As a massage therapist, you sell every day. What do you sell? You sell your time, expertise and ability to identify and respond to clients needs. If you dont expand your sales into retail products, you will miss a valuable opportunity to better support clients while making more money.

During the California Gold Rush, it wasnt the people panning for gold who made the fortunes, says massage-business expert Irene Diamond, R.T. It was the smart retailers selling shovels, pans and blue jeans.

When you choose to add retailing to your business model, you add a higher level of customer service as well as increase your bank account, she said.

Here, Diamond and fellow business expert Cherie Sohnen-Moe give you 11 reasons to offer retail in your massage practice.

Product sales are a natural extension of the standard of care associated with massage therapy. Clients expect you to have more knowledge than they do about products and assume you will carry the best ones. They will trust your recommendations, especially for products used in the session.

2. Retail Sales Add Value to Sessions

You will increase the benefits your clients receive during massage by using appropriate products in the treatment, then offering those items for sale. Value is also added when you create packages in which you use specific products in a session and the client takes home those products.

Stock a small selection of products that solve clients needs. By researching and choosing products and brands you feel are best for them, clients can buy from you with confidenceand when you make it easy for them to walk out your door with items they need, you simplify their lives.

If a client purchases an item at a store without your assistance, she is on her own. It is less confusing for you to show her when and how to use it. Personalized hand-holding is great customer service and builds client loyalty.

Clients appreciate the convenience of purchasing from you. You save them time when they dont have to make a special trip, spend hours researching online, or wait for an item to be delivered.

Most clients would rather purchase directly from you, their trusted practitioner, than from an impersonal company. Plus, some are willing to pay a slight premium for the convenience.

Passive revenue is income generated from sources that are not dependent on your time. You may sell products as an add-on at the time of payment or as stand-alones, either in your physical location or online.

Youve heard of making money while you sleep, right? This is how you do it. Offer your products for sale on your website to increase passive revenue and engage clients with your brand between sessions.

As a massage therapist, you have access to many professional-grade products that arent available to the general publicthey must be purchased by a practitioner and then sold to the client.

When clients use a product at home, it reminds them of the treatment they receivedwhich may inspire them to book another session.

This is particularly effective when the product is used in the treatment, such as a topical, essential oil, hot/cold pack or even the music played.

If you stock a branded product line, people can often find your business listing on the main website for that line, if the site has a where-to-buy search feature. This will expose your practice to potential new clients.

Speaking with people about a product can provide a natural segue into discussing massage services.

If you ask clients what products they would like you to carry, you gain a deeper understanding of their needs.

Some might want you to sell healthy snacks; others may prefer heat or ice packs, relaxing music or topical analgesics.

Carrying a unique selection of productschosen with your dream clients in mindsets you apart from the competition. When you offer clients a product they cant get elsewhere, you become the go-to place to buy it.

When a clients session ends, his needs do not. What could you sell that supports his wellness at home, in his car, at his office or while traveling?

Retailing products such as a sleep pillow or self-massage tool can provide him between-session benefits.

Attend a free MASSAGE Magazine webinar, Retail Mastery for the Holidays and throughout the Year, presented by Cherie Sohnen-Moe, on Oct. 18 at 4 p.m. EST.

Irene Diamond, R.T., is the founder of Active Myofascial TherapyThe Diamond Method and creator of the Successful Massage Therapist online resource. Cherie Sohnen-Moe is a business coach, international workshop leader and author of several books, including Business Mastery, Present Yourself Powerfully and The Art of Teaching.

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11 Things You Don't Know about Retail Sales - Massage Magazine

Taiwanese researchers found that when pregnant women listened to relaxing music for 30 minutes each day, their scores on standard measures of stress, anxiety and depression were reduced.

The findings suggest that music could offer a simple, do-it-yourself way to manage prenatal stress, the researchers report in the Journal of Clinical Nursing.

"Pregnancy is a unique and stressful period for many expectant mothers and they suffer anxiety and depression because of the long time period involved," Dr. Chung-Hey Chen, study co-author, said in a statement.

"Any intervention that reduces these problems is to be welcomed," added Chen, who is now at the National Cheng Kung University in Tainan. The study took place at Kaohsiung Medical University.

Chen's team randomly assigned 236 pregnant women to either a music group or a group that stayed with standard prenatal care alone. Women in the music group were asked to listen to any of four CDs for 30 minutes per day over two weeks; the music included classical, lullabies, nature sounds and children's music.

At the beginning and end of the study, all women completed standard questionnaires on stress, anxiety and depression symptoms.

After two weeks, the researchers found that the women in the music group showed a general improvement on all three fronts, while stress, anxiety and depression scores remained virtually unchanged in the comparison group.

