Take Care of You

You never hear the phrase “working dad,” so why is “working mom” such a common term used for women? Being a mom is a lot of things — caretaker, chef, chauffeur, planner, homework helper, laundry doer — the list goes on and on. It’s wonderful and rewarding. It’s also hard and, sometimes, thankless. You can only continue to do all you do, for everyone you love, if you show yourself some love! In the spirit of Mother’s Day, here are some ideas to recharge yourself.

Relax

Escape from stress and indulge with a massage treatment. Try something unique like a scalp and facial treatment at Mer Head Spa in Johns Creek. Their options all end with a shoulder massage and give your hair some TLC at the same time. You can even add on a blow out! Sapa Head Spa on Buford Highway offers a variety of scalp massages, facial treatments, hair treatments and packages for complete relaxation. All of their services include an initial 10 minutes of sea salt foot soak, hot towels and complimentary rough blow-dry for the hair.

Prefer a foot massage? Try Treat Your Feet, which has five locations in metro Atlanta. It’s very relaxing, and at $45 for 60 minutes, it’s a way to relax without breaking the bank. Heavenly Foot Massage services include neck wrap, blanket and eye pillow during your foot massage. Locations in Midtown, Dunwoody and Alpharetta offer add-ons like exfoliation; prices start at $45 for 30 minutes.

Buford Highway boasts several Korean-style bathhouses that immerse you in relaxation and culture. Some of them also include game rooms and restaurants, and most are open 24 hours a day. An entry fee gives you access to the general amenities while body treatments are an additional cost.

If you prefer something more traditional, Atlanta has tons of day spa options to fit almost any budget. Woodhouse Day Spa has a luxurious, upscale feel and services to match, including full and half-day packages. The facilities, with locations in Buckhead, Dunwoody, Peachtree City and Alpharetta, include spaces for relaxing pre- or post-treatment. Atlanta’s luxury hotels, including Buckhead’s St. Regis and Waldorf Astoria, offer day spa services to non-guests and give you a sense of getting away from it all. The NOW Spa, with five locations across the metro area, offers memberships so you can indulge once or twice a month and get special perks like discounts in the shop and complementary seasonal add-ons.

Detox

The Salt Center

Saunas can help you burn calories and relax while your body detoxifies. Sauna studios like Perspire, which has seven metro area locations, use infrared waves or colored light to heat their saunas. You can get month-to-month memberships, and their staff will show you how to control the SmartTV and sauna before leaving you to detox in either a swimsuit or less (if you’re comfortable).

The Salt Center in Alpharetta offers several wellness services, including infrared saunas and ion cleansing. They also focus on dry salt therapy, which is calming, and the inhalation of microscopic salt particles detox the lungs and improve blood flow.

Drip hydration or IV vitamin therapy is also a way to give your body what it needs. This treatment directly delivers fluids, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients into the bloodstream to ensure faster and more efficient absorption. Places like Vida-Flo and DRIPBaR, both with locations throughout metro Atlanta, offer add-ons to the traditional IV liquids to boost immunity, support hair growth, anti-aging and more.

Fitness Fun

If moving your body helps you feel better, try adding something new to your workout routine. ClassPass and Mindbody are apps that let you try yoga, boxing, Pilates and more without committing. They are credit-based memberships that enable you to book in-person classes to see what you like. You set your own monthly budget, so you are in control.

Scheduling a workout can be tricky with busy family life. HOTWORX studios offer 24-hour infrared fitness classes with virtual instructors for hot yoga, Pilates, barre, cycling and HIIT workouts. There are six locations around Atlanta, and a trial workout is free.

Turn everyday things like walking, running errands or doing laundry into a bit of fitness with Bala Bangles. These small one-pound weights build muscle and can be placed around the wrists or ankles for easy movement. They come in five colors, including pink, purple and blue, so you can show off some personality while you get stronger.

Simple Remedies

Even if you don’t have a lot of time or resources to devote right now, do a few small things to improve your outlook and treat yourself.

• Buy yourself something new. Is it a new pair of shoes or one of those trendy jumpsuits you’ve been seeing on your feed that you want to try? Get that item that’s just for you!
• Refresh your look. Do you wear glasses and want to try a new shape or color? Maybe color your hair or try a new cut for the summer.
• Update your makeup. We all get into that rut of the decade-old makeup routine. Most beauty counters offer application services with an appointment, as do Sephora and Ulta stores.
• Reflect on your day. Take a few minutes in the morning before everyone else wakes up or once you’ve tucked them all into bed to journal or meditate. This quiet time can be very rejuvenating.
• Indulge in a favorite thing. Buy yourself that specialty coffee and sit outside to enjoy it. Take a bubble bath and listen to music. Grab a glass of wine and a book. Unwrap that chocolate bar and watch the new show everyone is talking about. Whatever helps you feel satisfied for a few minutes, take that time and enjoy the simple pleasures.

-Tali Benjamin