Make your PLAN
A top spa will create a wellbeing programme for you, with all the therapies and relaxation you need. Carly Boothroyd, spa manager at Titanic Spa in Yorkshire, picks your at-home essentials…
• STRETCH ‘When it comes to feeling good and achieving your goals, energy is key,’ says Carly. ‘A few simple stretches are great for waking up the body.’
• SLEEP Forget box sets and get to bed early. ‘After 10 hours of sleep, your body needs to refuel,’ says Carly. ‘Eat a healthy breakfast with a balance of food groups.’
• EAT Re-energise with a warm, light lunch. ‘Home-made veggie soups will keep you hydrated and support your immune system,’ says Carly.
• BREATHE ‘Before a spa treatment, we do breath work to encourage relaxation. We use an essential oil, held 10cm from the face, and ask our guests to breathe in for a count of four, out for six. Easy to do at home,’ she says.
• WALK ‘Getting a walk outside can sometimes be more beneficial than a spa treatment,’ advises Carly. ‘Try to walk for 30 minutes a day, taking fresh air into your lungs. Perhaps try forest bathing; walks in nature are proven to boost mood and improve blood pressure.’
• FLOAT ‘A relaxing warm bath, away from technology, is fantastic for your mental health and 37-39°C is the perfect temperature, as it’s shown to improve circulation, instigate our sleep hormone and relieve muscle aches. Switch off fully; it’s a no-phone zone,’ she stresses.
• STROKE ‘Make self-massage a daily post bath/shower habit,’ advises Carly. Start with a few deep breaths, then with palms flat, sweep up the body towards the heart, focusing on tense areas. Use circular moves over larger areas.’
• BE Embrace doing nothing, to recharge mental resilience. Meditating could do nicely.
• For more about Titanic Spa, go to titanicspa.com