How do you know when you need to book yourself a pampering getaway? Listen to your body, it has a number of ways of letting you know it’s #spatime.
If you’ve never taken time out of your busy schedule to repair your body and your mind, these are your body’s ways of hinting that the time is now...
1. You’re stressed and snappy
Tired? Irritable? If your work/life balance is weighing significantly towards the former and it’s getting you down, you need to kick back and relax on a rejuvenating retreat. A recent survey of 1,000 adults revealed that a holiday is better for a mood-boost than exercise or shopping (yes, really). So, combining travel with fitness and fun is the ultimate answer to getting your ‘happy’ back. De-stressing is a big part of a spa holiday, with full-body massages removing tension from your muscles and holistic activities such as yoga and pilates helping to improve muscle tone and strength, as well as your overall wellbeing. And relax.
2. You’re dealing with an addiction - to your smartphone
If you check your Insta and Twitter before you’ve even had your first cup of coffee, it could be a sign you need a spa break intervention. Indications that you’re becoming dependent on your phone include separation anxiety when you have no reception or forget to take it out; spending more time on your phone than talking to the people in your life; or looking at photos you’ve just taken, instead of the actual scene right in front of you. Dr David Greenfield, the director of the Centre for Internet and Technology Addiction, says: “The analogy that I use is this: right before you go to bed, is the last thing you do before you pass out is check your phone? And the minute you open your eyes, do you check your phone? Doesn’t that sound like a smoker? This is what we used to hear with smokers, the last thing they would do before they went to bed is they’d have their last cigarette.” Uh-oh. The solution? A few days away from it all being pampered and massaged at a body-boosting haven in a beautiful location. Emails? What emails?
3. Your skin’s suffering
We all know that drinking lots of water can help improve your skin, but did you know that regular facials also have a host of benefits? A work-hard-party-hard lifestyle can take its toll on your complexion. And, not only does a face massage feel amazing (goosebump-good, in fact) there are also a multitude of other reasons to book a facial: they help to clear pores and maintain clear skin; they can help to smooth fine lines and boost collagen production, essential for preventing wrinkles; they increase blood circulation and help the renewal of skin cells; they provide deep exfoliation that allows moisturisers and products to work more effectively, boosting skin tone and hydration; and, of course, they help to relieve stress and aid relaxation. And where better to have a facial than on a feel-good getaway?
4. You’re stuck in a (bad) diet rut
If crisps and chocolate have become your go-to for lunch and dinner, a spa break can help to improve your relationship with food. Spa cuisine offers a balanced diet of fresh, local and natural ingredients. They also often provide smoothies and juicing diets to remove toxins and cleanse your body. This can help you to leave your break with a healthier immune system, lower stress levels, higher energy levels, and even a few pounds lighter.
5. You’re aching all over
If you’re achier and breakier than Billy Ray Cyrus, a gorgeous spa getaway will do you the world of good. Wellness breaks can help target problem areas and get rid of stress knots. Alternative therapies such as reflexology, acupuncture, physiotherapy and sports massages can zone in on specific problems or simply work out the effects a busy life has on your body.
6. You’re having trouble sleeping
It’s often hard to switch off after a long day at work. If so, a relaxing holiday is just what you need. One recent study suggests holidaymakers get three times more deep sleep while away. A spa break with the main aim of serious chill time can offer even more relaxation with pampering massages, cleansing steam rooms, and light exercise such as swimming. There are also a number of treatments that can lift your snooze game, such as reiki, acupuncture, and shiatsu. Many spas also offer tips on specific foods that can promote sleep gains. Zzzz.