Music may provide "sensory input" that affects the nervous and hormonal systems, which in turn could calm the physiological response to daily stress, according to Chen's team.

Whatever the mechanisms at work, the researchers say, music may offer a simple, inexpensive way for women to deal with the stress of pregnancy.

"The value of music therapy is slowly being realised by nurses in a number of clinical settings," Chen said, "and we hope that our findings will encourage healthcare professionals to consider it when treating pregnant women."

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Music to soothe the savage beast - Independent Online

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. is turning to humor in its bid to win back customers lost over the past 18 months.

The Denver-based burrito chain on Monday revealed its first national television campaign in years, As Real As It Gets, with videos featuring comedians getting real in a lounge inside a giant burrito.

The ads feature Sam Richardson, Jillian Bell and John Mulaney sharing their fears, desires and secrets inside the burrito. The campaign, developed by Venables Bell & Partners, also features radio, outdoor, digital video and banners, along with social advertising.

In a world full of fakery and half-truths, its invigorating to hear a brand tell it like it is, Mark Crumpacker, chief marketing and development officer for Chipotle, said in a statement. The campaign challenges the conventions of fast food advertising by being completely real not only about our food, but about the world we live in and does so with an optimism and playful humor thats very much in line with our brand.

The national campaign is Chipotles first national television ad since it bought a two-minute spot during the Grammys in 2012 for its Back to the Start ad. Last year, the company tested television ads in some markets, but this represents a broader use of video, the company said.

Chipotles decision to go national with a television campaign follows a difficult 2016 for the chain. Same-store sales declined more than 20 percent, and revenues fell 13.3 percent, as Chipotle recovered slowly from the fallout of a series of foodborne illness outbreaks in 2015.

The company has focused on the quality of its ingredients as part of its comeback effort. Chipotle recently announced that it rolled out new tortillas used for burritos, tacos and chips that eliminated the use of preservatives. The company says it now uses only 51 real ingredients that are readily available at a farmers market or grocery store.

The lounge inside the Chipotle features a pianist playing relaxing music, along with a roaring fireplace and comfortable seating.

In one ad, actor Jeffrey Tambor, who is not seen, tells actress Jillian Bell that, Youre inside a Chipotle burrito, where everything is real. Bell responds by telling him about how she hates the ocean because sharks ate her entire family when she was a child, and the ocean keeps sharks alive.

In another, a nervous Sam Richardson tells Tambor that hes a terrible driver, an avid scrapbooker, doesnt trust the space program and that his socks get tight when hes nervous.

We set out to avoid all the conventions of fast food advertising, Will McGinness, partner and executive creative director at Venables Bell & Partners. Using humor and a commitment to telling it like it is, we cut through the clutter of confusing claims, limited time offers or farmers holding produce, and created a campaign that is very true to who they are.

Contact Jonathan Maze at [emailprotected]

Follow him on Twitter:@jonathanmaze

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Chipotle turns to humor for ads - Nation's Restaurant News

Location: Melody Key, FloridaPrice: $6.9 million

With pristine views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Florida Keys, this peaceful and relaxing home offers just what youd want in a magnificent, tranquil escape: Its perfectly located for everything from kayaking to paddle boarding to fishing, this luxury property sits on its own 5.24-acre private island.

Whats more, the home and islands energy needs are exclusively met by solar power, with a backup generator to boot. But just because its off the grid doesnt mean you have to make compromises. This system is sophisticated, said Bob Cardenas, of Engel & Vlkers Florida Keys. This retreat offers everything youd expect in a beautiful, high-end resort home.

The island is accessible by ferry, and with its own dock, boat lift, and space for parking, the property strikes a perfect balance between peaceful isolation and accessibility.

From the foyer on the ground level, an elevator serves this raised three-story house, leading to the bedrooms on the second floor and large open spaces for living and entertaining on the third. As stunning as the views are from the third floor and the houses many decks, a spiral staircase leads to an incomparable, 360-degree view of the island, the surrounding area, and the ocean from the observation deck above.

More:Buy Your Own Private Island in Vermont for the Price of a One Bedroom in NYC

The Stats

This 3,127-square-foot home, located on Melody Key, was completed in 1992 and has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and one half-bath.

Design Pedigree

The property was originally built by Nick Hexum, of the band 311, as a getaway to write music, Mr. Cardenas said. The current owner has recently made many improvements. Extensively landscaped with lush vegetation and coconut trees, the home is very private, and was designed that way.

More:Click to Tour a Private Connecticut Island That Hosted Marilyn Monroe

Amenities

Exceptional outdoor spaces complete this off-the-grid getaway. An in-ground freshwater pool, hot tub, and outdoor kitchen and showerall run and maintained by solar powerlend themselves perfectly to getting away from it all and entertaining guests alike. Above, a storage area houses the sophisticated power system for the home, as well as another lounging area that also provides a space to sit back and take in the fantastic views.

