Sometimes the best way to reduce stress and relax is to pamper yourself.
According to the results of a Gallup poll published in December, the vast majority of Americans feel stress sometimes or frequently during any given day. The poll found that eight out of 10 Americans are routinely afflicted by stress. Furthermore, four in 10 adults (or 41 percent) said they lack the time to do all the things they want.
While stress may be more and more routine for most Americans, it can have an adverse impact on health, according to Mayo Clinic. In fact, stress can cause a range of negative effects on a person's physical and mental well-being, including headaches, chest pain, fatigue, sleep problems and even a reduced sex drive. It can also lead to anxiety, irritability, sadness and depression.
Fortunately, there are a lot of easy ways to address this common problem. Taking a break and pampering yourself lets you step back from the stress to relax. Even if it's just a short break, some healthy "me time" can go a long way to help you unwind.
Here are some pampering ideas you can try in Atlanta.
1. Get a massage
There's no better way to escape the weekly stress than a massage. For the time you're on the massage table, nothing else matters. You can let your mind drift to happy memories, or simply lose yourself in the gifted touch of the masseuse or masseur.
In Atlanta, there are a few great spots to get a quality massage. The Art of Touch Therapeutic Massage Cente r (855 Peachtree St NE) focuses on "the deeper layers of muscle tissue" to release chronic patterns of tension in the body. Located in Midtown, Jiao Reflexology (1529 Piedmont Ave NE) offers Chinese massage in a "relaxing and peaceful" spa environment. You can also try The Muscle Relaxers at 2233 Peachtree Road NE.
2. Go to the sauna
Going to the Sauna isn't just relaxing, it also has some serious heart and cardiovascular benefits. Researchers in Finland found that spending time in the sauna has a positive and direct effect on blood pressure, heart rate and vascular health, Time reported in January. The same scientist previously found that people who use the sauna regular have lower rates of hypertension, cardiac death and even dementia!
Try out the sauna at FLO2S (427 Moreland Ave NE) or the Korean-style experience at Jeju Sauna (3555 Gwinnett Place Dr, Duluth).
3. Get a manicure and pedicure
No, manicures and pedicures aren't just for women. It's becoming increasingly trendy for men to spend time getting their hands, feet and nails cared for by professionals. Some credit NBA star LeBron James with starting the fad among men. Back in 2014, he posted a mid-pedi photo to Instagram with the caption: "Have to take care of your dogs Men! It's part of our life blood."
Buckhead Nail and Toe Spa (3210 Roswell Rd NW) and Piedmont Nails and Spa (1000 Piedmont Ave NE) are popular spots in Atlanta for mani-pedis.
4. Book a fancy hotel room for a night
Sometimes you just need to escape the world and live it up for a bit. Why not book a room in a fancy hotel downtown or outside the city for a night or two? This is a great way to spend some quality "me time", or to have a romantic escape with your significant other. Search for weekday or weekend deals at four- or five-star hotels. You can book a suite with a cozy hot tub, order some room service, maybe sip a little champagne and just lay back to relax.
Hotel Indigo Atlanta, the Atlanta Marriott Marquis and the Omni Atlanta Hotel are highly rated and affordably priced four-star hotels downtown.
5. Get a facial
Daily stress can take its toll on your skin. To combat this, a relaxing facial is the perfect solution. As the professional masseuse's fingers caress your face, you'll feel the tension slip away. You can select from a variety of facial options to make your skin fresh, smooth and clear once again.
Skin IQ Medspa (56 E Andrews Dr NW) and Natural Body Spa and Shop (2385 Peachtree Rd) are highly rated Atlanta spots for facials.
6. Hire a personal trainer
While you may think personal trainers are just for the rich and famous, why not put your health first and hire one for yourself? Gyms throughout Atlanta have professionals ready and available to help you meet your fitness goals. You'll also find that a work-out after leaving the office is the perfect way to process and let got of the day's stress.
You should check a few options before you decide on the right trainer for you. Personal Trainer Atlanta by celebrity trainer Brad Kolowich Jr. (1465 Chattahoochee Ave NW) is well-reviewed by clients. Thrive Fitness Brookhaven (4276 Peachtree Rd NE, Brookhaven) is another highly rated option.
