How a Spa Day Can Improve your Mental Health
Indulging in a spa day isn't merely about pampering oneself; it's a profound act of self-care that can significantly enhance mental well-being. From the moment you step into a serene oasis, enveloped by the calming scents and soothing melodies, a spa day beckons you into a realm of relaxation and rejuvenation. Through a blend of therapeutic treatments like massages, facials, and hydrotherapy, coupled with the tranquil ambiance, a spa experience offers a sanctuary for the mind to unwind, release tension, and find solace amidst life's hectic pace. This holistic approach to wellness not only nurtures the body but also cultivates a sense of inner peace, clarity, and renewal, making it a powerful ally in fostering positive mental health. Continue reading to learn more about the history of spas, the benefits of going to the spa for your mental and physical health, and packages we offer at ZZ Day Spa to help you get into a relaxing state of mind.
The origins of spas
Spas have largely become associated with healing practices. No one knows for sure how this association came about, but there are a few clues. One is due to the word’s etymology. “Spa” is an acronym of the Latin phrase “Salus per Aquam” which means “health from water,” which is exactly what many spas do–heal you with water. Another idea comes from 1596 when Timothy Bright discovered a well and called the resort The English Spaw, and began to use the word Spa as a generic description. Another theory is that the word “spa” is named after the Belgian village, Spa, where hot mineral springs were used by Roman soldiers to treat sore muscles and wounds from being in battle.
While many people think that spas come from the Romans and their ancient baths, there is evidence that suggests spas have been around thousands of years before. Romans used baths to heal their wounds and viewed it as a form of rest and relaxation, but this was between 27 B.C. and 14 A.D. The Romans actually imitated and surpassed many of the Greek bathing practices in terms of the size and complexity of their baths; the Greeks have been using bathing techniques way before the Romans.
Greek philosopher Hippocrates, who was alive around 400 B.C. (over 2000 years ago), proposed that people become sick due to an imbalance of bodily fluids, and as a result should have a bath and scented massage everyday to heal themselves. We see the influence of balneotherapy, also known as the use of bathing to treat disease, today through mineral-infused treatments, using a hot tub after swimming, or swimming in seawater which is known as thalassotherapy.
In 1326, Collin le Loup, an ironmaster from Belgium, discovered chalybeate springs, which are natural mineral springs containing iron salts, in Liège, Belgium. Due to this, a health resort came about and the term “spa” began to refer to any health resort around the springs and became associated with curing disease. Other rituals beyond these locations were being practiced as well, such as ryokans in Japan, hammams in Turkey, and Finnish saunas and steam rooms, which were growing in popularity around the world as well.
In 16th-century England, the old Roman ideas of medicinal bathing were revived in towns like Bath. In 1596, William Slingsby, an English soldier, discovered a chalybeate spring in Yorkshire. He built an enclosed well known as Harrogate, the first resort in England for drinking medicinal waters.
Spas have become very popular today and are focused on mental and physical health and wellness more than ever. For example, massages aim to heal muscle aches and pains, facials work to cleanse the skin, and steam rooms help with detoxifying. Other spa locations include yoga, fitness, or meditation centers, and even include food and cafes. Spas are increasingly popular today and have become largely associated with providing a blissful escape from the stresses of everyday life’s responsibilities and tasks.
How Visiting a Spa Will Improve your Skin and Health
Now let’s discuss the benefits that a spa has on your skin and ultimately your physical and mental health. The best way to keep your skin from producing wrinkles, acne, pimples and blemishes is through a quality skincare routine. By practicing a good routine, you will appear younger, feel rejuvenated, have an improved mood, and you will feel a boost in your self-confidence.
Rejuvenates Your Body and Reduces Stress: Everyday life can be fast-paced, demanding, and requires a lot out of us, so being stressed is a common result of this. Stress can have negative impacts on the skin such as creases and acne. Going to a spa will free and calm your mind as you submerge yourself into the relaxing and tranquil environment. There are many spa treatments that are designed to heal the mind and body such as facials, saunas, massages and body scrubs. Once you leave you will feel refreshed mentally and physically, and ready to take on the day once again.
Promotes Healthier and Younger Looking Skin: Did you know that a spa can have a direct influence on your skin’s health and appearance? Since spas can reduce stress and anxiety, this can protect against not only acne, but also premature aging. You will also have glowing skin as increased circulation and stimulation to the blood flow can help deliver oxygen and vital nutrients to the area.
Improves Blood Flow and Circulation: Receiving a relaxing treatment such as a massage can allow the blood flow to deliver the necessary oxygen and nutrients due to the physical touch that this service provides. In turn, this will help improve your body’s immune system because your vital organs such as your lungs, heart and muscles will be able to function properly.
Gives Smoother Skin: Receiving surgery is not the only way to achieve smoother skin–there are plenty of options that a spa provides which can help you meet your desired goal. This could be anywhere from receiving a relaxing facial that includes the nutrients your skin craves, or feeling at peace which will in turn make your skin healthier. An exfoliation treatment removes dead skin cells and replaces them with newer ones, which is how you can also get softer, smoother and glowing skin.
