New Year’s Resolutions

As part of my New Years resolutions I vowed to take better care of myself by indulging in spa treatments, meditation and basically anything that feeds my soul. One of my favorite ways to unwind is to get a great massage, a facial or other beauty treatment. So I decided to get a 50 minute Swedish massage and 20-minute nap at Yelo Spa in New York City. I’ve been under a lot of stress lately and this would certainly help to ease my tension. Yelo Spa considers itself to be a sanctuary in the urban jungle utilizing massage, reflexology and customized aromatherapy treatments to help restore physical and mental health.

When I arrived at the spa I was immediately drawn to the colorful modern setting. The staff was extremely friendly (even though I was 30 minutes early!) and I was offered a cup of tea from the assortment of herbal flavors and a warm towel for my hands. It was a nice treat to step in from the cold and enjoy a relaxing hot cup of tea (and to wash my hands, I am in NYC after all!). Since this was my first visit at the spa I needed to fill out their questionnaire to note any ailments or areas or concern and to select which aromatherapy combinations best suited my needs and my sound preferences for my massage/nap session. I chose Gregorian monks chanting (but there were several other options like the ocean, rainforest, nature etc.) and a essential oil combination designed to help me relax.

After enjoying my tea for a few minutes my masseuse arrived. She had really great energy, she was warm and engaging yet mellow. She asked a few questions to better assess my reasons for getting a massage and spoke in such a calm tone that it was impossible not to be relaxed. The massage was great, even though the reflexology as I’m a bit freaked by people touching my feet. Heh.

Now after the massage was the part that I was most curious about, the the Yelocab which was described a cocoon-like treatment room. I was wrapped in a snug blanket in the special zero gravity chair which leans back at an angle to lift your knees above your chest to allow the heart rate to slow down. The lights were dimmed the monks were chanting and I was relaxed but I just could not fall asleep. So I opted to meditate for a few minutes until the lights slowly (and colorfully) came back on. I really enjoyed my Yelo experience, the environment is built for relaxation, the staff did not try to push any products on me and the service was excellent. I can’t wait to try a facial at Yelo.

What was your most relaxing spa experience?

The New Year is always a perfect time to make changes in our lives. It’s like a clean slate where we can start over, renewed, refreshed and ready to take on the challenges that life throws our way. I’ve written down ten of my New Year’s Resolutions to improve my health because we all know that beauty is an inside job.

1. Eat less sugar: Studies show that sugar can lead to premature aging and obesity. Enough said.

2. Drink more water: Water aids in digestions, keeps your skin clear and cleans your body from the inside out. I drink water daily but I’d like to swap my java for some H2O.

3. Workout more often: How we look is directly related to the food that we consume and our level of physical activity. So I understand that I have the power to improve my level of fitness, body fat percentage and how I feel. Exercise improves your mood, combats chronic disease, boosts your energy level and can even improve your sex life. Yes, please!

4. Rinse my hair with cool water: Rinsing your hair with cool water can add beautiful shine to it. I tend to take hot showers so I don’t always rinse my hair with cold water but that will be my mission in 2011.

5. Meditate: I don’t remember the last time that I meditated so it’s time to get back into the habit of it. Meditation relieves anxiety, improves mood and enhances the immune system. Who doesn’t want to relax in Zen like bliss?

6. Get out of my beauty rut!: For 2011 I will get a new hairstyle and regular haircuts. Split ends be gone!

7. Take more time for myself: As a Executive, a wife and a mom to two amazing boys, my schedule is hectic. But for 2011, I promise to take more time for myself so that I can take care of everyone else. So that translates to more massages and spa time to rejuvenate my soul. I’ve already gotten started on this resolution and booked a day at the spa!

8. Regular manicures: Manicures are the icing on the cake, the finishing touch of a look so naturally one’s nails should be neat and groomed. For the new year, I will take better care of my nails with regular manicures.

9. Smile more: Not only does smiling make you look better but studies show that smiling actually also makes you FEEL better.

10. Professional monthly facials: With large pores and oily skin I really have to take care of my acne prone skin; however extractions should be left to a professional. To keep my skin clean and clear, I’ll need to maintain regular visits to an esthetician.

Well these are some of my resolutions, what are yours?

Review: Yelo Spa in New York City

Beautiful New Year’s Resolutions