Pssst, this private relaxation room at Woodhouse Spa Buckhead means serious chillax business. (Yes, that’s a mimosa and a remote for the zero gravity vibration lounger.)
The mental health benefits of going to a spa are obvious. From the soothing music and scents to relaxation rooms and pampering or pain-relieving treatments, spas are sanctuaries of renewal and relaxation. These days, some next-level spas, such as woodhouse spa’s new atlanta location, are kicking up their focus on mental well-being. And who could use all the mood-boosting tools in their wellness arsenal right about now? Me, me, me!
Acknowledging How You Feel, and Want to Feel
Data from more than 10,000 users of Vida Health, a virtual wellness platform, showed that since the outbreak of COVID-19 began members increased their mood tracking more than 186%. We don’t need anyone to tell us that mental health has been on the forefront of people’s consciousness, though.
Woodhouse has taken this clear need to heart. When selecting one of their services, you are now asked if you would like to feel connected, resilient, calm, confident, energized or balanced, and then are presented with corresponding treatment options. Love that.
“Self-care and self-love is important as we move past our experiences during COVID amid feelings of loneliness and isolation. We have realized our need for touch and connectedness as part of our overall wellness,” says Stacey Howell, co-owner of Woodhouse Spa in Buckhead, Atlanta.
Mood-Forward Spa Services
Soak it all up and let it all go during the Meditative Mood Soak. | Photo credit: Calipso Banks
On a recent visit to the spa, I selected “calm” and the WH Signature: Meditative Mood Soak, a four-part ritual that began with dry brushing followed by a full-body exfoliation, a bath soak and finally, a Swedish massage. A “calm” essential oil blend was used in the service based on my mood selection.
“The dry brushing is a process of exfoliation of dead skin cells, and it improves circulation. It also has a mood-enhancing impact that the mind and body accepts during this ritual of cleansing which leads to a sense of well-being,” explains Howell.
After the dry brushing, the therapist applied the next exfoliant, a scrub, which was a combination of sea salt and black sand that further softened my skin. The sea mineral-enriched bath water then detoxified it and the oil used in the post-bath massage added back hydration. That is all to say that my body was super soft after the treatment, which was an unexpected benefit.
Before I settled into my bath meditation, I had a humorous moment figuring out how to prevent my 5’2” body from slipping down into the spacious bathtub. Once that was taken care of (a towel came to the rescue), I was able to close my eyes, breathe and just be for 20 minutes before my therapist returned to tell me it was time to dry off and get back on the treatment table for a relaxing massage. I thoroughly enjoyed the “me” time during every part of the 80-minute Mood Soak and felt the heaviness of current times lift.
“There are many forms of healing, and one is relaxation and the ability to slow our thoughts and slow down our activities, even for a [a short period of time]. The brain needs to quiet down at times and allow ourselves clarity of thought,” Howell says.
The Quiet Room. Shhhh. | Photo credit: Calipso Banks
In addition to the Mood Soak, Woodhouse has some other unique rituals and spaces that you don’t often find at most spas. For instance, Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic bodywork technique with origins in India. “Its philosophy is based on the ancient concept of bringing body, mind and soul into harmonious balance,” Howell says. “The Ayurvedic bodywork addresses multiple layers of one's being.” Shirodhara is said to help dissolve ama (residual toxins) in the mind and body, thus facilitating physical health such as improving sleep quality, emotional well-being and strengthening a spiritual connection.
Just breathe in the Dry Salt Sanctuary.
Another option is its halotherapy area, a dry salt therapy room, where you can relax, meditate or stretch on a yoga mat and breathe in the pharmaceutical-grade salt in the air to improve respiratory health. Because the room features chromotherapy (color therapy), you can choose the color and mood you desire from the aforementioned menu. So cool.
While you’re looking for avenues for a mood boost, don’t forget about an age-old remedy that has been in practice since the Ancient Egyptians: heading to the spa. Spas are available at a variety of price points (with Woodhouse being on the high end). What’s more, if this activity isn’t in your budget right now, consider at least creating a mini DIY sanctuary at home for your mental well-being and sending the kids, dogs, etc. off with your partner for a couple of solo hours to reset that all-important mental space.
Curating a spa bathroom at home? Read this Aromatherapy 101 guide.