UK Spa Association

Strategies to Reduce Christmas Stress 

Make a List

It works for Santa and it will work for you. List the things you have to do to prepare for the holiday season, such as gift shopping on one side of the page and the things you want to do, such as special holiday baking on the other side of the page. Ticking items off a list as they are accomplished is so satisfying, however, to also bear in mind that lists can also be a cause of stress, if they are not realistic. 

Pick and Choose Your Christmas Activities

By Hannah Briggs 

There is an undeniable and easily apparent sense of pressure on young people to do well at school. This pressure tends to stem from external sources such as teachers and parents. I know this first hand from my experience during my GCSE’s. 

I never thrived in traditional subjects like maths and science and didn’t achieve grades good enough to get back into the Sixth Form at my school. I vividly recall telling my Headmistress my next step was going to be a Beauty Therapy diploma at college – to which she responded with a laugh followed by the words ‘that will never get you anywhere’. To be spoken to like this at such a poignant time as a young, impressionable adult was something I would never forget but equally something that would instil drive and determination in me to prove her wrong.

When I discovered the International Spa Management course at the University of Derby Buxton, I couldn’t believe my luck. As one of, I’m sure, many young people that felt as though the conventional schooling system wasn’t for them, this felt like a chance to finally prove my school teachers wrong, try something different and most importantly, find something I enjoy. 

'This is a bus journey not a taxi ride. No therapist means no spas. No spas mean no spa jobs and nowhere for spa brands to sell their goods. The UKSA is the bus. We have the plans, the means and resources to drive this initiative and campaign. But we need EVERYONE onboard with funding and support to make it happen.'

Helena Grzesk, General Manager 

UK Spa Association 

Thank you to our members, for supporting our all new National Spa Week last month. We had some wonderful feedback with lots of lessons learnt and ideas implemented. Thank you for your participation and for sharing our content so actively on social media. The support shown for the new, annual, trade focused week is much appreciated and a key driver for change within the spa industry.

We achieved a whopping 11,500 podcast downloads and the top 3 most popular days were: 

• Employee Financial Wellness
• Employee Mental Health
• Business Health

UK Spa Association Chairman, Adam Chatterley said of the recent trade campaign: 

"Dedicated to the spa trade only, this brand new, educational week will become our annual gift to everyone in our industry, providing a wealth of knowledge and expertise around a particular industry challenge. The National Spa Week webpage at https://www.spa-uk.org/spaweek (which sits on the UK Spa Association site) revealed a wealth of value-added podcasts, videos, articles and resources, crafted by hand-picked industry and outside industry experts. It has now been archived, should you still like to access these carefully created learnings, provided for the benefit of everyone”. 

Treatwell interviews two leading spas that have significantly grown their business. 

Interview with Sabrina Zaczyk: 

Spa Manager of Spa at The Montcalm Hotel Marble Arch & Paddington Boutique Spa at The Chilworth Hotel. 

 How does Treawell help grow your spa business?

by Juliet Wheater

Public speaking is often the one thing that really worries people, professionals included. This fear can create an aversion to speaking to a group of people as well as, now quite often required, speaking to camera. However, its high time the spa professional took to Facebook Live to showcase their fantastic businesses, services and facilities. 

Many marketers use Facebook Live to communicate their brand stories and to build authentic, intimate connections with followers and potential clients, so can the Spa Manager. 

In April 2016, Facebook launched Facebook Live, a live video streaming service that allows anyone tobroadcast from their mobile devices straight to their Facebook newsfeed. 

by Sean O'Sullivan from The Pool Lift Company

We all know that the tranquillity of a spa instantly makes you feel more relaxed and that the health benefits are endless; which is why it is so important that those who are elderly, disabled or recovering from injury have access to these facilities.  Ideally spas should have treatment rooms with wide doors for wheelchairs, hydraulic beds which are easy to lower and raise, fully equipped disabled changing rooms, facilities on one level and step free access to swimming pools and hot tubs.

Whilst a new build can easily achieve a fully accessible spa and depending on budget install innovative solutions such as moveable pool floors, many spas have physical barriers like steps or a difference in floor levels to overcome. The layout or fabric of the building may also present a challenge when making modifications to improve accessibility. 

However, in most cases a platform lift or a ramp can be easily installed without affecting the integrity of the building, landscape or environment. There are also a huge range of materials available to complement or blend in both modern and traditional surroundings or can even match a brand. When it comes to the pool side or a hot tub, a pool lift could present a very simple solution to create step free access without making any major structural changes. 

by Juliet Wheater

Sleep deprivation is detrimental to our physical and mental health. When was the last time you had a restful, undisturbed night’s sleep? Although its vital for our health and wellbeing, seemingly most of us just aren’t getting enough. While you’re sleeping, your brain is preparing for the next day. It’s formingnew pathways to help you learn and remember information and the body is healing and repairing itself. 

