Give dad a spa experience

This Father’s Day if you are looking for an inexpensive gift with long lasting value, then a massage may be a good choice.

Massage therapy can be beneficial to mental health as studies have shown its benefits to include the alleviation of symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, and depression.

The US National Institutes of Health reports that massages can help improve physical wellness by reducing pain in the lower back, neck and shoulder while also alleviating headaches.

According to certified aesthetician and massage therapist Shirva Roach, “A Swedish massage is designed to relax the entire body by rubbing the muscles in long, gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart.

“But the benefits of Swedish massage go beyond relaxation. It can help increase the level of oxygen in the blood and improve circulation,” she said.

Roach, 37, is the owner of Simpliu Day Spa and Spa Treats which opened in 2018 and is located in Chaguanas.

If you want to give dad an at-home massage, Roach recommended using a Home Medics Quatro Mini Massager.

Found at any beauty supply store or pharmacy, Roach said the massager gives invigorating and relaxing spot massages.

Other inexpensive yet effective massage essentials include cold-pressed coconut or avocado oil.

Among other spa experiences you can replicate for dad at home is a pedicure. Sometimes, men understate the importance of taking care of their feet.

“Apart from being a stress reliever, pedicures improve circulation, keep the nails and skin hydrated and gives an all-round sense of relaxation," said Roach.

“It is important to take care of your feet by doing regular pedicures. As time passes, the sole of your feet builds up callous and dead skin cells.”

Simple tips for helping dad care for his feet include trimming his nails, cleaning his cuticles and soaking his feet in a warm Epsom salt foot bath. This foot bath helps breakdown dead skin cells.

Applying a sea salt foot scrub and filing away dead skin promotes smoother softer feet.

The essentials for at-home pedicures like Epsom salt foot soak, sea salt scrubs, foot basins, nail clippers, nail files and cuticle nippers can be found at any beauty supply store or pharmacy.

To get creative, Roach said using aromatherapy, like a lavender scented foot soak, can help dad relax.

As a little goes a long way, these products – and of course utensils – will last a long time, which makes for the perfect gift that keeps giving.

More stretching, less stressing for dad

Now that you have given dad the ultimate at-home spa experience, why don’t you help him stretch, breathe, and release through mindfulness and meditation? Why not help dad Stretch4Stress?

“As human beings, we rarely take the time to pause, and breathe deeply.

“To take a stretch session is to reserve a moment to inhale, exhale, connect with your body, and be conscious of your thoughts,” said Stretch4Stress founder Thema Williams.

A gymnast and dancer, Williams said the benefits of stretching include less body aches and pains, improved posture and balance, a positive state of mind, greater strength, improved physical performance and increased blood flow.

With research showing the placing of one’s bare feet in grass can help increase energy levels and reduce stress by 62 per cent, Stress4Stress classes are usually held outdoors at Jackson Square, Port of Spain.

Due to covid19 restrictions, however, classes are being held online until the end of June but will return to Jackson Square on July 2.

On Tuesdays and Thursday’s classes are held from 5-6 pm while on Saturdays they are held from 9-10 am.

Williams said the number of classes will be increased for the month of July and will be announced soon.

Stretch4Stress, she added, is the perfect bonding gift for anyone and their dad.

For fathers who may think stretching may not fit the patriarchal definition of “manliness”, there is no need to worry as Williams said the classes have been well-received by men.

“One of the greatest turnouts we have had with men stretching was at Stretch4Stress’ Valentine’s Day session, where couples came together and stretched. It was incredible, and, the males enjoyed it just as must as the females.

“I would encourage men to take a stretch class with us because often the bustle and responsibilities of life leaves little time for self-care.

“Retirement should not be a death sentence, so take care of your mental and physical well-being today,” said Williams.

If you are interested in gifting dad a Stretch4Stress class, you can look up Williams on Facebook and Instagram @stretch4stress.