13 Surprising Stress-Busters

Full-Body Relaxation/At-Home Heat Therapy

Josie Feria, Director of Spa Operations at Miami Lapis Spa

“Take two hand towels and place them in a microwave. Lie down on one; roll the other one under your neck. The heat immediately induces a sense of calm and the warmth creates enhanced blood circulation to the back, neck and head and causes the body to relax.”

Simple Yoga Moves/Instant Rewire

Mandy Ingber, celebrity fitness expert

“Yoga helps many people feel the effects of less stress. Just doing forward bends and the pigeon pose can help calm the nervous system and de-stress instantly.”

Nature Revamped/Wilderness Wonder

Erin Senhal, Spa Director at Twin Farms

“Find balance and bliss by doing yoga outside. There’s nothing better than breathing, stretching and taking this time for yourself, all while soaking in nature.”

Breathing Bliss/Peaceful Breathing

Arielle Sutton, Spa Director at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

“Deeply inhale three times with long exhales. Reflect on a time in your life where you felt the most peace, whether it was a place, thing, even a scent or a song. Be in that moment, and let it envelope you.”

Tranquility Through Scent

Makiko Braxton, Spa Manager at The Modern Honolulu

“When you don’t have time for a massage, try lighting a juniper-scented candle or rubbing some essential oil on your wrist to help calm your nerves. Juniper’s spicy aroma helps to strengthen and fortify the spirit during times of low energy, anxiety and emotional overload.”

Simple Tasks/Blossom Bliss

Barbara Close, Naturopathica

“Flower arranging! It’s a form of meditation and in Japan it’s practiced to nurture the spirit.”

Switch It Up/Break A Habit

Anna Bjurstam, Vice President of Six Senses Spas

“Do the opposite of your normal routine. Research shows that breaking a habit is incredibly healthy—and it doesn’t need to be a life-changing habit, just a small one like taking a different road to the store or trying something new to eat. The result of a group of people that introduced a small new habit every day for three months was that they became happier, less stressed and even lost weight.”

Snacking Serenity

Michelle Marr, Director of Spa Operations at The Spa at Jupiter Beach Resort

“Crunch on a handful of almonds. It not only helps get some aggression out, but the high levels of vitamin B2 and E, as well as magnesium and zinc promote heart health by helping to eliminate free radicals.”

Diet Do Right

Manoj Kuteri, Wellness Center Director at The BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia

“Eat vegetarian whenever possible. People who eat meat were reported to have better moods and reduced stress levels when they were switched over to a vegetarian diet. Meat contains a long-chain omega-6 fatty acid that is associated with depressive symptoms.”

Simple Solace

Jenny Bruno, Massage Therapist at Elysian Spa at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago

“Do simple chores.”

DIY Reflexology

Kelli Ziegler, Spa Director at The Spa at Camelback Inn, Scottsdale, AZ

“Applying pressure to the bottom of the foot, in the middle, behind the ball or bone of the foot, is a great way to help relieve stress headaches.”

Energy Revised

Donna Mastriani, Spa Director at The Spa at Sea Island, Georgia

“Place a Himalayan salt stone lamp next to your computer to help absorb negative energy. I also suggest Himalayan salt stone dome lamps for placing your feet on. This helps promote toxin removal to improve emotions and offers a general feeling of well-being.”

Scream Therapy

Jennifer Aarons, Director of Spa Operations at Immersion Spa at The Water Club at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

“Take a deep breath in and then yell as loud as you can when exhaling. While it might seem silly, you release endorphins and serotonin by screaming loudly, which allows you to relax.”