The 5 Star Life Spa LOVERS! Top Ten Tips For Your Ultimate Spa-ing Pleasure
As a spa trends specialist with a penchant for living the 5 Star Life without limits, on any budget, I will be posting the best of the best in leading edge spas and resorts. As a boomer consumer specialist, the focus for my generation is wellness. The future of health care is SELF-CARE and the future is NOW. So getting into the habit of taking care of yourself is a priority. Visiting a healing retreat or spa, learning how to de-stress and detox from all of the toxic influences in our environment, including the genetically modified foods, the electromagnetic fields, the chem trails, and all the technological frequencies that are wearing down our immune system. In addition, doing a digital detox at the same time, unplugging from the negative news and information is 'just what the doctor ordered'. (The doctor within us all)
(Most recently, I published an article about Journey Into Wellness Week at the Beloved, Playa Mujeres, Mexico.)
According to Megatrends (1982) author, John Naisbett , he perceived the concept of high tech / high touch. The meaning of this phrase is that you need to serve people using technology by making them feel human, not part of the machine. In our modern society where technology has taken over, people are spending more time interacting with machines (cellphones, computers, etc) than humans. Many of the predictions from his book are a reality, including the shift from industrial to high tech,
institutional to self-help,and the need for more personal human interaction. Thus, in seeking self-help solutions, many of us are yearning for the softer side of life, and flocking to spas to experience 'high touch' nurturing to bring life back into balance.
Did you know that when humans hug their immune system enhances dramatically? This is precisely why there is a therapeutic effect with touch and getting a massage not only feels good but is important for our health and wellness. Thai Therapy Massage is also excellent for the immune and lymphatic system. So visiting a spa and getting physical contact and touch is life enhancement at it's best. Of course, immersing yourself in nature, walking barefoot on fresh grass or the sand is also therapeutic, and getting grounded through earthing is another healing modality.
If you find yourself seeking to escape from the hustle of your daily routine, and yearning for personal pampering, a great way to unwind is to find a local spa in your area and book a treatment. Sometimes the facilities are well appointed and you can get some benefits just by using the Jacuzzi, sauna, steam and other amenities. But if you have a local spa with many different modalities of treatments my suggestion is to make sure you take the time to rest, relax and extend your stay longer than just a short while.
If you love going to a spa and getting pampered, remember to treat yourself to something special as often as possible. Sometimes a body treatment can be more rewarding than a new object/outfit/shoes. Wellness experts are reporting that the best way to obtain healthy habits is to become aware of your body and your needs. Self-Care is the buzz word.
The sooner you begin to get in touch with your own body, it’s needs and messages, the better. This is the beginning of a life-long relationship. You are the CEO of your own health. The first step is to visit a healing retreat or spa and become the master of your body and it’s needs.
Ahh-Spa--Top Tips For Day Spa Lovers
Explore the offerings on the spa menu and try something different. If you always get the same Swedish massage, inquire about a hot stone massage or an herbal wrap.
Arrive at the spa at least one hour earlier than the designated spa treatment. If they have a steam, sauna and jacuzzi, use it to relax before your scheduled treatment. This will enhance the relaxation response.
Shut off your phone. Unplug, leave it in your locker! This is extremely important.
Shower before the Jacuzzi, which is the sanitary thing to do. Most spas request that you do a quick rinse. Be mindful of others.
Adhere to the proper spa etiquette, especially if you go with friends. There are other people who are also going to the spa to relax, unwind and get away from the hassles of annoying people. Don’t be one of them, speak softly, in a whisper if possible or find a spot with your friend that is in a corner or away from those that are seeking refuge.
INDULGE! Enjoy all the amenities, including slathering on the creams, powders and potions after your shower. In fact, you can keep the massage oil on and go home, it’s great for your skin if you are there at the end of the work day. If during the day, try to remain relaxed and leave extra time and space at the end of the treatment as well to linger and let the treatment ‘soak into your psych’.
Ask your aesthetician or masseuse any questions, so you are well informed. (Especially if you have any health challenges) During the treatment, try to relax and if possible, do not speak unless you have a concern. The best way to relax is to stay silent (I have to heed this advice, since I am an journalist, I end up interviewing them and most of the time I do not relax completely!)
Speak up if they do something that does not feel right. Let them know. Maybe you have an injury and they are too harsh. This is very important. In fact, let them know your preferences before they get started.
Make sure you drink a lot of water. At the end of the service, they will remind you, but it is your responsibility to follow through to get the best detox effect. Flushing out the toxins is key. Hydration is essential. In fact, drinking water throughout the day, especially when in a sauna/steam can replenish your cells. Getting rid of toxins is great, but rehydration is most important.
Spend time in relaxation after the treatment to let it sink in. If they have a lounge, a place to lie down and relax, go back and do that, even for 10 minutes. Don’t rush out into the world again, until you have regained some strength. Let the relaxation set in and be sensitive to your body. Let the treatment effect last as long as possible. When you return home or back to work, ease into the world.
Most importantly, know that visiting a spa is not an indulgence any more, it’s a necessity. We are all living in a stressful world and need to relax and restore our energies. If you’re on a budget, find out where you can eliminate unconscious spending, such as Starbuck’s, impulse shopping, ultra expensive shoes/bags, excessive online shopping, junk food. Instead of being a spendthrift, be a health addict! The best way to eliminate the bad addictions is to replace it with good ones! The little expenses add up, so save up for the good things. Treat your body/mind/spirit and you’ll be rewarded in the end.
*All photos courtesy of The Beloved Spa and Resort, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
ANTI-AGING DAY SPA HEALING ISLA MUJERES JOHN NAISBITT LONGEVITY MASSAGE MEGATRENDS MEXICO MINDFULNESS SELF-CARE WELLNESS WEEK