Spa Girl says Happy Holidays Everyone!

‘Tis’ the season of utter folly, cars, cars and more cars, impossible parking, line ups for your organic turkey, last minute shopping, not to mention some pretty dreadful snow storms—sound familiar!

With all this seasonal activity buzzing around me I took the time today for my last spa experience of 2009. I had a facial and a massage—one of my favourite spa combos—ideal for all those sore muscles from carrying bags of holiday treats. I came away feeling relaxed and ready for all the holiday festivities still to come.

2009 was a remarkable year for the Spa industry which is changing before our eyes. Not only is it growing at a phenomenal rate (the number of spas in the U.S. grew at an annual rate of 21% from 1995-1999) the industry is also remodeling itself, incorporating overall health and wellness into the regime; so along with that great massage or body wrap you can expect splendid organic spa food, personal trainers, yoga and Tai Chi classes, water and land fitness programs, meditation and stress management sessions, to name just a few. Indeed the spa is becoming a place to regain peace of mind and pamper yourself back into (or maintain) total health.

The International Spa Association, recognized worldwide as the professional organization and voice of the spa industry, representing more than 3,200 health and wellness facilities and providers in 83 countries indicates that in 2007 there were 138 million spa visits. So Spa Girls we are not alone in this revolution to relax, rejuvenate, and restore.

The ISPA lists on their web site http://www.experienceispa.com/ TEN THINGS YOU CAN DO TODAY TO LIVE WELL. I have blogged about many of these gems of wisdom which include: get eight hours of sleep; eat and drink healthy organic fruits and veggies and water; exercise, Yoga, Tai Chi, Walking; meditate & breath; enjoy nature and beautiful things; nurture your body with a spa visit, massage, facials, body wraps; learn or teach someone else; volunteer, give back to your community and your earth; avoid negativity from yourself or from others; love yourself and others around you.

So as you begin to put together your to-do list for 2010 make sure your overall well-being is top of list! Happy holidays and thanks for supporting my blog.