How Top Spa Directors De-Stress

Is your work life (and load) stressing you out? We rounded up the ultimate get-relaxed tips from the professionals who have made a career out of helping people reach Zen. Here are four favorites, straight from the spa directors who practice them.

David Bremer, Spa Director at The Ritz-Calrton Key Biscayne, Miami 
“Stress triggers are very personal, and each person has their own way to relax. From exercise to meditation, Green Day to Enya, red wine to wheat grass and peppermint to lavender. Take 10 minutes every day and participate in an activity, listen to your playlist, consume your favorite beverage, or breath in aroma that reminds you of your last vacation.”

Amy Olthoff, Spa Director at Spa Nalai at Park Hyatt New York
“I love my go-to Hope Gillerman oil blends, specifically the Clear Mind Tension Remedy. It helps reduce mental fatigue and is a refreshing and uplifting peppermint blend. I simply place a few drops onto a tissue and take five to six deep inhalations. I also place a few drops on the back of my neck (base of the skull).”

Annette Sandford-Lopez, Spa Director at Belmond Charleston Place
“All of us experience the overwhelming pressure of stress from time to time. The key to dealing with this stress is to not let it overtake you. When you feel the pressure rising, step away from your computer and put your phone aside. Go out for a brisk 10-minute walk to clear your head. The boost of endorphins will in turn reduce the stress you are feeling.”

Tracey-Ann Monroe, Royal Spa Manager at Royalton White Sands Montego Bay
“’Take a deep breath’ may seem like a cliché, but it holds very true for countering the effects of stress by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. Take five minutes, just close your eyes, sit up straight, hands on your belly and slowly inhale through your nose then exhale through your mouth. Feel as each breath fills you and oxygenates your blood, centers your body and clears your mind.”