According to The Sleep Council, when we first fall asleep we enter non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM). This is divided into three stages, with each becoming progressively deeper. NREM1 and NREM2 are light phases of sleep, from which we can be easily roused. NREM3 becomes deeper and if woken, we can feel disorientated. Following on from this, is rapid eye movement sleep REM, the stage at which we dream. 

Each sleep cycle lasts around 1.5 hours and in order to feel fully rested when we wake up, we must experience all four stages. 

By Dermalogica 

What makes your skin age faster? It’s not what you think.

Story highlights – A chronically unhealthy exposure (environment and lifestyle) can add years of premature aging to your skin. Proper skin care helps give back what your exposome takes away. 

It happens to us all: we see our faces in the mirror and realise that we’ve aged. Our formerly fine lines have begun to etch deeper grooves, our skin tone has become uneven and our once-taut jaw lines have become slack. When did that happen? Apart from the genes we are born with, the answer may lie in our exposure. 

By Jack Tang of Urban 

 There’s a question we ask ourselves a lot at Urban: as our business of providing wellness treatments at home grows, how does it fit in with the spa industry, a sector close to our hearts and aligned with our goals? The answer is still forming, but for the moment here’s how we see ourselves in the wider scheme. 

Cultivating a new mindset 

People who feel well often make the effort to keep themselves feeling well, and businesses can thrive on that self-sustaining appetite. But it’s not always easy for busy people to make that initial step into a world they’re unfamiliar with – that’s particularly true for newcomers to spas, where visits can (and should) swallow entire days. 

At-home treatments are powerful in that respect. They can reveal the wonders of a good massage to the full-time parent or busy CEO. And they can get those treatments regularly and at a reasonable price.

The UK Spa Association sat down with Andrew Hammond, Founder and Director of Spa Life UK and received the inside scoop on this very special, forthcoming anniversary conference. 

The Spa Life International UK Convention 2019 will be hosted at the Hilton DoubleTree Coventry, and will be celebrating its 10th year with a few exciting changes. 

Running over two days, with an average of 500 attendees, delegates will enjoy 1-2-1 product demonstrations and peer networking, showcases of the latest trends and innovations in the 50 strong brand EXPO arena, industry insights from a host of expert speakers, plus interactive education seminars and workshops to develop their skills. 

Andrew, observes “Spa Life is a true celebration of excellence and innovation in the spa and now the wider wellness industry, but still with a unique focus on education and self-development. We know wellness begins with the people delivering it. So we strive to provide what our audience needs to create exceptional wellness experiences for their customers”. 

“We help the Spa Life community grow their product offering, their networks and their knowledge and we pride ourselves on ensuring each attendee has actionable insights to take back and put into practise in their own business. And we pride ourselves on delivering all this in a relaxed, professional environment.” 

By Claudia Agha of Satya Life 

At Satya Life, we believe that the core essence of ‘spa’ is wellness and this is something which should be available to every individual. We were appointed distributer for Jennifer Young – beauty despite cancer as it aligned with our core values for being beneficial for one’s wellbeing and especially for those who have undergone serious medical care. 

Cancer Statistics 

- By 2030, there will be 23.6 million new cases of cancer worldwide each year (estimated)¹.^. 

 - By 2020, almost one in two people (47%) will get cancer².^.

National Mental Health Day 10th October 2019 

By Sam Pearce 

LOW EARS -  accredited endorsed course designed specifically to safeguard our own mental well-being - hoping for ‘Lobal Domination’ 

The first of it’s kind being introduced into the beauty industry, Sam Pearce, creator and founder of the Potting Shed Spa believes that this qualification will bring much-needed support and a specific skill set to those keeping the cogs of the beauty industry working.    

As an ambassador for the beauty industry and a champion for advocating and addressing correct mental health practice within the beauty industry -  Sam had an epiphany,  ‘going through a challenging incident that not only threatened the future of her business but more importantly the impact on her own mental health - I couldn’t explain to anyone how I was feeling, the only comparison I could give was my dachshund puppy who when confused, unhappy, sad, couldn’t vocalise it - she showed me - her ears went low, so I knew she needed me to help her.  This is where this initiative was born, sometimes things are just too hard to explain, a symbol or sign can be enough’.

On-the-go Management - Grow your spa brighter with Europe’s #1 beauty booking platform.

