In the lifelong pursuit of mind and body well-being, don't overlook forgiveness—it's as beneficial as yoga or a good night's sleep. Research suggests that the release of negative emotions can unravel the effects of stress, helping to alleviate depression, boost the immune system, and improve cardiovascular health.

"Forgiveness is important for maintaining mental health and preventing disease," says Dr. Steve Salvatore, medical director of Juva Health and Wellness Center in New York, where healing therapies have been designed to cultivate forgiveness. The act doesn't necessarily entail reconciliation or forgetting past wrongs; rather, it's an innate understanding that these events can't hurt you today. The more you forgive, the more you live— literally.

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using the essential oils of various plants to bring about well- being. As the name would imply, essences are inhaled to stimulate a desired state of mind, but topical application is also effective for healthy skin and a variety of physical conditions. Blends are carefully balanced to respect the harmony of certain scents and healing properties. Here are some of the most popular Aromatherapy oils.

Chamomile, Roman (Anthemis nobilis)
Scent: warm, sweet, green
Effect: sedative
Use for: muscle pain, blemishes, anxiety, depression, wrinkles

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Scent: sweet, floral, green
Effect: balancing
Use for: tension, menopause, cellulite, wrinkles

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Scent: sweet, minty, fresh
Effect: refreshing
Use for: nausea, indigestion, sunburn, concentration

Lavender (Lavendula officinalis)
Scent: sweet, floral, herbaceous
Effect: soothing
Use for: insomnia, burns, headache, infection

Always consult a professional Aromatherapist before blending any essential oils. Discover Aromatherapy at Nicholas Christies Day Spa.

Does anyone really need an excuse to take a nice long soak in the tub? In case you're someone who does, here's a really good one: Epsom salt. A bath in these minerals — sold for just a few dollars in drugstores and supermarkets — offers skin-softening, muscle relaxing and other health-enhancing benefits worth luxuriating in. Create a home-spa sanctuary with skin-softening and health enhancing Epsom salt.

To take an Epsom salt bath, sprinkle two cups in a warm tub. While it fills, swirl the water. But before you hop in, be sure the salt is dissolved. You can adjust the salt amount to your liking, but higher quantities lend the water a soapy feeling.

Once the tub is full (this is the best time to add essential oils if you'd like to introduce other healing qualities), linger in the warm-to-hot water for at least 15 minutes to be sure your skin drinks in the minerals. Pat dry and relax.