Stressed? Sit, scrub, and steam away those troubles! (In theory.)

According to the American Psychological Association, nearly two-thirds of people in the United States are stressed about by the economy. (I'd like to have a chat with that one third that isn't!)

Too much stress can literally kill you - and in times like these, you need a break more than ever.

Thus, my hypothesis: A bit of spa in your day can save your life.

Granted, if the economy is going to heck, none of us can actually afford that. However, Asha SalonSpa, the largest Aveda Lifestyle SalonSpa in Chicago, has a few great tips to help you relax at home.

Foot Spa: After a long day at work, a great way to relax is to soothe your feet. Use everyday items in your home, such as a large salad bowl filled with hot water, (temperature of your comfort level). Lie in a chair that will make you feel at ease, wrap a hot towel around your neck, and let your feet soak in the warmth as the worries of the day perish from your mind. Take a warm towel and wrap each of your feet for a deep exfoliation. Mix raw sugar, olive oil, and spray some peppermint to make a paste to spread onto your feet to rid the tough layers of skin that have built up over the long week at work.

Scalp Massage: Asha recommends using a drop of lavender oil and massaging it around the base of your skull, then taking a pencil and using the tip of the eraser to create a circular motion. Doing this will increase the blood flow as you compress the skin to relieve headache pressure. The smell of the pure aroma will release serotonin in your brain to enhance the desired effect.

Steam Shower: With the weather changing and your sinuses acting up, a great way to sooth your stress and sinuses is to take a steam shower. Turn your shower on and run steaming hot water for about twenty minutes. While the water is running, and the steam is building, take a warm wash cloth and spray rosemary oil into it. When you return to your shower indulge in the hot steam and put the wash cloth up to your face for a soothing smell of rosemary steam. Not only will this help drain your sinuses you will be relieved from stress and in a tranquil state of mind.