Listing Agent: Bob Cardenas, Engel & Vlkers Florida Keys

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A Relaxing Escape in the Florida Keys, Island Included - Mansion Global

Spring Break is a weeks vacation for students typically held around Easter. There are many names for this week-long vacation and some college students may seek an opportunity to travel or party.

Taking a break during this week could be well spent by catching up to finish homework, cleaning house, or taking a little rest and relaxation can be far more invigorating. There are at least two things that help with relaxing the body for rest, sleep and listening to music.

However, there are students who want to stay at home and just binge watch their favorite TV show, play video games, or visit family members without traveling too far.

One way a student could relax can be by taking a rest.

Sleep can be a way to regulate memory and learning functions through complex means according to Harvard Health Publications, the media and publishing division of the Harvard Medical School.

The human body needs on average copious hours of sleep a day to help with the recall center of the brain to access information that may be pertinent to use.

Listening to music while trying to sleep has a positive effect on the human stress response occurs.

For example, listening to music such as jazz, hip hop, soft, or relaxing music has a calming tone.

According to researchers at a Stanford University from a press release issued in 2006, listening to music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the same extent as medication.

According to University of Nevada, Reno any music that plays around 60 beats per minute can match the alpha brainwaves, which are found to be the cause of when we are relaxed and conscious.

Spring break should be to take a break, so why not relax with a nice book in hand while hearing a song that makes you feel at peace.

Another tip on relaxation during spring break can be organizing objectives.

Taking a week off to organize what students should do after spring break can be beneficial in understanding how to accomplish his or hertasks.

For example, a student could organize a checklist on what they need to do first then set up bullet points on how to accomplish that goal.

Lastly, a more simple task for anyone not just students can be taking a walk.

Spring break this year should be a day to take a break from all the stress in life, lay down, and take it easy. So, kick up your feet, drink your favorite drink, listen to the music you love, and have your goals prepared because the future is bright and ahead of you.

Mychael Jones is a third-semester student on the Current, where he was an Opinion editor one semester and is currently a staff writer. His major is Journalism and plans on transferring with an AA to a CSU College.

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Ideas for relaxing on Spring Break - American River Current

I was at work when I received a surprise call from my son, Jeff. When I saw his name pop up on my caller ID, I felt a twinge (OK, more than a twinge) of anxiety. It was 11:30 a.m. Jeff and his wife live in Northern California; he was calling at 7:30 a.m. Pacific time. Yikes!

I answered with: Jeff, whats wrong? He paused (that was the longest pause, ever) and began to laugh. Mom! Nothing! Ill be driving for three hours to attend a meeting and I thought of you. Then he added: Youre still such a mom!

Yes, Im still such a mom as my son says, but more disturbing, is that I entered into the darksomething Ive outgrown, so I thought. Perhaps you are thinking: What in the world is she going off about now? Well, we all do it at one time or another, or maybe its habitual. A situation arises and we step into the dark aka, expecting the worstwithout any evidence. Sound familiar?

Heres a well-known scenario.

We go to our physician for a routine visit or perhaps are experiencing a minor issue. Said physician decides to do standard blood work and advises that if we dont hear back in seven business days to call for the results.

We may or may not leave with a prescription, but we definitely leave with a little niggling worry: What if there is something wrong? What if I need more testing? What if(fill in the blank). Up till now, we have not entered the dark, yet. At this point, we are able to dismiss those anxious thoughts, easily enough, until.

The seven days pass and no word from our physician. We wait another day then, with some trepidation, make the wanted and dreaded call. The medical assistant tells us that the physician is busy, but will return the call at the end of his day. At this point, some of us enter into the dark.

The day passes slowly, as we watch the clock. Ticktockticktock. We begin to wonder. When does the physicians day end? How long will I have to endure this suspense? What if?Theres that what if, again, folks

By this time, some of us may concoct a scary story. We may envision ourselves in a hospital bed, surrounded by our concerned family. As the day slowly passes, were becoming more and more distracted. Anxiety kicks up its heels and is wildly dancing to the two-step rhythm of our heart.

We check our phone, more often than usual (if thats possible!) and finally at 6:30 p.m. the phone rings causing us to startle. Our caller ID shows the medical office number. The pleasant medical assistant informs us that the doctor will be on the line shortly. The recording plays some relaxing music, interrupted by a recorded message Your call is important, the doctor will be right with you.

By this time we may see ourselves facing certain death! Our hands are slippery and the phone takes on a different personathe bearer of horrible news. The physician gets on the line and cordially asks how were doing.

We answer with tremulous OK. We think, Are ya kidding? You should know.

