Living in a city can be incredible. Life in The Big Smoke (London) is certainly a fun and varied one, with so many new and amazing things to do and see, this adds richness to an already busy life, flitting between work and social appointments. City life is a popular, and often necessary, existence, and it is estimated that around half of the world's population resides within a city.
We can all appreciate that life in the city, despite all it's wondrous charms, can be taxing, and we've all experienced the need to escape at times. So, it shouldn't really come as a shock to know that those who live within cities are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. This is because the constant demands for our attention (that come as part of everyday life within urban environments), can place overwhelming amounts of stress on the brain and the body.
For those that don't know, stress is a reaction to the physical and emotional demands that can easily pile up, and we've all experienced stress at some point. Stress has a range of disguises, such as back pain, headaches and insomnia.
If action isn't taken to reduce stress levels, or if it is left untreated, it can lead to more serious conditions such as anxiety and depression, as well as a whole host of physical health problems effecting the cardiovascular and immune systems.
Getting away from it all every now and then can help us to feel rebalanced, and even just a walk in a park has shown to be of real benefit to the city dweller. Reconnecting with nature, observing plants and wildlife, and having the space to breath, can significantly reduce blood pressure. Another fantastic and city-friendly way to improve wellbeing is to have regular massage therapy. Massage therapy is an effective method for reducing stress and is proven to be a great way to protect oneself from becoming stressed in the first place.
Having been practiced for thousands of years, there are many different forms of massage therapy that can be tailored to individual preferences and specific needs. Overall, massage therapy has been found to reduce stress by releasing endorphins - just Google it and countless studies will testify to this.
It has to be said, that in London there are numerous places one can go to get a massage. Depending on the treatment and budget, there are hundreds of places to choose from. But finding the right place can, in itself, be a stressful task. Especially as we all have less money and less time, and so the pressure to make sure it is time and money well spent, cannot be ignored. Well, worry not, because I know exactly where to go!
Located in Bayswater Village, Boutique Spa is a luxurious and surprisingly affordable, urban retreat that doesn't disappoint. Offering a range of practical treatments and pampering treats, this really is a one-stop shop that can conquer body maintenance and any built-up stress, in one gentle sweep.
As mentioned earlier, stress can manifest itself in many ways, and for me, I often feel more tired and run-down, with little energy to do anything, which really can make things difficult. So, I took full advantage of the ESPA Energiser Body Massage. Using ESPA's Fitness Body Oil - a soothing blend of restorative Indian bay and clove bud oils, mixed with lavender, to relax tired muscles and ease the mind - Julie, my therapist, used a series of invigorating and stress busting movements that left me feeling revived and refreshed, and ready to take on the rest of my day. A full 60 minutes costs just £60, and so, at only £1 a minute, I can guarantee that it will be worth it.
If you can feel your stress levels rising, or you'd like to maintain a feeling of calm to complement an already healthy lifestyle, then massage therapy really is one of the best ways to do this, and Boutique Spa won't let you down.
For more information, please visit:
boutiquespa.co.uk
espaskincare.com