Spas and the Job Search - Revitalize More Than Just Your Resume

Life is wonderful. It can be full of joy and pleasure, but it is also challenging at times. As much as it is important to attend regular checkups, there is more to good health than just the physical – I’m talking about the necessity of decompressing and unwinding practices. Big changes in our lives, such as a career change or starting a new job, bring on added stress, even when the change is positive. Job searches require more from you; from added time spent sitting looking at a screen to dealing with the highs and lows of the process in general. I will say for certain that a visit to the spa can help counteract many of these effects.

I love spas. I mean, really, really LOVE them. I love the atmosphere and the treatments they offer. I love the Zen music, the beautiful floral arrangements, and the fluffy robes – need I go on? I trust you more than get the picture! What I love most about going to the spa though is how I am able to decompress and rejuvenate. All those particular things that entice me are just a means to an end – a means to a clearer mind, reduced stress, enhanced clarity, and a better mood. No matter how I am feeling on my way into the spa, I leave carrying on the enchantment found within those glorious walls, ready to handle anything coming my way throughout the day. It is a total restoration of my system – physical and beyond.

Taking care of yourself is important. Many cultures have incorporated aspects of the spa experience in daily life, from the baths of ancient Rome to the sauna and steam rooms of today, like those in Finland, Japan, and Iceland. Their longevity and popularity attests to their numerous benefits. Similarly, athletes understand the recuperative and performance-enhancing properties of heat, cold, massage and other physical therapies. It’s a not-so-secret weapon in how they maintain peak levels of fitness.

The best part? The experience is totally customizable. You can get the spa experience that fits your budget while negotiating with your other needs. How much time do you have? How stressed are you feeling? What else is going on that requires your attention? A whole spa day with friends can be amazing but a simple massage can be just as helpful at times. It doesn’t even necessarily have to be a spa at all. There are other things that I can think of as spa-adjacent – giving the same sense of relaxation and refreshment. For example, getting your hair cut or even just styled; you’ll no doubt be pampered at the salon. Getting a manicure (gentlemen that includes you). Both are great ways to quickly boost your mood and confidence, especially before an interview or big meeting.

Finally, you can get a dose of a spa pampering whenever you need, doing it yourself at home. By creatively recreating parts of the spa, tailoring the whole experience for yourself – lighting nice candles with soft music playing in the background, snuggling in comfy robes surrounded by pillows after a relaxing session with your favorite skin care products and bath oils – the possibilities are endless. This doesn’t even have to wait for when you have extra time and funds, you can start with something simple and eventually build on that.

Be mindful of the possibilities and listen to what your body and spirit are telling you. For maximum relaxation, if you can, turn your phone off when you are in this zone, tune in. The point is to consciously make time for yourself to check in, and to breathe through the tensions life may bring along on this captivating journey; releasing them, so you may show up recharged to handle your tasks and grand ideas. The spa should not be considered frivolous or an indulgence but rather a tool for a healthier life. A wonderful, fluffy, peaceful tool.

For starters, pause here, holding a brief moment for yourself. Take a deep breath in and a long exhale – revel in your entirety.