Stress affects most people, be it work, studies, exam pressure, or money worries. In a 2018 survey, 74% of UK adults admitted that they had been so stressed in the last year that they had been unable to cope.
Stress can be bad for your health in many ways, including causing physical symptoms including headaches and body pain. When we are stressed, it causes our muscles to tense up, which leads to pain, stiffness and soreness in your neck, back, and shoulders.
The best way to release stress and tension is through physiotherapy and massage therapy, with studies finding that massage therapy resulted in an average reduction of cortisol by 31%, which helps alleviate stress. Additionally, serotonin and dopamine levels were increased by 28% and 31%, respectively, after massage sessions.
And luckily Newbury’s Donnington Valley Hotel and Spa provided expert advice from the Spa Manager, Tina Birtchnell, on managing stress and avoiding burnout through the power of spa treatments.
And they should know, because Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa has partnered with Mediterranean-inspired, British luxury brand TEMPLESPA to bring guests a range of indulgent and results-driven treatments.
This exclusive menu, which debuted in July 2024, is designed to rejuvenate, restore, and help guests manage stress in a holistic and effective way. And we were lucky enough to stay there and review the hotel and spa, so can confirm it’s a fantastic place to relax.
Donnington Valley understand how beauty and wellness are intrinsically linked and offer unique sensory experiences to calm the mind and smooth the soul. The spa is a light, uplifting space with a list of heavenly treatments and a menu designed to leave guests feeling relaxed and carefree.
Advice from an expert
Tina Birtchnell, Spa Manager at Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa, shared her insights on how regular spa treatments can be an essential part of stress management and burnout prevention:
Restorative Relaxation
“Taking time to relax is crucial for mental and physical wellbeing. Our TEMPLESPA treatments, inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of the Mediterranean, are designed to transport guests into a state of deep relaxation, which is vital for stress relief.”
Preventing Burnout
“Burnout often results from prolonged stress. Regular spa visits allow guests to reset and recharge. Our new treatment menu is tailored to provide a sanctuary from daily pressures, offering a combination of relaxation and revitalisation that is key to preventing burnout.”
The Mind-Body Connection
“Our spa treatments focus on the mind-body connection, which plays a significant role in managing stress. Treatments like our TEMPLESPA treatments not only improve the skin but also include soothing rituals that calm the mind, helping guests to achieve a more balanced state.”
Sleep Well
“Massage encourages the release of serotonin, a precursor to the hormone melatonin that helps us to fall asleep, so massage is a great therapy if you have trouble sleeping. It can help you fall asleep easier and sleep deeper, allowing your natural circadian rhythms to return to normal. Donnington Valley offer massages from the tip of your scalp to the base of your toes!”
In addition to these top tips, there are practical, everyday strategies for managing stress that can be useful:
Mindfulness Techniques
Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment and calmly acknowledging your thoughts and feelings without judgement. One simple method is mindful breathing, where you focus entirely on each inhale and exhale. A basic approach is to breathe deeply through your nose for a count of 4, hold for 4, and exhale through your mouth for 4. Practising this regularly helps lower stress and can be done anywhere.
Breathing Exercises
Deep, controlled breathing can quickly reduce stress. For example, the NHS suggests a calming breathing exercise that you can do while sitting or lying down. Slowly breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth while counting to five. This helps engage the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body and mind.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and then relaxing each muscle group in your body, from your toes up to your head. This technique helps relieve tension caused by stress and promotes body awareness. Incorporating it into your daily routine for a few minutes can significantly reduce stress.
Simple Stretches
Stretching can help release tension in muscles caused by stress. Focus on areas like the neck, shoulders, and back, which tend to tighten up under stress. A simple neck stretch involves gently tilting your head to one side while holding for 10-15 seconds, then switching to the other side. Stretching can also improve blood circulation, helping you feel more relaxed and energised.
