My birthday just so happens to land only a couple days after Independence Day which makes planning birthday solo self-care more challenging. Lots of family gathering and them wanting to spend quality time together during this time. Spending time with family is one of the best birthday gifts I get to experience and the past few days have been extra fun but I wanted to visit a fancier spa, solo, this year as a special birthday gift to myself.
On a monthly basis, the maintenance massages I book are mostly to keep my body and mind balanced, happy and renewed with greater energy. On special occasions, I appreciate a more luxurious ambiance, preferably the feeling of walking into a heavenly scented and calmly lit, princess-spaceship-like, dream land. I got exactly what I wanted and more at Woodhouse Day Spa in Franklin, where all my self-spoilation spa dreams came true. I arrived an hour early so that I could take advantage of some extra spa perks such as the Himalayan Salt room, comfy-soft seats and blankets, salty-sweet spa snacks, chocolate dipped in caramel, the most delicious lemon water and a small glass of champagne. The front desk CSRs greeted me with the friendliest of smiles and set the tone for the perfect spa day. One of the girls showed me into the dimly lit spa hallway, gave me a brief tour and showed me to my fluffy robe and slippers. I thoroughly enjoyed a full half hour in the salt room laying on a warm, vibrating massage table, followed by about 15 minutes in the relaxation room where I indulged in mouthwatering spa snacks and the tastiest water, followed by a 110 minute massage! I chose to have my champagne after the session, after I already felt like I was in spa-la-la land. I could have skipped out as I said my goodbyes to the still extra smiley, chipper CSR. I found myself feeling extra goofy and happy, in a after-massage daze. I headed to the grocery store for lemon to add to my water at home and sunflowers to make my home space even more like a spa than usual.
Ambiance and extras aside, what is it about massage therapy that gets us feeling light and happier?
Massage therapy stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" activities. Activation of this system helps slow heart rate and gets us relaxed.
Do you find yourself feeling on edge and cranky more often than not? You may need a massage. Negative thoughts, fear, worrying and not taking time to deliberately slow the mind results in higher levels of cortisol (stress hormone). High cortisol is associated with increased heart rate and blood pressure. Massage significantly helps lower cortisol. Massage also encourages the release of serotonin and endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that promote relaxation. These chemicals can contribute to lower heart rate and blood pressure by creating a blissful state of calm. Massage therapy also relieves muscle tension which reduces overall demand for oxygen and nutrients in the muscles. This helps slow heart rate because the heart doesn't need to pump as hard to meet the body's needs.
Don’t wait for a special occasion to enjoy the benefits of massage! Visit me at A Knead for Wellness!
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