Looking for an excuse to come to the salon? We don’t think you should need one, but we’ve found the best one yet. Plus, we’re backed by emerging clinical research when we say that you should treat yourself to a trip to the salon.
Feeling stressed? You’re in good company. While it’s impossible to put a number on how many people are feeling jittery at any one time, most sources never put the number below 50%. A mind-boggling figure, right? That’s why they’ve dedicated a whole month to the issue, with April earning the title of Stress Awareness Month.
Why Stress is a Problem?
Stress can affect all aspects of our life, including our emotions, behaviours, and cognitive ability, and if left unchecked, can exacerbate existing health conditions like diabetes, asthma, and migraines and cause new ones such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and depression and anxiety.
We all know that stress can infiltrate every part of your life, possibly having a negative impact on your health, career, relationships, and beyond. But did you know you can become addicted to it? Yes, that’s right, the very thing you’re trying to shake may be what you subconsciously seek. Weird? Yes. A real thing? Also yes.
When the stress response becomes so habitual, we seek more of it. Like any other substance, our body gets used to the stress hormone - cortisol. To keep levels high, you may find yourself overworking or packing your schedule full, even if you’ll have to make a mad dash from the office to yoga. Fortunately, you can replace a cortisol addiction with new healthy “addictions” that help to regulate your nervous system and hormonal responses.
But first, if you’re ready to check in on your stress levels, here are some red flags they may be overflowing:
Signs You’re Stressed
Difficulty breathing.
Aches and pains without reason.
Chest pain or the sensation your heart is racing.
Headaches, dizziness, or shaking.
Muscle tension or jaw clenching.
Exhaustion or trouble sleeping.
Stomach or digestive problems.
And the list goes on …
As you’ve likely noticed from the above, stress isn’t only a mind matter. Like a rash, it spreads to the body, leaving us feeling less than eager about, well, everything while also feeling heightened and addicted.
What Can be Done?
Of course, everyone has their own anti-stress methods such as a soothing bath or an evening curled up on the couch, but there’s one emerging and incredibly exciting solution.
Hear us out: A trip to the salon!
There are few places that are dedicated to helping you feel like your best self, the salon being number one among them. So, it comes as no surprise that using pampering as a way to de-stress is a tale as old as time, with many women (and men) considering it a monthly, if not weekly, pilgrimage in their self-care routines.
How do Salons Reduce Stress Levels?
Relaxation is the only true antidote to stress, and the salon is the ideal place to relax. Plus, we hate to admit it, but the salon is one of the only environments where it’s psychologically and culturally acceptable to be taken care of as an adult, at least without having to consult your family or friends.
As humans, or at least for most humans, physical contact is necessary for our well-being, but not just any touch will do. Gentle and nurturing is a must and has a beneficial effect on our mind as it triggers our body to flood our brains with oxytocin, AKA the ‘feel good’ hormone. No prizes for guessing that of the feel-good and bad hormones; the good one is the best to get hooked on. In other words, you can counteract your addiction to stress by boosting your oxytocin levels at the salon. Physical touch also increases circulation, which in turn helps the blood deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
Plus, it’s genius. There, you can claim an hour or two (or even more) for yourself to unplug, unwind, sit back, relax, and let someone else take care of the rest. The best part? You get to leave looking and feeling fabulous. It’s a mood boost that lasts with every glance of your reflection or kind compliment, reminding you of your spa therapy.
While manicures, pedicures, make-up, and haircuts are always on the menu, these days, massage therapy is also a big hit in salons worldwide. In fact, it’s likely one of the best choices if you’re feeling a little on the stressed side, with multiple pieces of research showing massages can lower stress levels and feelings of anxiety while improving mood.
In conclusion
Why get addicted to stress when you could get your fix of feel-good hormones at the salon instead? Stress Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to make a lasting change to your wellness routine that’ll help you get your stress levels under control for good.
What we recommend: Turn your spa therapy sessions into a ritual. Schedule regularly to make sure you’ve plenty of time to prepare for an hour or two of pure relaxation.
Unwind with us as we feed your new healthy addiction.
Treat yourself this Stress Awareness Month by using pampering as a way to de-stress. We could all do with less stress which is why we’re helping you to stress less with our
Stress Less offer that invites you to indulge as your worries melt away.
STRESS LESS PROMO: Purchase a 45min Soothing Back Massage, and we will upgrade it to a 60min and include a self-heating back scrub - an extra 15 mins. Valued at R710, you only pay R495, meaning you can invest R215 in other stress-beating activities after – enjoy!