward journey. Once you can tap into that love and joy within, it’s like a magnet for everything you experience externally. And one key is to have fun and play with it. It doesn’t have to feel so intense, heavy, or prolific. It can start with a self-awareness to notice what brings a smile, being with the energy of that, and letting that be your focus. In the energy world, we talk about how what we focus on grows, so imagine the garden of love and joy you can create by starting with the focus on that smile.
What is your favorite self-care routine?
My routine combines spiritual, mental, and physical wellbeing. I’m not a morning person, and I love a slower start to my day, as it’s what allows my energy to thrive. I love to incorporate favorites that include dry brushing, specifically my face and neck each morning; gua sha; movement, which can be a HIIT or strength class or a walk in Central Park; meditation; and a flower salt bath I create with fresh flowers, Epsom salts, and essential oils.
What is your go-to for de-stressing?
I live in New York City, and I love walking and simply being in Central Park. One of my happiest places is the ocean or the beach. Being in either immediately calms me.
What aspect of your wellbeing do you struggle with the most or would most like to improve?
Sleep has been the one crucial aspect of my wellbeing that’s been the most inconsistent for me and one I’d love to stabilize. Another aspect that is challenging for me and that I feel is an area of struggle for so many women is hormonal changes and the incredible impact it has on our wellbeing. This is starting to get more attention, but I feel it’s a huge untapped topic that’s starting to come into the light.
What brings you joy?
I feel joy through a variety of experiences, both big and small. It can be through travel, exploring a new neighborhood or a spot on my bucket list, salsa dancing, live music, or nature. It’s also sparked at a deep level through connecting and laughing with loved ones, my baby niece, engaging with community, or a hug.
Joy is also in the little things! This one requires us to be in awareness and present to our experience in that moment. That moment a smile is sparked, so is joy. For me, it can be savoring my favorite meal, wine or Champagne; seeing what shape is in my latte; seeing heart shapes everywhere; the funny things my cats do, and more—the list is endless and infinite, as is joy! I find if I’m struggling to connect to joy, it’s sometimes those little things that are the easiest gateway.
