Best Spa Treatments to Beat the Winter Blues
Why do we feel depressed during winter?
It’s no coincidence that Blue Monday – the most depressing day of the year – takes place in January. The darker days mean we’re not getting enough sunlight. And if we aren’t getting enough light, we feel tired. The brain thinks it’s night time, so it produces more melatonin, which is the hormone that affects sleep. That’s why we often feel drowsy, irritable and unable to focus during winter.
On top of that, the lack of light also causes our serotonin levels plummet. And we need serotonin to help us function. So on the days when its dark by 4PM, we’re much more likely to feel depressed and anxious. But you can do something about it.
Brighten up your winter with a healthy spa day
There are steps we can take to make the winter months feel more bearable. Science has shown there are many benefits to relaxation. It’s your body’s built-in antidepressant. Just 30 minutes of self-care a day reduces stress, improves your mental health and wards off the winter blues.
At Lincombe Hall, our luxury spa treatments and facilities are designed to give you that much-needed pick-me-up during the bleakest time of year. Here’s how:
Sauna and steam room
Does anything sound more appealing than unwinding in a hot sauna on a frosty day? We think not. Our Scandinavian sauna uses high temperatures and humidity to take you to maximum levels of relaxation. Not only does it flush out toxins and soothe your muscles, but it has several serotonin-boosting properties to fight off the winter blues.
If that tickles your fancy, you’ll also enjoy our aromatherapy steam room. You may have noticed that your sinuses often feel more congested during the winter months. This is because the lack of Vitamin D weakens our immune systems, leaving us more susceptible to common colds and other unwanted illnesses. Our steam room is infused with delicious herbal infusions to cleanse your sinuses and utterly relax you.
Aromatherapy also stimulates the brain’s limbic system, which is in charge of regulating emotions. So not only will you be able to breathe better, but you’ll feel happier, calmer and a lot less blue.
Bucket showers
After enjoying a relaxing visit to the sauna or steam room, wake yourself up with an ice-cold bucket shower. We know what you’re thinking. A cold shower in winter sounds insane. But you’d be surprised by the benefits: it’s great for the immune system, improves your sleep and soothes sore muscles.
More importantly, it’s amazing for your mental wellbeing. The shock of the cold water makes you more alert and energised, sending signals to the brain to release endorphins and fight symptoms of depression. So don’t knock it ‘til you try it. Maybe then you’ll want to brave the ice room.
Massages and facials
After a mood-boosting thermal treatment, we recommend booking yourself in for a well-deserved facial or massage to battle the dry winter weather. Bring some life back into your skin during the colder season using Temple Spa products, used across our face and body treatments. Here are some of our top hydrating and nourishing picks:
- High Performance Brightening Facial: Illuminates, purifies and smoothens the skin by gently draining the lymph nodes and flushing out toxins. Just what you need to feel revitalised on those gloomy days.
- Mediterranean Marinade Facial: Get all the benefits to a month-long retreat abroad without having to even hop on a plane. This cleansing facial is designed to leave your skin looking and feeling radiant, even when the sun isn’t out.
- The Outer Glow Face & Body Exfoliation: If looking like you’ve returned from holiday wasn’t enough, a gentle exfoliation treatment may be just what you need to freshen up over winter. By removing dead cells and replenishing the skin, it’s the perfect pick-me-up when you’re feeling worse for wear.
- Energising Full Body Massage: Regain some much-needed momentum with a head-to-toe massage, which stimulates the body and leaves you glowing from the inside out.
Hydrotherapy
We’re often told about the advantages to drinking water. Clearer skin, better digestion, fewer toxins. It’s great. But it’s also a brilliant fix for the winter blues. Hydrotherapy is a fantastic form of self-care that has a number of benefits to boost your mental wellbeing.
Simply relaxing in our hydropool for just 20 minutes will send you into a state of bliss. It’s set to an ideal 34°C with air jets and pressurised bubbles to really hit the spot. You’ll be swimming in endorphins.
After that, take a dip in our indoor pool to get in some much-needed movement. There’s a reason you feel great after exercising. Physical activity releases endorphins to make you feel more energised, less stressed and happier. So instead of sitting around waiting for winter to pass, get moving.
Afternoon Tea at Lincombe Hall
There’s nothing like a decent cuppa to put you in a good mood. Once you’ve finished at the spa, wrap up your visit with afternoon tea and cake in the brasserie. Tea is the best remedy to cure the winter blues.
We also recommend booking yourself in for an overnight stay to make your visit extra special. Our Winter Warmer Spa Break is the perfect way to brighten up your January and set yourself up for the New Year.
