by Nicole Bailey

Created on: April 15, 2009   Last Updated: April 17, 2009

We all know what it's like: the kids are screaming, your cell phone is vibrating off the table, the keys are missing, and you're already late for work. Your shoulders go up, your muscles tense, your head starts to throb. What you need is a day at the spa, but who has time to spend a whole day wrapped in seaweed? Lucky for you, many of today's urban spas have adapted to meet people's busy lifestyles by offering convenient treatments that still offer the same luxurious (and healthful) benefits we have come to associate with this relaxing environment. Only have an hour for lunch break? Pop in for a chair massage, a generally 10-30 minute treatment where the client sits and relaxes as a massage therapist works on problems areas. Many of us hold our tension in the shoulders and neck, so this treatment can give you a great pick me up, and help work out knots and relieve stress. You return to work feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Reflexology is another oft offered treatment that can be taken in short doses of about 30-45 minutes. This positively luxurious treatment involves having your feet pressed and rubbed in specific locations, which are thought to coordinate with other parts of the body. Never knew applying pressure to a certain part of your tootsie could ease that pain in your lower back? It's true! Reflexology offers the same wonderful tension-relief as a massage, but without the need for nudity. This makes it a perfect option for those who are uncomfortable being touched, or who have multiple problem areas and no time for a full massage. Of course, if you do have an hour or more, your options become virtually limitless. Most spas offer a variety of treatments for your whole body. You can relax your facial muscles with a clay mask, as your scalp receives a surprisingly soothing massage. Why not follow up by having your body scrubbed with sea salt, covered in a purifying mask, and wrapped in warm linen? You'll emerge glowing, graceful, and fully at ease.

There are hundreds of treatments available, but I would be remiss to keep secret my personal favorite: the hot stone massage. This is offered at an increasing number of locations, and involves the client lying still while the massage therapist places warm, smooth stones on certain spots of the body. The therapist then uses more stones to work the muscles. Not only does this feel heavenly, the warmth of the rocks promotes circulation (making it a great cool weather choice for those of us with chilly feet and hands). In addition, applying heat to the body before massage relaxes the muscles and allows for an even deeper, more effective treatment than usual. So the next time the car breaks down, your heel breaks off, or you fear a nervous breakdown, remember: a good spa treatment can relieve your tension and clear your cluttered mind, not to mention help you to look your very best.

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