by Corey Matsumoto

We all endure stress in our busy lives regardless of our age, sex and lifestyle, and the oxymoron known as “The Holiday Season” has a knack for wearing us down to the point of exhaustion. Family get-togethers (sometimes involving long-distance travelling), year-end work loads at the office, line-ups for gift buying, planning Christmas dinner, Santa Claus parades cancelled due to snow (what?), and even just enduring bone-chilling cold weather day after day can take a heavy toll on all of us.

Often we are too busy to recognize that we are, in fact, in rough shape physically, mentally, and even spiritually. It’s important to take time out to assess ourselves, because if we run ourselves in a constant state of stress we are sure to pay the price in health expenses in the future, not to mention the complications stress inflicts on our personal relationships.
The question we should ask ourselves, then, is not whether or not to spa, but where to go and what will a spa do for us? There are 4 main types of spas: 1) day spas 2) medical spas 3) destination spas, and 4) retreats.

Day spas are often hair salons which have expanded services to allow clients to indulge in facials, manicures, massage, and body treatments. Some day spas are dedicated centres for massage therapy and rejuvenation.

Medical spas run under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional, and can offer collagen enhancement, Botox, medical peels, microdermabrasion, as well as traditional day-spa services.

Destination spas are typically akin to a vacation where you spend several days immersed in a regimented program designed to re-train personal habits and improve nutrition. They often include excursions such as horseback riding or golf.

Retreat spas most often include a spiritual (not religious) component and are usually boutique accommodations set in a relaxing country environment, or in a specifically created urban sanctuary, and often include walking meditations, labyrinths, seated meditations, chanting and sound meditation.

Take a moment to think about the state of your body, mind, and soul. It could be time for you to allow yourself to indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation for the health and happiness of yourself and those around you.

Before you reach for that ferry schedule, make sure you investigate the spas that Powell River has to offer. Besides, who needs the expense and stress of extra travelling anyway?