Everyone has their limits – that extra assignment when you’ve already worked late all week; that casual jibe about your relationship status during the latest family get together; the screaming children who don’t want to do their homework. Or maybe you’ve just run out of Merlot.
Stress creeps into our lives in many different shapes and forms, tensing our muscles, giving us headaches and preventing us from getting a good night’s sleep. Before you know it, you become a hunched-over, irritable version of yourself, Google-ing ‘spa breaks’ in your lunch break.
Spas exist to help us out when we need to really get away from it all – physically and emotionally. But when you’re at your wit’s end and need to forcibly de-stress, here are the best spa treatments you should go for.
OK, it’s a bit of a no-brainer, but while massages are great at working out stress, you have to make sure you choose the right one. A deep tissue massage will get rid of those tight knots and aching muscles in your back but it won’t necessarily leave you feeling relaxed.
The combination of a gently sweeping massage technique and bespoke aromatherapy oils work together to leave you feeling calm and happy.
Stress may be a state of mind, but it manifests itself physically as well. Stress can lead to weight gain, cellulite and acne breakouts. If you’re feeling less stressed on the inside but not looking quite so ‘zen’ on the outside, try a detoxifying body wrap at your local spa.
You will lose inches immediately, and your skin will appear brighter, firmer and clearer.
A long soak in a tub of hot water does wonders for the soul, and spa baths take it one step further by adding aromatherapy oils and healing herbs, or luxury ingredients such as honey and milk.
You don’t even have to run the bath yourself; just turn up, get in and breathe.
Having hot cups balanced all over your back may not sound like most people’s idea of a good time, but it seems to work for Gwyneth Paltrow. This ancient Chinese treatment must be administered by a trained professional, so gives you a great excuse to head down to the nearest spa.
Cupping is thought to improve blood flow, release muscle tension and draw out toxins from the skin.
Stobo Castle
Rockliffe Hall Spa
Nirvana Spa