Doctor: Your tests came out fine, but

But what? We silently scream.Our hearts two-step tempo speeds up to a rhumba.

Doctor: You need to take more vitamin D. See me in three months.

We hang up weak with relief. However, we have entered into the dark and caused needless suffering for ourselves.

Heres more:

A friend was about to celebrate a big birthday. Her husband planned a surprise party and hired a party planner. A month before her gala, my friend confided that she was worried about her husband. How so? I asked. She admitted that her husband seemed preoccupied and was acting strangely. Knowing that her husband was stressed about the upcoming party, I placated her.

Two weeks before the party, she called me at the ungodly hour of 7 a.m. (Yup, my friends know not to call me at that time.) I sat up in bed when I heard her sobbing. She was sure her husband was having an affair. She had gone through his cell phone and found an unfamiliar number that appeared numerous times.

Whats a friend to do? Tell her the truth, let her suffer from her overactive imagination, or call her husband. I chose the latter. At first, he thought it was funny, and then he became annoyed that she investigated his call history. With that, he said, Let her suffer!

And me along with her, as I was her confidant.

Finally, the big day arrived. As my friend and her husband were driving to the party, she was sure he was going to spill the beans and confess that he was seeing another woman. She conjured up a mystery gal who was twenty years her junior. (Typical!)

When she entered the hall, the band started playing Happy Birthday and everyone yelled, Surprise. I thought she was going to faint, literally. She turned pale and started to shake. When her husband planted a big kiss on her lips she burst into tearstears of relief!

Ah, me. Those stories we tell ourselves. Why do we do it? Why get so upset? Is it human nature, or human nurture, or both? We humans are creatures of habit. Every time we think a certain way, a habit is forming and deepening in us, like a groove. Every repetition adds new life to the habit until it becomes second nature to enter into the dark.

Its daunting to think how often we walk in the darkness of fear, anxiety, insecurity, jealousy and the like, allowing the what ifs to dictate how we will think or feel. How much of life have we missed because we were in the dark? Once we really examine all the what if stuff that feeds our fears, we can ask ourselves: What evidence do I have that this is true? Most times we find little or no evidence; however, we are physically and mentally exhausted. We have been fighting shadows.

When we find ourselves shadowboxing in the dark, we need to turn on the light of consciousness. Eleanor Roosevelt put things in perspective by saying, Its better to light a candle than curse the darkness. All we need to do is flip the switch: Light or darkyou choose!

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Celia Iannelli Choose to light a candle to chase away the dark - RiverheadLOCAL

After many years, Michelle Branch has finally delivered her first full studio album since Hotel Paper. Between that time, she released many EPs, plus collaborated with her friend to release an album under the name of The Wreckers. It's been a long time, but fans are now happy that she has released some new material.

Michelle Branch may not be a household name in today's music world, but she got pretty famous from her 2001 album called The Spirit Room. That album was very successful as songs such as Everything, You Get Me and You Set Me Free were featured in many TV shows and movies back in the day. That album had a classic early '00s pop feel to it and remains to this day to be my favorite female artist album of all time. I'm not alone on this opinion as The Voice season 3 winner Cassadee Pope loves that album too.

Hotel Paper was released in 2003 and had a more country/pop feel to it. It wasn't as well recognized as The Spirit Room, but it's still an enjoyable album. After the release of that album, Michelle Branch laid low releasing EPs and focused on her family among other things.

Musical artists usually tend to change their sound as the years go by and Branch is no different. Hopeless Romantic sounds a lot different compared to both The Spirit Room and Hotel Paper. That being said, Branch has not "sold-out" as the album does not sound like the usual stuff we hear from the radio today. It has a more indie rock feel to it.

On iTunes they classify this album as "Alternative" as opposed to Pop music and I do not disagree with them. I know some fans of the older albums may not like the new sound, but I have enjoyed this album a lot. It's the kind of album that I can listen to when I'm out skateboarding or relaxing while playing a video game.

Anyway, let's now start talking about the individual songs. One of the best songs is the first track on the album called Best You Ever. It has the most pop music feel to it and has the most memorable chorus. The second track called You're Good is slower, but sounds similar to some to UK artist Florrie.

Another very good song on this album is Fault Line. This song also has a relaxing feel to it. It's a song that you could listen to while lying on the beach. Bad Side, Heartbreak Now and the title track Hopeless Romantic are also tracks you should look out for.

There are a few songs that sound like '70s or '80s disco tracks. The most funky song in the entire album is Living a Lie. It's the fastest pace song and sounds different from the rest of the album. There are 14 tracks in total and there aren't many weak songs here.

Overall, Hopeless Romantic is a decent album even though it sounds much different to Michelle Branch's previous work. The songs have a skateboarding/surfing feel to them in my opinion. Personally, the album won't be able to surpass The Spirit Room, but at least Branch didn't sell out and mimic all of the commercial music we hear on the radio.

