You Have a Choice and Little Things do Make a Big Difference

"Now, for the first time, a medical study has proven what we've all suspected: Stress speeds up aging. CBS News Correspondent Scott Pelley reports it does this by reaching all the way down into your cells and damaging your DNA. In a sense, chaos is crunching your chromosomes."

- MMV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. for full story go to: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/08/25/60II/main796002_page2.shtml

We all live with a certain amount of stress in our daily lives. At times we also have to deal with acute onsets of stress where stress seems to run rampant, creating a life of chaos and frustration. If you're lucky, you get your fair share of Eustress, a type of stress that is fun and exciting, and keeps us vital (e.g. running in a race or landing a big contract at work.)

These types of stress are normal and as long as an individual balances the positives and negatives, eats right, gets exercise and fulfills the need for stress relief, they pose no real threat to their health and happiness. The trick to stress is to avoid getting to the point where you suffer from chronic stress, where feelings of lost control, anger or depression can set in. That is when health degrades.

As a day spa that cares about our client's well being and vitality, we work hard to provide an environment and products that encourage stress reduction and relief. A massage or facial is a wonderful way of fighting muscle aches and tension, but it is important to know that the oils we use, the way the spa is lit, it's interior design and training of the staff are considered key to making the whole experience more impactful.

You can do some of this at home by paying attention to small things that affect you in a positive way. A warm neck pillow while you read, a candle at the dinner table, a cool lavender washcloth after a hard day at work. All these things can make a difference and the simple fact that you feel like you are doing something for yourself makes a difference, too. You feel more in control and realize it's your choice as to how you react to the world and situations around you. It's key and it not only effects how you feel, it shows on your face.

Besides elemental exposure, stress is a main factor in premature aging. Hormonal levels are affected and skin suffers; wrinkles, frown lines and color/texture of the skin worsen.

Fighting the Effects of Stress Lavender: A Natural and Ancient Powerhouse There are many ways to avoid or get rid of stress. Exercise is one of the most powerful. But you can also get fantastic results from proper mindset and some help from Mother Nature. Lavender is a stress fighting super-plant. It is often the primary aroma in aromatherapy, an ancient healing art because if its "balancing" properties. If you are worn down, lavender is energizing; if you are feeling the negative effects of stress, lavender is calming and soothes the nervous system. We here at The Spa ~ Los Gatos carefully integrate it into all of our treatments by offering it as a massage oil, after your steam shower we have chilled clothes infused with lavender essential oils, before your services you can use a warm lavender neck pillow and you'll find it in many of the facial products we use in our anti-aging services.

To get the benefit of lavender at home we carry a wide variety of products from Sonoma Lavender. Their products are made in Northern California and are properly grown, harvested and hand-crafted to ensure quality and natural, eco-friendly ingredients.

Some of the health benefits of lavender:

• Emotion: With antidepressant and sedative qualities, lavender lifts depression, eases stress and anxiety, and is useful in overcoming headaches, migrainesand insomnia.
• Insomnia: The sedative quality of lavender can induce sleep and ease problems of insomnia, restlessness and agitation.
• Skin: Lavender is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory; healing cuts, burns, sunburns, insect bites, acne, eczema and even dandruff.
• Breathing: Lavender is an antiseptic and can kill germs. It is also an expectorant, which breaks up congestion. It can help fight colds, throat infections, coughs, sinusitis and flu.
• Circulation: Lavender is a sedative and hypotensive, and reduces high blood pressure and palpitations.
• Digestion: Lavender use aids in easing indigestion, flatulence and nausea and alleviates bad breath or toothache.
• Muscular: Lavender is analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic; the oil is good for aches, pains, sprains, cramps and spasms.

Source: Lavender, Nature's Way to Relaxation and Health by Philippa Warin

Stress Relief: Healthy ways to relax and recharge

• Go for a walk.
• Spend time in nature.
• Call a good friend.
• Sweat out tension with a good workout.
• Write in your journal.
• Take a long bath.
• Light scented candles
• Savor a warm cup of tea.
• Play with a pet.
• Work in your garden.
• Get a massage.
• Curl up with a good book.
• Listen to music.
• Watch a comedy
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April 22 is Administrative Professionals Day It's been a year full of hard work and long hours. Let them know how much you appreciate their work and loyalty; take no chances and send them to the best! Order The Spa ~ Los Gatos gift card by calling (408) 354-5901 or click here to order online.   Motherss Day is Just around the Corner A mother knows... "I brought my mom and my daughter (a new mom herself) with me for a visit to your spa, and it was the best thing I could've done! Neither had
ever been before and both absolutely loved it. Thank you for making our day so wonderful!"

This year for Mother's Day, give the special woman in your life a gift she knows will be wonderful - one of our gift cards. This year with any gift card purchased with a value of $250 or more, we will include a beautiful Jan Marini compact (while supplies last).

Click Here to order on-line.