Massages are beneficial to your health because tension is released, toxins are eliminated, blood and oxygen are stimulated to circulate properly, and tight muscles are loosened. When you are stressed, your muscles are stressed and block oxygen and nutrients, which lead to toxin build-up. Massages reduce stress, both emotionally and physically.

Most beginners lean toward the Swedish massage, which is kneading of the muscles with oils and stroking of the skin. Some massages can make you sore, like the deep tissue massage. “Drinking water aids recovery time, if you are sore. It also helps you get rid of any loosened toxins,” explains Lehsa Orcutt, licensed massage therapist and esthetician of Body & Skin Clinic. She also says it is a good idea to make sure you get your massage by a licensed massage therapist.

Facials can be relaxing as well, and they cleanse and treat according to your skin type. If you have dry skin you can get a hydrating facial. Facials include cleaning your face, extraction of blemishes (if any appear), and application of toner and moisturizer. The best part of getting a facial—besides having a super clean face—is the captivating and light massaging strokes of someone taking her time to wash your face. The soft caressing will make you want to fall asleep.

Manicures and pedicures give your feet and hands a clean and polished look. Both services start with soaking your hands and feet, followed by trimming and cleaning your nails. When it comes to filing and shaping your nails, you have a choice of square or oval-topped nails. If you have shorter, smaller hands, it is best to get oval tips to give the illusion of longer leaner fingers. If you already have longer fingers, you can get either style. The hardest part of getting a manicure or pedicure is choosing a nail polish color. Pick one that is relaxing to your eyes. Neutrals are known to be easy on the eyes and the mind, and as your nails grow out it will be harder to spot chips in the polish and nail growth at the base of the nail bed. Kathy Austin of Lifescapes Luxury Day Spa points out that it is essential to have a sanitized environment when you are getting a manicure or pedicure. She says Lifescapes offers pipeless spas for your pedicures, which means they are bacteria free. She also mentions that body wraps are the most popular because people enjoy being wrapped in the warm cocoon to lay and relax.

Body wraps include being wrapped in different heavy creams, clays, body masks, or something herbal. Different spas offer different kinds of creams. The wraps can hydrate or condition, and others can detoxify and cleanse your body. After your body is slathered in the treatment, you stay in the wrap for 20 minutes and are kept warm. After 20 minutes you are rinsed off.

Jim French, owner of Cascade Gardens Spa says the reason people go to spas is to relax and have some downtime for the mind and the body. “We are in such a fast-paced society and it is good to get some ‘me’ time to unwind,” Jim says. “It is especially important for caregivers to take time for themselves, because are takers think of others first and can forget to take care of themselves, and know they deserve ‘me’ time.”

Spas are not only a place for women to slow down; most spas have services for gentlemen as well. A massage, manicures, pedicures, and body wraps can be tailored to the male body and mind. Men sometimes go with their significant others to utilize the couple packages that are offered. Or men simply go to use the time to relax.

Whatever our lifestyle entails, we all can use some relaxation and pampering, not to mention take in the health benefits of visiting a spa.

Here are some spa tips to help you make the most of your spa visit.

1. Arrive 15-20 minutes before your treatment is scheduled. This way you can check in, change into your robe (if needed), and start to relax.
2. Turn off your cell phone when you arrive.
3. Most massages require you to take your clothes off, and you are covered with a sheet at all times, but most spas allow you to dress down to your comfort level.
4. If you schedule two treatments together, get a massage before your facial.
5. Speak up if you are uncomfortable with anything. Adjustments will be made to your liking.
6. Don’t forget to tip 15-20 percent. If you were given a gift certificate, ask if the tip was included.

We all mean well when it comes to our minds and bodies, but we can always move that dial a notch higher. Aside from eating right and exercising, make the effort to schedule an appointment at a local spa and nurture that relationship with yourself, because as long as you live, it is up to you to pamper and cherish the body and mind you have.