Spas can be an inspiring way to not only feel more relaxed in the moment, but take inspiration for wellbeing techniques that can be incorporated into our lifestyles as well.
Stress isn’t just an emotional state; it’s a measurable health risk with tangible costs for individuals, employers, and the UK economy. With rising burnout, mental health challenges and sickness absences, individuals and organisations alike need proactive solutions, and while there’s no magic cure, finding ways to manage stress are often more effective, and realistic, than trying to stop or prevent it. Spas can be an inspiring way to not only feel more relaxed in the moment, but take inspiration for wellbeing techniques that can be incorporated into our lifestyles as well.
Work-related stress, burnout, anxiety and depression are amongst the leading causes of sickness absence in the UK:
Importantly, while the numbers are stark, they don’t scratch the surface of what is going on, because beneath the figures are people who are struggling with each day and the health implications that chronic stress can bring.
Stress isn’t just something that exists in your head (although if it was, that doesn’t make it less of a problem). Even so, its effects are measurable in our physical wellbeing as well.
There are different types of stress - some are related to sudden, short-term or traumatic situations, some are related to our environment (noise, pollution, difficult living situations), and some are ongoing, emotional, physiological and so forth. None of them are enjoyable but different sources of stress may have different effects and ways of managing.
When it comes to lifestyles, what we're largely talking about is chronic, psychological, and environmental stress - the things that are happening all the time and the impact of which builds up.
An NIH research paper notes of chronic stress:
"This occurs when the stressor persists over an extended period. Prolonged exposure to chronic stress can lead to cumulative physiological and psychological effects, increasing the risk of health problems such as cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and depression."
It goes on to highlight that the two key components of the physiological responses impact:
Multiple scientific studies show that spa treatments and experiences have measurable effects on stress markers:
A 16-week trial of repeated thermal spa immersion reported reductions in psychological stress measures and improved wellbeing outcomes, supporting the idea that spa use is a helpful ongoing preventive measure for wellbeing, rather than just a one-off treat.
Though not every study specifically isolates each aspect of the spa experience, collectively, reports both anecdotal and documented point to the individual and collective benefits of hydrotherapy and touch therapies for helping us to relax and manage stress. Central to that is the influence spa treatments have on the body’s ‘rest and digest’ mode.
Beyond the research, anyone who has been on a spa break can attest to the benefits that go beyond standard time-off often. Many people feel that their sleep improves, they feel more genuinely rested, renewed and revived, feel more connected to their own bodies, have been able to get out of their heads for a while, and often enjoy more meaningful time with friends and loved ones, or on their own.
Most conversations about stress focus on crisis management - time off, sick leave, and absences, often emphasising time off after stress has already taken its toll.
However, in all things prevention is better than cure. Stress is a part of life, and that’s ok, but chronic stress or stress that takes over isn’t. Building time off into our routines, so we can manage stress means that we can enjoy each day more, and help to prevent serious health issues.
While once upon a time burnout was something of a badge of honour, there’s been a shift in how we think about wellbeing and there’s a greater reverence for proactive care. While we all find things that work best for us, spas can be a helpful way to manage wellbeing and find inspiration as well, whether it’s new fitness ideas, learning how we respond to aromatherapy, or understanding the role of breathwork and touch therapies in stress management.
Whether you’re a professional feeling the weight of a high-pressure job, a wellness-conscious person seeking balance, or an employer looking to reduce absence and boost wellbeing in your workplace, spa days aren’t indulgence - they’re investment, and a joyful one at that.
If you’re interested in seeing how spa experiences can help you manage your wellbeing, whether it’s a restorative weekend or a restorative afternoon, there’s a world of opportunities waiting to be explored.
If you like this post, here are some similar ones that you might be interested in:
In a fast-paced world, few of us have the time or the budget to go on long wellness breaks, but a micro-retreat could be just the ticket for rest, reset and recovery.
Read full postWhether you’re marking your first year together or celebrating decades of partnership, here’s how to match the perfect spa experience to your milestone.
Read full postWhether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a romantic treat, or simply craving shared calm, a couples spa day offers an experience that’s both rejuvenating and memorable.
Read full post
