by Barbara Hudson

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

Feeling stressed? There's nothing better for a pick-me-up than a visit to a local salon.

You can go all out with a full day spa, getting a massage, facial, pedicure, manicure, haircut and style, makeup; just about whatever you desire can be found at a full service salon. Pick a brochure and you will be amazed at all the treatments and services offered.

But for those of us on a budget, there are cheaper solutions that can be just as relaxing and pampering. There are numerous massage clinics popping up all over the place, with reasonable prices. For about $60, you can immerse yourself in a darkened room, with calming music, and have your stress melt away with a Swedish massage. For a longer experience, just lengthen the duration of the massage. You will come out relaxed, oiled, and ready for some meditation or just sitting under the trees gazing at the sky. A good massage will relax your mind as well as body, and leave your brain free of clutter for a while. A refreshing one or two hour break from the hurley-burley of life.

Another relaxing salon experience is to treat yourself to a god haircut and style. You will get a scalp massage during the shampoo, and it is a luxurious feeling having someone comb your hair into small sections and cut it exactly. The combing is a continuation of the scalp massage from the shampooing and someone spending that time and attention to you is always a luxury. You can talk or not, close your eyes and luxuriate in the quiet time of the haircut or talk simple pleasantries of gossiping about the rich and famous, usually not an activity at work or home. Then there is the pleasure of the blow-dry and styling, fingers running through your hair, warm air blowing, and the end result is that your hair looks fabulous. Add to that an eyebrow wax and makeup treatment, and you are ready to hit the town for margaritas, a show, or the PTA; anywhere you go you will be complimented, always in itself a major boost to the ego and building self-confidence.

Finally, get yourself a pedicure. Most places these days have massage chairs to sit in while your feet soak, are rubbed and massaged, sanded, rubbed with oil, and then having beautiful color applied to your toenails. Some of the most unlikely looking places have the most amazing artists, and you can leave with beautifully colored toenails sprouting flowers, crystals or elaborate designs that make you never want to wear closed toed shoes again. Follow that with a matching manicure, and you have something to see everyday to make you start out the day with a smile and sense of relaxation.

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