Stress can contribute to many mental and physical health problems and age us. Lockdowns for some people have caused a lot of stress, particularly for those who have been trying to work from home with young children.

Working from home on computers may have contributed to neck and shoulder pain, particularly if the seating is not particularly good, that mixed with poor posture can cause a lot of problems.

The way we deal with stress and look after ourselves can really help to both alleviate stress and make you feel and look much better.

With lack of holidays being on the cards at the moment, why not treat yourself to a relaxing in salon treatment.

Northwich Guardian: Win a pampering spa day for two

Here are my top tips to de-stress and a guide to some stress-busting treatments.

Top tips to de-stress

  • Sleep, sleep, sleep! Whatever problems or stresses that you are going through, try not to think about them at bedtime, loosing sleep will make things feel worse, and remember that worrying is a wasted energy. There is nothing you can do about it late at night, sleep on it, things can often look brighter in the morning. Getting enough sleep can help with both your mental and physical health.
  • Take time out for you If you live with your family in a busy household, then make sure that you do get time to yourself either to relax, read or do a hobby. This can promote wellbeing and cope with stress.
  • Exercise If you don’t already then now could be a good time to start. Walking is free and you get out in the fresh air, a wonderful stress reliever. For some people running, cycling or swimming helps to get you fit and when you feel physically fit it can help with your wellbeing.
  • Make time to pamper Have a night a week where you relax and treat yourself to a nice soak in the bath and do a face mask.
  • Talk about your problems Sometimes talking things through with a close friend or family member can make you feel better.  A problem shared can be a problem halved.

READ MORE > Northwich beautician's tips on combatting effects of screen time

Massage your way to de-stress

Massage is a wonderful way to promote relaxation and to relieve tension in our back neck and shoulders. Try a hot stone massage, where the stones are heated and the therapist massages you with them, this is a wonderful deep treatment. It is even better when used with especially blended oils to soothe stress and tension.

Aromatherapy massage is a wonderful way to relax and boost lymphatic drainage to speed up the elimination of toxins in our body.

 

Following a thorough consultation, oils will be blended to balance the mind and body. This is a wonderful way to alleviate mental stress.

Often you can buy the oils to use in your bath or massage on to the body to continue with the relaxing effects.

Great to use prior to bedtime if you struggle with getting to sleep.

Relaxing facials

I am a great fan of anti-ageing facials and using all the machinery that helps to boost collagen, but sometimes a relaxing facial is just what is needed.

The skin can be stressed and make you look dull and tired or even puffy and sensitive, if you have had sugar alcohol overload this Easter.

A good facial will include some massage for the neck and shoulders too, and not only will you leave the salon feeling relaxed, but your skin should also look bright and hydrated.

READ MORE > Tips on how to get flawless skin ready for the end of lockdown

Reflexology for wellbeing

Reflexology is a therapy that uses massage and pressure points to relieve stress and make you feel better.

It is hard to believe that this wonderful foot treatment can be so relaxing, but it really is a fantastic treatment to ease stress and boost your wellbeing.

Whatever relaxing treatment that you choose to have, always make sure that you drink plenty of water when you get home.

Sometimes after massage you can get a headache as it speeds up the elimination of toxins and drinking water will help to prevent unwanted headaches.

Choose a day when you can continue to relax at home instead of running around doing lots of errands in order to gain the full benefits of the treatment.