Live in NYC – or just visiting? I recommend taking a nap. Pick up any recent magazine or newspaper and there is bound to be some reference to the lack of sleep we Americans get. We are overworked, overtired, overextended. Yelo Spa on W57th aims to improve our collective condition one nap at a time.
I was dubious about going to a spa that was known primarily for napping – but curious. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was a quiet low key space with pods and special chairs designed for taking a restful break. You can also choose to have hand or foot reflexology, sip tea and listen to relaxing music. I choose the reflexology and thoroughly enjoyed my nap time. In fact, I actually did doze off and woke up feeling completely refreshed.
If you go, choose from several themed treatments designed to address stress, immunity, energy and depression. There is also a nice selection of supporting homeopathic, aromatherapy based skin, bath and personal products available.
This is truly an original spa concept and one that I hope catches on. It focuses very simply on something we all need more of sleep and relaxation, in a very simple yet sophisticated and soothing way.
If you can’t get to Yelo, try to create your own power nap or break in the day. Our tips for achieving calm and serenity at work:
+ Take a 20 minute break and close your office door.
+ Make a soothing cup of hot tea – chamomile, green, something light and soothing.
+ Invest in an eye pillow – Earth Therapeutics makes a very nice bamboo version.
+ Put a cd of relaxing music in your computer and begin to shift your focus from work to soothing thoughts or body awareness.
+ When your mind drifts bring it back to your body and focus on mentally relaxing all of your muscle groups starting from feet up and ending with the head.
+ Visualize each muscle relaxing and let go.
+ When you reach the top take a moment to come back to your day and the present moment.
+ You will feel refreshed and more patient for spending these 20 minutes focusing on nurturing you.
*Photo Credit: Lotus Haus
