Wellness Quest Spurs Rethinking of the Bath

"We all have the potential to be balanced in our lives, but we seem to have lost our way in this crazy world," said noted psychotherapist Dr. Emmanuel Poirel, Ph.D. "Stress is inevitable in the modern, fast-paced world, and, unfortunately, it has a significant impact on our relationships, work and health."
Given the economic conditions and the fact that most of us are doing twice the work for half the money, stress levels are at an all-time high. The result is increased illness and corporate burnout.
Financial safety nets are gone. We share an ongoing concern about our economic bottom line, the stability of our jobs and businesses and the security, health and happiness of our families. As a nation, we are experiencing a perpetual state of movement with no rest in site.
This changing dynamic creates new opportunities for decorative plumbing and hardware showrooms looking to capitalize on the need for soothing bath spaces, while improving the quality of life for stressed out consumers.
"The starting point is to put things in perspective," says Poirel, a strategic consultant who specializes in occupational health issues. "Changing perspective means realizing the necessity of making changes. Wellness and work/life balance can be achieved through baby steps, but one has to start by taking at least one step. Small changes can make big differences."

NEW RULES
As an industry, we need to embrace the fact that consumer needs have transformed dramatically over the last few years. In the past, the buzz was all about luxury. But that word – and the indulgence it represents – has lost its appeal.
Technology promised to make our lives better, yet we e-mail instead of calling, text instead of speaking and visit Web sites instead of meeting people. This lack of human connection adds to our stress and feelings of isolation. Thanks to technology, we are now expected to be connected 24-7 and it's stressing us out. The time is right for a reconnect in all aspects of our lives and the way we do business.

BACK TO CENTER
There's a growing trend toward wellness – a holistic approach to physical, mental and emotional health that encompasses every aspect of life. And while the movement is still in its infancy, bath designers and showrooms have an opportunity to embrace this movement to help customers deal with stress and achieve personal balance.
It goes much deeper than simply installing a therapeutic showerhead. We need to fundamentally rethink the entire bathroom and realize how it can evolve into a haven for wellness.
While creating a therapy center at home is not a new idea, it is gaining importance. Investing in a personal wellness center is an opportunity to create focus and bring balance to our lives.