Verdict: 4/5

Wanna read more on this? Check these out: Ultra Music Festival Is Already Looking Towards Its 2018 Show (more); Moana's 'You're Welcome' Music Video Is Here (more); 'The Vampire Diaries' Star Kat Graham to Release 'Love Music Funk Magic' Album (more); The Flash Season 3 Episode 17 Review: Supergirl Joins Musical Special (more).

And here are some more related articles: The Upstream Music Fest + Summit Set To Feature Flying Lotus, AlunaGeorge and More (more); Watch Katy Perry's 'Chained To The Rhythm' Music Video Ft. Skip Marley (more); Maroon 5 and Vivoom Give Fans A Chance To Jump Into The 'Cold' Music Video (more).

A few more: Watch Ed Sheeran's Action-Packed 'Shape of You' Music Video (more); Taylor Swift Shares A Shot From The 'I Don't Wanna Live Forever' Music Video (more).

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Review: Michelle Branch Returns With A New Album Called 'Hopeless Romantic' - Empty Lighthouse Magazine

Floor Staff is songwriter, producer and composer Anthony Donnelly - a Dublin-based artist (and fellow D'Angelo obsessive)who explores social anxieties and expectations through his innovative take on pop music.

Singing in a beautiful falsetto, Donnelly says he tracked down the emotions captured on the album by playing and recording random objects with engineer Christopher Barry.

He's putting out a new EP,Convictionson 14 April - ahead of that we're premiering the shimmering new track 'A Love Sublime'.

Give it a listen below:

What have you been listening to recently?

Ive been listening to Beach House almost non-stop for the last 2 weeks. Mainly Teen Dream and Bloom. Its just the most relaxing music. Everything builds so tastefully. On the surface its quite simple and comforting. Then the clever chord changes and rhythms sneak up on you.

Im listening to a lot of Frank Ocean at the moment also. Really enjoying the Endless visuals album, the way its mainly a group of short musical ideas but it also has what can be considered a full song dotted now and then throughout. Its interesting how that kind of structure can be a very engaging 45-minute listen.

What are your plans for 2017?

I have some new musical ideas and approaches Im looking to experiment with this year. I think Ill be more confortable introducing very new or unrecorded ideas into the live shows. I can learn from the way it feels in a live setting and it should keep the shows fresh and interesting for my band and myself.

Ill be announcing some shows shortly for this summer and there will be some touring of Ireland and the UK. Writing wise Im still pushing forward and recording with another release hopefully before the year is out.

What was the first gig you ever played and whats been the best so far?

When I was 16 I fronted a band called Prime Stroking Position. We entered our schools battle of the bands. We took 2nd place at our first ever show. This was most likely down to our incredible rendition of ACDCs Highway To Hell. After this dizzying high the band dissolved but our lives would never be the same again.

With Floor Staff, my favorite solo show was probably a piano set I did in the Workmans Club Dublin for a charity called Syrias Vibes last Christmas. I had only started playing piano during the summer.

This was the fifth attempt at a show like this and the first time I felt I was really free to perform on that instrument rather then just playing it.

In terms of a full band show, my favorite so far is the 2014 Other Voices festival in Dingle. It was just a great atmosphere on stage and we met a lot of our favourite artists for the first time who were on the line up.

Convictions - the new EP from Floor Staff - is out on 14 April

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New music to listen to this week: Floor Staff - The Independent

Spas and salons across Long Island and nationwide are offering steep discounts on select treatments for Spa Weeka national initiative equating into seven days of amazing savings at participating businesses, including $50 treatmentsrunning from April 17 to 23.

In anticipation of this extraordinary beautification celebration, some of the Morey Publishing staff were assigned the very tough job of experiencing spa treatments so we could report back to readers what to expect.

Ali Magno enjoyed a rejuvenating facial at the Center for Pain Relief and Wellness in Babylon, Marisa Giannico received a soothing microdermabrasion facial at Blue Salon and Spa in Stony Brook, Danielle Esposito was treated to a luxurious hydrafacial at Buglino Plastic and Reconsructive Surgery in Woodbury, and Jaime Franchi was spoiled rotten at Fantastic Spa and Nails in Bethpage, with a facial, massage, VIP pedicure and body scrub.

Although the treatments all differed, they were all equally relaxing and enjoyable. If youre in the market for luxurious pampering, Spa Week offers discounted treatments so you can spoil yourself.

Go ahead. You deserve it!

Ali:

The Center for Pain Relief and Wellness is nestled in the heart of beautiful Babylon village. This Long Island spa offers an array of treatments from massage therapy to body and skin care treatments. I was lucky enough to receive their one-hour deep cleansing European facial, and wow, was it amazing!

