It's a well-known fact among my family and friends that I have a longstanding fear of needles. I don't just mean I get nervous before my annual trip to the doctor's office. I mean there have been several occasions when I've gotten so lightheaded from a shot that I've almost passed out on the office floor.

So it seems only natural that I would steer clear of needles whenever possible, right? Obviously, the answer is a resounding yes, with the exception of one fateful morning last week. A week prior, I had received an invitation to try The Hydration Room, a popular IV clinic in Orange County, CA, that boasts a loyal Hollywood fan base including Chrissy Teigen and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Initially, my gut instinct was to say, "Thanks, but no thanks." But curiosity got the better of me and I decided to just go for it. There's been a lot of hype in the media lately about the benefits of hydration therapy, including increased energy, mental clarity, and glowing skin. And who was I to pass up an opportunity to look and feel like Gwyneth Paltrow?

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That said, there was one nagging question that kept holding me back. I couldn't stop asking myself, "What kind of lunatic splays their arm for a needle without actually being in dire need of medical care?" Apparently me. I'd been feeling especially run-down for months, thanks to an especially heavy workload, financial stress, and family responsibilities. So the promise of a quick fix that didn't require chugging caffeinated beverages by the gallon was too enticing to resist.

Upon my arrival at The Hydration Room, I was greeted by a friendly nurse named Tessa, who reassured me that I would feel well-rested and rejuvenated after my first hydration treatment. After I finished signing a scary waiver, Tessa ushered me into a private room, where she prepared a custom vitamin IV drip containing B12, biotin, vitamin C, and vitamin D.

To say I was apprehensive would be a massive understatement, but I somehow managed to sit back, shut my eyes tight, and let her insert the needle. Surprisingly, I barely felt a thing when she pricked me. After I expressed my astonishment, Tessa let out a polite laugh before informing me that she gets that reaction a lot from new clients. Thankfully, once the worst was over, my sense of dread finally began to subside. Tessa led me across the room to a comfy leather lounge chair, then offered me water or tea and a stack of magazines while I waited for the vitamins to work their magic. Twenty-five minutes later, I felt surprisingly serene — like I had just had a glass of fine wine or an hour-long massage.

To be honest, hydration therapy wasn't at all what I expected. Despite my initial nerves, I actually found the entire experience incredibly relaxing. Although the effects weren't immediately apparent (besides peeing five times in one hour!), I definitely felt more energized later that day. Rather than hitting my usual afternoon slump — where all hell breaks loose in the twilight hours before dinner — I felt revived enough to play outside for an hour with my kids, cook dinner, do the dishes, and meet a dreaded work deadline without breaking a sweat. The extra energy lasted for several days before eventually wearing off, but it was plenty of time to make me into a believer.

Would I recommend hydration therapy to a friend? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Tell Gwyneth I'll see her there.