Since the time that any of us can spend in a spa is brief, self care at home takes on great importance.  The spa tradition offers us many powerful resources for healing, but it's true power is realized only when you take an active role.  Rituals of self care, even brief ones, relieve stress and help to restore balance to Mind and Body.

How to immediately enhance your well-being . . . .

1. Get adequate sleep and maintain a regular sleeping/waking schedule.  The optimum time to retire is 10:00 - 10:30 pm; waking at 6:00 - 6:30 am will ensure that you take advantage of natural energy cycles.  Control disruptions to sleep, like pets and getting up to use the bathroom (see #4!)

2.  Sooner or later, you need to learn to meditate!  Meditation takes only 15-20 minutes per day (or less), if you're truly pressed for time.  It's easy to integrate into your morning routine, along with some stretches.  If you find that you can't concentrate and lack focus during your workday, meditation will help to quiet your mind.  Guided visualization/meditation treatments.

3.  Don't over-exercise.  New studies confirm the ancient Eastern belief that excessive exercise actually prematurely ages the body -- literally "wearing it out".  Integrate moderate exercise into your daily routine.  Be sure to include some form of stretching.  Yoga therapy is known to increase strength and flexibility, improve physical and mental health, and reduce the effects of stress and aging.

4.  Try to take meals at regular intervals; your body thrives on routine.  Don't wait until you're starving before you eat.  Delaying lunch until 2:00 pm because you're too busy will mean weak digestion.  Don't eat dinner within 2 hours of bedtime, or drink water within 90 minutes of retiring.

5.  Drink plenty of water.  Massage brings nutrition and oxygen to all of your muscles and organs.  At the same time, it encourages the release of stored waste materials (toxins) in the system, so it's very important to flush your body clean by drinking lots of water after your massage.

6.  Practice balneotherapy.  Take advantage of the greatest stress reduction tool in your home care arsenal -- the bathtub.  Bath therapy (also known as balneotherapy or bath cures) has incredibly powerful results.

7.  Make a spa treatment part of your routine, at whatever interval is comfortable for you.  The remarkable benefits of touch therapy have been the subject of much recent research.  Try a variety of treatments to experience different benefits and approaches.  Be aware of seasonal changes in your skin, body, and mental outlook, and choose treatments that address those concerns.