Time is one of the most precious gifts you can give.  Forget the latest gadgets or the trendy new handbag – most of us have got more clutter than we know what to do with.

Despite all our timesaving gadgets, we’re rich in ‘stuff’, but poor in time. So if you really care about someone, give them an hour in which they can get thoroughly pampered!

Clinical psychologist Dr Becky Spelman* says the so-called ‘weekend effect’- the idea that people are happier at the weekend, doing what they enjoy and spending time with the people they love – is key to understanding its importance.

She says: “Time to ourselves, no matter what our job or what situation it is that tends to take that time away from us, is key.  The freedom to choose what you want to do with your time (even if that time is minimal!) has been shown to help lift moods, improve energy levels and lower aches and pains.

“It’s vital to carve some ‘me’ time into hectic schedules. Even a half hour walk in the park, an indulgent massage or a therapeutic chat with a friend, ‘time’ benefits your psychological, and subsequently physical wellbeing – setting you up for the challenges the rest of the day or week may bring.”

Short of rocking up on somebody’s doorstep and saying, here I am, I’ll look after the kids/the dog/your leaky tap, an indulgent massage is the perfect way to give some precious downtime to your nearest and dearest.

A full-body massage is a wonderful cure-all for stress, benefits the body in a myriad of ways and is wonderful at gently cajoling you into switching off and zoning in on YOU.

You can purchase an Urban Massage Gift Card from https://www.urbanmassage.com/gift-vouchers (a physical card or an e-gift), minimum spend £20, perfect to top-up a Christmas stocking.

And let’s face it – what could be dreamier than a decadent massage…

*http://theprivatetherapyclinic.co.uk