Living High-Vibe: Tools to Support Your Strongest, Most Empowered Self

I went through bilateral ACL reconstructions in 2017 (both knees were sports injuries but non-related to aerial). As an athlete, a dancer, and the owner of an aerial studio, this was an incredibly challenging time for me to be sidelined for eight months to heal.

Me after the first of three knee surgeries

It's funny how you can't see the blessings when you are in the middle of heartache, but looking back, I realize going through these challenges helped me reshape not only how I approach movement, but also how I prioritize rest, recovery, and self-care.

Before my surgeries, I equated strength with pushing harder; now I know true strength comes from balance—between effort and recovery, drive and presence, discipline and joy. Healing taught me that caring for ourselves off the apparatus is just as essential as what we do in class, and it opened the door for me to become a more compassionate coach for others navigating injury or body challenges.

At Elevated Aerial Studio, living “high-vibe” is about this same alignment: harmonizing your body, mind, and energy so you can feel your best, inside and out. It’s about building habits that lift you up and give yourself space to reset, reflect, and receive. ✨

This month, I’m sharing some of my favorite High-Vibe Living Tools—a mix of practical and soulful supports to help you maintain positivity, enhance fitness, and recover deeply. Let’s dive into my list:

Body tools to ease tension and enhance recovery

• Massage balls - I use massage balls to target tight spots (often under my scapula) and release tension in muscles that get overworked during training. They’re small but powerful tools for self-massage, helping me stay mobile and prevent soreness.

• Muscle scrapers (Gua Sha) - I learned the muscle scraping technique from Montana Acupuncture, and it has been a game-changer for relieving neck pain and tension. Now I do it on myself every other day, and it keeps my muscles feeling relaxed, limber, and ready for movement. You can change the pressure depending on your comfort level.

  • Muscle Scraper on Amazon

  • Emollient for Muscle Scraping on Amazon

    Tips from yours truly on muscle scraping.

• Epsom Salt - Soaking in an Epsom salt bath is one of my favorite ways to support recovery and calm both body and mind. The magnesium helps ease soreness, while the warm water encourages circulation and deep relaxation.

Mindset tools that strengthen focus and self-belief

• Journals - I use my journal for my gratitude practice, planning workouts, and organizing my to-do list. One of my favorite prompts to keep me focused on the positive is: “What is going right today?” Taking a few minutes each day to reflect this way helps me stay grounded, notice progress, and celebrate the small wins that often go overlooked.

• Affirmation Cards - Each morning, I pull an affirmation card to set the tone for my day, letting its message guide my mindset, spark positivity, and remind me to show up with intention, confidence, and gratitude. My favorite decks:

  Gabby Bernstein Card Deck Affirmations

Classes that connect you to a high-vibe community

We lift each other up, literally and figuratively!

Elevated Aerial was founded by acrobats who had once felt stagnant in their own practice and performances. Built on a commitment to growth and a growth mindset, every class encourages curiosity, progress, and support among peers; creating a space where students are empowered to explore and evolve in ways that weren’t always possible elsewhere. We are honored to invite you into our community. If you aren't already training with us or haven't been in to the studio for a while, you can change that by booking a class here.

Wearable tech

I use wearable tech like my Oura Ring to track sleep, recovery, and readiness, though there are many other devices available to help you tune in to your body’s needs and optimize your training.

These tools are invitations to tune in and to honor your body. Whether you’re coming to class, journaling before bed, or rolling out sore muscles after training, these tools are here to help you live more intentionally. Each one supports a different part of the journey; together, they help you sustain the energy and mindset that make aerial and fitness feel so fulfilling.

Mindy Cochran

Article by Mindy Cochran - Mindy is a dedicated practitioner, teacher, and performer of aerial silks, aerial hammock, and aerial hoop. With certifications as a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and life coach, she combines her passion for aerial arts with holistic health expertise to help others elevate their wellness. Mindy is also a former health columnist for Montana Woman Magazine, where she shared insights on healthy living and balanced lifestyles. To connect with Mindy on Instagram, please visit: www.instagram.com/aerial.mindy; or visit her Linktree here.