At Treatwell, we’re on a mission to help every beauty business grow brighter online. It’s about so much more than just an online listing, we’re here to be your digital business partner, every step of the way.

With Treatwell, you’ve got unlimited access to everything you need to easily find more clients, improve customer loyalty and manage your diary effortlessly, all in one place.

For those that don’t yet know Circadia by Dr Pugliese, we have every faith you soon will! 

With the core philosophy of skincare centred on the body’s Circadian Rhythms– defending from environmental insult during the day, and stimulating repair mechanisms during sleep, Circadia is the Advanced Professional Skincare brand making waves in the world of cosmeceuticals and ‘medispa’ lines in the UK. 

Fast becoming a sought after product line showcased in clinics and beauty lounges nationwide, you’ll find Circadia splashed all over the likes of trendy Notting Hill based Young LDN(the beauty ‘destination’ of dreams, with its speciality peel bar featuring Circadia treatments aplenty!) Dr Nyla Raja’s state of the art celebrity clinic in upmarket Wilmslow and Cheshire Housewives Resident Medic, Dr Martin Kinsella’s Clinics in Ultra Chic Hale.

 “Rich in history, with a bright future”

Electro muscle stimulation (EMS) training is growing in the UK as the latest fitness solution for spas, medi spas and salons looking to offer a 360-wellness service. Why? It’s simple. EMS can attract new clientele, increase revenue and turn small, underused spaces into some of the most profitable square footage in your facility. 

First, what is EMS Training? 

EMS technology originates from rehab and sports performance. Powered by miha bodytec, the market leaders in EMS training technology, it works by contracting muscles through an electrical current. Clients wear a specially designed vest and belt which has a sensor for all eight of the major muscle groups. The electrical current encourages muscles to contract harder for longer, so they spend more time under tension and work at a higher intensity to normal. The result is a more effective whole-body workout. The sessions are delivered by a trainer on a 1:1 or 1:2 basis, providing a more personal and bespoke workout, perfect for your regular spa or clinic clientele. 

Attracting new clientele

We understand how busy life can be; late nights, long days, early starts. Adding to this, the pressures from a shortage of spa therapists and the operational strains of running a demanding spa. Sometimes it can all get TOO MUCH and we can easily forget the importance of the guest journey; the little touches of excellence that go a long way.

At Temple Spa, we are not happy if the client is just satisfied, we want to exceed their expectations every time they give us their time to make them feel better in whatever way that can be achieved. We want to captivate them the minute they walk in the door and do everything we can to make their whole experience outstanding. 

Temple Spa really believe in providing Spa Managers and Therapists with the knowledge and advice you need to give exceptional treatments and customer care so that the customer has the best experience, with tailor-made solutions to suit their individual skin and wellbeing needs. 

by Jules Wilcocks, co-founder Body Ballancer Systems UK Ltd

What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is responsible for the absorption, transportation and elimination of excess fluid from the body, and with it an array of toxins, metabolic waste, bacteria and other pathogens. It is the least understood and most undervalued of all the body systems, yet if it stopped working we would die within 24-48 hours!

by Terri Irvin, Owner & Founder of Bump & Beyond

Spa; what does it mean to you? To many, it’s described as a “haven that promotes wellbeing”.  A place to resolve aches and pains, stresses and skin concerns. A retreat for relaxation and a place to unwind and ‘find yourself’.  It would appear that the role of the spa is largely reactive. But could it also be proactive in preventing physical and mental ailments in the first place? And to who? It’s currently uncommon to find many treatments designed for pregnant women and their partners. Typically, if treatments are available, they might be targeted at expectant mothers late within their second or third trimester of pregnancy.  

Becoming a parent can be pricey. It is understandable that expectant parents would consider their personal wellbeing to be a ‘low priority’ expense. However, the mothers’ physical and mental wellness has a direct and determining influence on the likelihood of a positive birth outcome and the overall health of the baby.

"Who you are and what you're like when you're pregnant will affect who that baby is". 

Janet DiPietro - developmental psychologist, Johns Hopkins University

By Christine-Alice Hartigan

Following on from my previous workplace wellness articles, I feel that it is important to keep this current and in thought. Realisation of our place in the world, reflection, mindfulness and meditation are all good ways to keep a positive mental attitude but is this being lost by the sense of being far too busy and is the work life balance out of equilbrium! 

In the first instance I thought it would be beneficial to define what the difference is between meditation and mindfulness.

“Meditation isn’t about becoming a different person, a new person, or even a better person. It’s about training in awareness and getting a healthy sense of perspective. You’re not trying to turn off your thoughts or feelings. You’re learning to observe them without judgment. And eventually, you may start to better understand them as well.”