Parents Balancing Work and Virtual School May Need a Spa Day

By: Karen Dybis | September 2, 2020
Spa Day

Photo Courtesy of Aesthetic Theory of Detroit.

The most rewarding – and, arguably, the most stressful – job in the world is that of a parent. Both moms and dads also are under new stresses with the recent shifts to working from home combined with virtual school. 

According to one study, nearly half (45%) of adults in the United States recently report that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus and the resulting changes. To relieve some of these tensions, parents may want to look to spas and spa-like experiences as a way to unwind and revive. 

Aesthetic Theory of Detroit describes itself as a medspa, creating natural beauty for its clients using specialized products, science and technology. Licensed Medical Esthetician Jenna Pomilia said the Grosse Pointe Park-based spa offers everything from injectables to laser treatments to lash services for moms and dads eager to socially distance while enjoying a spa treatment. 

“We also offer some relaxing facials to give your skin a nice pick me up,” Pomilia said. “We carry four different skin care lines, one being our own that is unique to us and all named after areas of Detroit. We also have a brow bar where we offer waxing and our own brow products, and also low maintenance lash services are wonderful especially for moms on the go.”

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A spa-cation at home or at your local spa is a great option, according to Katherine Jarnigo and Molly Vollmer, two moms, sisters and co-owners of South of France Body Care, a line of bars, sugar polishes, and hand and body creams that brings the spa experience to businesses as well as homes across the country. 

“While working from home might initially seem like a commuter’s reprieve, over time it creates new issues as parents try to juggle working, zooming, cooking, home schooling, domestic order and financial disorder— 24/7,” Vollmer said. “This multi-tasking leaves very little time for self care and healthy boundaries which means tempers and judgment can unravel. By making a conscious effort to integrate quiet time and spa rituals, parents can refuel and feel re-energized to embrace the daily challenges.”

Vollmer said she loves a spa experience because they “create calm through all the senses.”

“For example, sound with ambient music or the sound of water creates an instant calm. Meanwhile certain scents such as lavender, rose and green tea can all act as calming de-stressors. Touch is also an important calming factor through massage and products with a soothing tactile experience,” Vollmer said. “Spa treatments are actually more than just a feel-good experience. Studies have shown that the frequency of visiting a spa directly correlates with better quality sleep, fewer sick days, reduced work absenteeism and less hospitalizations.”

Here are some other spa options for busy parents looking for a nearby getaway. 

Shears & Shaves

Owner Dawn Sandford has created an oasis on the Avenue of Fashion. This Detroit-based spa offers salon services as well as spa treatment at its one-year-old facility along Livernois. Men and women can relax in style with Sandford’s staff. 

Schvitz Detroit

This 1930s bath house isn’t formally reopened for the public yet. But you can rent it for small parties of under 10 people. So grab your quarantine pod and head over for a steam bath and a long soak. It is the kind of water-based medicine that will definitely help you relax. 

Margots European Spa

There’s a good reason why this spa has been around for decades, making it a Birmingham-based mainstay. You can enjoy every spa treatment at Margots as well as do a take-home type of spa experience with the spa’s products. 

Aesthetic Theory Detroit

If you think you might not look your best on Zoom, then ATD has the treatments that will make any mom or dad look a bit more refreshed. Head to Grosse Pointe Park to try out some injectables alongside its specialty spa products.

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