I was greeted upon arrival with the relaxing sound of birds chirping, scent of lavender, and a wonderful receptionist, Carrie Ann. I filled out a form that asked various questions about my skin, what kind of skin I have (dry; is winter over yet?!) where my problem areas were, if I had any allergies, and more. After a very brief visit to a warm and comfy waiting area, Kim, my facialist, came out to greet me. She was welcoming, friendly, and immediately made me feel comfortable and relaxed.

Once in the treatment room, Kim asked a few more questions about my skin to ensure she gave me the best treatment for my particular skin type. (We even swapped our favorite DIY treatmentsshe advised that I use brown sugar and olive oil to treat my dry hands!) The room was equipped with spa essentials to help me relax: dim lights, relaxing music, and a comfy heated blanket to lie under.

After a long winter, this facial was everything my skin wanted (needed), and more. This treatment consisted of various steps, including steam, exfoliation, extraction, and brightening.

The amazing exfoliator Kim used removed the top layer of skin that had braved the cold weather, leaving me with a smooth-to-touch complexion. Kim massaged a mango papaya lotion (which smelled good enough to eat) into my face to brighten my skin and break up any dirt that was in my pores. She also used pumpkin papaya face mask which, on top of smelling like a tropical oasis, helped my skin soak up much-needed moisture. In addition to all of this, I was treated to amazing shoulder, head, and hand massages.

This experience was the epitome of relaxation. After my treatment, my skin felt fresh, clean, refreshed, bright, and incredibly soft and smooth for days afterwards. It was like months of harsh winter weather and stress were erased. I cant wait to go back to the Babylon Wellness Center and see Kim for another facial, something Ive promised to treat myself to every time the seasons change.

Danielle:

Tucked in to the winding industrial park roads of Woodburys Crossways Park Drive, Buglino Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a much-welcomed oasis of spa treatments and cosmetic surgical procedures that will rejuvenate you from the inside out.

Headed by Dr. Anthony Buglino, this newly renovated location is clean and warm, with modern artwork, comfy furniture, and a pristine VIP room stocked with Keurig coffee and snacks.

The happy, welcoming receptionist greeted me and gave me a short questionnaire to fill out before getting my first Hydrafacial, MD treatment. Before long, I was whisked away by Dana Minkin, an esthetician, who gave me a tour of the spa and explained what every room was used for. Whether a patient is looking for a medical spa treatment, injections, or cosmetic surgery, Buglino Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery can accommodate them comfortably (and privately!).

Settled in to my leather reclining chair, Dana prepped my face for this one-two punch of a facial. Where other facials only do one thing or another, the hydrafacial is like the one-stop-shop of beauty treatments. This non-invasive procedure packs a scientific combination of hydradermabrasion, a chemical peel, extractions, and nourishing antioxidants into one quick session that leaves you glowing almost instantly. In just one session, your skin reaps tons of benefits, including: reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, increased elasticity and improved firmness, balanced skin tone and evenness, vibrancy, a smoother texture, a reduction of oil and congestion in the skin, minimization of enlarged pores and the diminishment of advanced signs of aging.

Once the hydrafacial began, I was in total relaxation mode, listening to the serene drumbeats on the speakers mixed with Danas soft step-by-step explanations of what she was doing. Not at all painful, the hydrafacial felt like an in-depth cleaning from beginning to end, like cool water massaged over my face. Finishing off with red and blue light therapy followed by a leave-on mask, I left the office, glowing.

If youre looking to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin, clean out your pores and reveal a fresher you, stop on by Buglino Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for their phenomenal hydrafacial. This is one spa treatment that youll be going back for, again and again!

Marisa:

When I walked into the Blue Salon & Spa in Stony Brook, I instantly knew I was going to enjoy my visit. The atmosphere was calming and the people were friendly. It was amazing how relaxed I felt before my appointment even started!

The receptionist Victoria couldnt have been nicer, greeting me with a big smile and a warm welcome. My esthetician, Billie, who was equally as welcoming, came over to introduce herself shortly after. I couldnt wait to get started.

Billie referred to the sheet I had filled out when I first arrivedin which I shared information, such as the different skin care products I use, and any allergies I may haveas she asked me questions to learn more about my skin.

Although Ive had several facials before, I had never experienced microdermabrasion. Having acne-prone skin, I cannot tell you the amount of time I have spent at my dermatologists office over the years, and all the different medications I have tried to get my acne under control. And not only must I deal with breakouts, but I also cannot escape the scars that serve as daily reminders of past breakouts whenever I look in the mirror.

As a result, I was curious to see if this treatment would help my skin look and feel betterand I was not disappointed.