Achieve Better Sleep Results: Having a good sleep schedule is key to having healthy skin. Sleep encourages more blood flow to the area which makes your skin tone appear more even; by not getting enough hours in, you may appear pale or blotchy. You will also receive fewer breakouts because when we do not get enough sleep, we may become stressed, which causes acne and pimples to appear. You may feel stressed from work and thus toss and turn at night, so going to a spa is likely to improve your mood and thus your sleep schedule during the evening.
Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem: At first glance this may seem surprising, but people who receive spa treatments are generally happy afterwards, which gives them feelings of positivity, self-love, improved mood, and confidence. This in turn will affect the way they approach communicating with others, how they see the world, going to important and intimidating meetings, and how they feel about themselves. Going to a spa benefits you and those around you, and it also helps your skin since feeling good within makes you feel good and glowy outwards.
Releases Serotonin and Dopamine: Experiencing increased levels of these hormones makes you a happier person, and as a result less depressed and anxious. Being a happier person means you are likely less stressed, which would be great for your skin so you don’t develop acne or pimples.
Spa Packages and Gifts for Every Occasion
Birthdays - Our birthday spa day and pamper packages are some of the most indulgent, calming and relaxing escapes for you and your friends in NYC. While your birthday is a day that only comes around once a year, at ZZ Day Spa we aim to create memories that last a lifetime and will welcome you like we welcome our friends and family. Over 1000 guests have not only left us 5-star reviews for our birthday experiences but have also named them the #1 Birthday Spa packages in New York City. All birthday spa packages include complimentary champagne or mimosas, Ferrero Rocher chocolates, a sash and tiara, and a spa gift, plus access to our beautiful Selfie Room for taking pictures together.
Couples - Celebrating a special occasion? Vacationing in New York City? Rekindling your romance? ZZ Day Spa aims to make your romantic couples massage the most cherished part of your day. Our Serenity Room will transport you to the tropical beaches of Hawaii while you enjoy a mimosa or glass of bubbly while you hold hands and experience a unique bonding experience.
Spa Membership - With a ZZ Day Spa membership, you will enjoy a monthly spa service, plus the following membership benefits. You will receive complimentary drinks, service discounts, gift card discounts, free service rollovers, opportunities to gift your service to someone special, the option to bring a friend, access to all locations, and a member referral program.
Spa Gift Card - Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or just a simple act of appreciation, a spa gift card embodies the perfect present for everyone and every occasion. When exploring the various spa services one can choose with a gift card, each treatment offers distinct physical, emotional, and mental benefits. From massages to facials, and manicures to body wraps, a spa gift card caters to a wide range of preferences, making it an ideal choice for individuals with diverse needs.
Proposals - Proposing to your loved one is not something you get to do everyday. It is a very special moment, and should be treated as such. In order to make the moment magical, many people will do something that means a lot to their partner, like proposing on the beach, at your house with friends and family, on a destination vacation, or at a private dinner between you two at your home. There are many different options available, but if you want to do something truly unique and different from other proposal ideas, consider having your proposal at a spa.
Bachelorette Parties - Having a bachelorette party is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so you want to make sure you and your friends spend it right. Some brides-to-be may want to do a destination trip like going to Las Vegas or Miami, others may want to stay in town with a fancy dinner at a restaurant or prepared at home, while others may want to go wine tasting. There are many different options available, but these activities have been done many times. If you want to do something truly unique and special that will make the bond between you and your bridesmaids stronger, then a day at the spa is for you.
Winter Massages and Facials - The winter season is known for many different things–snow, hot chocolate, cozy blankets and hoodies, warm fireplaces, roasting marshmallows, and…dry, flaky skin. While the colder months have a lot of nice qualities associated with it, the harsh winds, lack of moisture in the air, drier weather and freezing temperatures are big factors which can affect your skin. This is why receiving a nourishing facial or massage during this season is a great idea.
Her & His Escapes - If you are looking for a solo self-care day experience, ZZ Day Spa has packages for both men and women. Prepare to be whisked away and feel like you are in a tropical paradise as you receive a relaxing massage or facial as you hear bird chirps, ocean waves crashing on the shore, and smell aromatic scents such as lavender or rose petals.
Conclusion
The benefits of a spa day extend far beyond the realm of physical relaxation. By providing a sanctuary for the mind to unwind, release tension, and find solace, spa experiences offer a holistic approach to wellness that nurtures mental health. From the tranquil ambiance to the therapeutic treatments, each aspect contributes to a profound sense of inner peace, clarity, and renewal. Therefore, investing in regular spa days can be a valuable tool in maintaining positive mental well-being, allowing individuals to emerge refreshed, rejuvenated, and better equipped to navigate life's challenges with a renewed sense of vitality and balance.
