Did you know that some stress is actually healthy? According to the Stanford University School of Medicine, short bouts of stress may actually boost the immune system. Too much stress however, cannot only affect your outer appearance through aging and can increase the risk of depression, heart disease and substance abuse.

 Four simple ways to help control your stress levels:

• Make healthy food choices. Choosing fresh vegetables and fruits over fatty, sugary foods helps decrease the body’s physiological stress.
• Go for a walk outside. Being alone in nature helps soothe the soul.
• Get a massage. Massage helps to increase the circulation, decrease blood pressure and increases endorphins (the ‘feel-good’ hormone).
• Get a good night's sleep. The only way a body can heal or rejuvenate is through 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

Here are three Westchase spas that are perfectly capable of reducing your stress with amazing massage treatments:

Pia Esthetics Day Spa, 10116 Montague Street Tampa, FL 33626.

The Body Bar, 11013 Countryway Boulevard Tampa, FL 33626.

Venus & Mars Day Spa, 11614 Countryway Boulevard Tampa, FL 33626.