Since Billie knew that I had never had this done before, she explained that the microdermabrasion would feel kind of like a cats tongue on my face, helping get rid of dead skin cells. This can fade the look of scars and age lines, as well as even out your skin tone.

Im not sure how long the microdermabrasion lasted, as I was way too relaxed to check the time. In fact, it was so relaxing that I almost fell asleep as I was lying there. From the comfortable bed I was in to the tranquil music in the background, I now know what being in heaven feels like!

Steam gently hit my skin as the facial began. This helped cleanse and hydrate, in order to ensure that it would be left looking brighter and feeling smoother afterwardswhich it did. Next, were the extractions, which are not my favorite part of the process, but I knew they had to be done. And Billie checked in with me throughout the entire session to ensure I was comfortable and relaxed.

My appointment finished with a hand and arm massage. I had the choice of a blueberry, cranberry or coconut scrub. (I chose blueberry!) My hands are always dry, so to say I appreciated this is an understatement. The scrub felt amazing on my skin and smelled fantastic!

Before I left, Billie was extremely informative and kind as she spoke to me about things I can do to keep my skin looking great. I felt as if I was talking to an old friend rather than someone I had just met.

Blue Salon and Spa is definitely a place to visit during Spa Week. The hospitality, accommodations, and services are like nothing youve ever experienced before. And your skin will surely thank you for giving it a much-needed day of pampering.

Jaime:

Fantastic Spa in Bellmore is nestled in a shopping center on Jerusalem Road. Once inside, half of the space is used as a bustling nail salon, while the other is a gorgeous day spa. Together, they become a rejuvenating, relaxing place to get luxuriously pampered.

Upon my arrival, Rachel, the manager, led me from the nail salon through the frosted glass doors to the private day spa, where the gentle sounds of flowing water and soft music greet each guest. The colors are subdued grays and browns, and automatically, I felt my shoulders relax. The friendly staff knows their stuff. Fantastic Spa has been thriving in two locations for more than 10 yearsand it shows.

Rachel introduced me to Sophia, who was going to give me a Swedish massage and deep-cleansing facial. As I later discovered, shes earned a well-deserved loyal following since she started a decade ago. I began by lying face-down on the heated table, covered with a light sheet. Sophias skilled hands took long sweeps down my entire body before working each muscle area with concentrated pressure to relieve all of my built-up tension with a sweet-smelling organic lotion. She spent long periods focusing on the crunchiness in my shoulders and neck, before soothing my lower back with her experienced hands. From there, she massaged my legs, ankles, and even my feet before she gently asked me to turn over. With my eyes closed, I drifted off as she massaged my shoulders and neck, then my arms and hands, working each finger and the pressure points in the palm of my hand.

I may have snored. If so, Sophia was kind enough not to mention it.

My facial was a 60-minute relax-fest, as Sophia deeply and methodically cleansed my skin. With a warm towel placed over my eyes, Sophia opened my pores with hot aromatic steam. She exfoliated my skin and carefully extracted any unwelcome blackheads that have made themselves known on my face. According to Rachel, the next step, which is so crucial, is often not included by less-professional salons. Sophia carefully covered my face in a rich anti-bacterial gel, meant to soothe the sites where blackheads have been extracted and protect against infection. With all my pores open and my face feeling so fresh and clean, my skin has no protection against irritants like dirt or make-up. The antibacterial gel is an important step, letting me know Im in the hands of real pros.

Next, Sophia covered my face with a mask customized to my skin type. As it set, I may have dozed off for a minute or more! When all was said and done, I felt refreshed, with a smooth, dewy complexion that my husband later praised the moment I walked in the door of our house.

But thats hours later. I wasnt done yet at Fantastic Spa.

After she worked her magic on me, Sophia introduced me to Chelsea, who served hot green tea and a snack of sliced apples and trail mix in the VIP pedicure room, a private area with only two reclining chairs and a lovely, peaceful decor in soft browns and golds with gentle music playing in the background.

Leah was on hand to treat me to the spas special pedicure, a deliciously chamomile-scented treatment that fills the room with a soothing aroma. This therapy helped me relax in my soft leather chair as Leah soothed my feet and legs with what seems like endless packets of different lotions. First, she soaked my aching feet in a chamomile bath, then rubbed my dry winter legs with a soothing scrub that sloughed away the dead skin cells. Next, Leah covered my legs with hot towels moistened with a chamomile mixture and filed my toenails.

Then, it was time for my favorite part of the experience. She lowered the lights, instructed me to relax, reclined my chair, and treated me to a 20-minute foot massage with an aromatic lotion. She coated my heels with a chamomile balm that made my winter feet almost unrecognizable. Finally, she painted my toes with a pretty blue polish that I cant wait to show off once the weather finally warms up and I can put my boots away!

Because I love everything they gave me, I plan to go back to Fantastic Spa for the fourth part of its special offer for Spa Week: its white sugar honey polish, a soothing treatment that exfoliates, nourishes and rejuvenates the entire body in a relaxing experience. Its the perfect way to wash away the dreary winter and step into spring. I cant wait!

Blue Salon and Spa

Buglino Plastic Surgery

Butterfly Garden Spa

Center For Pain Relief & Wellness

Deep Blue Med Spa at Long Island Plastic Surgical Group Babylon

Deep Blue Med Spa at Long Island Plastic Surgical Group East Hills

Deep Blue Med Spa at Long Island Plastic Surgical Group Garden City

Eastern Breeze Nail & Spa

EBJ Skin Care Center

Fantastic Spa Farmingdale

Fantastic Spa Bellmore

Joseph Christopher For Beauty & Wellness

Laser Plus Spa Bellmore

Lord & Taylor Salon & Spa

nu glo medi-spa

NuZen Spa

O Spa

Orange Skye Body & Beauty Bar

Red Door Spa Bellmore

Red Door Spa Garden City

Red Door Spa Woodbury

Red Door Spa at The Garden City Hotel

Smooth Generation Skin Rejuvenation Spa

Somatic Massage Therapy

Spa LacQua

Viana Hotel & Spa

Vita Ageless Medical Aesthetics

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Spa Week Offers Soothing Savings April 17 to 23 Across Long Island & Nationwide - Long Island Press

Depression is no longer a health issue that people are unaware about, even in smaller cities of the country. A lot has now been written and discussed about it to create awareness and educate people. This year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has themed the World Health Day around depression"A mental condition that people should not be afraid of and ashamed to talk about."

In their hectic and busy lives, people go through a lot of stress and anxiety. When it all starts taking a toll and begins to translate into depression is often difficult to ascertain. These days depression has become very common, given the pressure-filled lifestyles people are leading, especially in metropolitan cities and big towns. It is striking the young, the middle-aged and the old in equal measure. Yet, despite awareness, people still hesitate to seek professional help; else, they are unable to realise that what they are feeling is something beyond your everyday "blues." Unfortunately, not seeking help on time usually results in the depression deepening and becoming more severe.

It is important to be mindful of certain changes which are commonly experienced by people suffering from depression.

Not being able to sleep properly, feeling tired, fatigued, having a low appetite, loss of weight, continuous headaches are some of the signs of depression. Conversely, others may start overeating, sleeping too long and putting on weight.

Depressed people often have low concentration and forget things easily. They suffer from negative thoughts, guilt and feelings of worthless. Depression can also manifest in the form of irritability and reckless behaviour. Thought of self-harm are not uncommonand people may occasionally act on such thoughts out of frustration and impulsivity.

Becoming reclusive and losing interest in activities once enjoyed should be enough to ring alarm bells. Since cognition is also affected, as described earlier, performance at school or work may also job. They may act agitated, frustrated and impulsive; in a quest to feel "better" some people may resort to substance abuse, whether it's smoking, drinking, sedatives or other drugs.

It is alright to be sad sometimes, but when the feeling persists despite no obvious trigger or reason for it, then depression could be the cause. This overwhelming sadness makes it impossible to take enjoyment in life.

While seeking professional help is the best way to start the healing process, there are some other things you can do to facilitate recovery.

Having a structured routine can help keep your emotions on an even keel even if your mood is low. Achieving even small milestones in a day, such as watering the plants or cooking breakfast, can bring a feeling of achievement, resulting in increased motivation.

Depression can lead you to under- or over-eat. In either case you may lose out on key nutrients. Being vigilant about diet and eating plenty of healthy proteins and fats can have a positive effect on your emotional state as well.

Regular exercise helps in getting your mind off your preoccupations and releasing mood-enhancing endorphins. If you can't manage a gym session or a run, even a walk can give you a boost. I also recommend doing pranayams outdoorsthey help you focus and generate positive thoughts.

Lack of sleep is a sign that you are suffering from stress/depression. You must make sleep a priority even if isn't easy. As you like down, fight off the thoughts that clog your mind. You can focus on positive things that happened during the day or in general just before going to bed. Relaxing music might also help.

Try something new each day that you have not tried ever before. This might include cooking, drawing, reading, riding a bike etc. This keeps you busy and keeps your mind off negative thoughts.

Do not stay away from the ones you love. Tell at least one person about how you feel and what is going on. Airing your thoughts and knowing you have someone who knows what you are going through can be very comforting.

Practice affirmations/positive self-talk

One of the most powerful tools to overcome depression is positive self-talk. Make sure you are your own biggest champion and give yourself a pep talk every day.

How To Help Someone Struggling with Mental Health issues

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Depression: Don't Let Yourself Get Worse Before You Get Better - Huffington Post India