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When your cup of coffee spills all over your white blouse right before a meeting, your cell phone won't stop ringing, you have 90 e-mails in your inbox and you forgot to make your son's lunch before dropping him off at school, it's time to go to a spa.

At a time when everything is fast-paced, bite-size and processed, taking time out of your day or week to relax and rejuvenate is crucial to a healthy mind, body and attitude.

Seana Cardillo and Anne Duckels, owners of Waterside Day Spa & Salon, have created a full day spa and salon to make getting away a little easier.

"We don't just get you in and out of here," Cardillo said. "When you get a massage, we want it to be customized to do exactly what you need it to. We can reduce stress and pain and get you to relax."

Cardillo said making a spa or salon appointment is easier than most would think.

"We understand the working mom and the working dad. That's why we try to make everything as convenient as possible. It's very easy to come in for a massage or to get your hair done," she said.

Going to a spa isn't just for people with disposable incomes, either. Waterside has competitive prices and it, along with many local spas, offers a local discount for Steamboat Springs residents.

"It's affordable. People on any budget can get something done. We have our highfalutin girls, our twenty-somethings, our teens, our men, we even have 9-year-olds," Duckels said. "People are finding value in coming to a spa. They build it into their budget."

Suzanne Kibler, owner of Scruples Salon & Spa at the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel, said spending a day at the spa or spending an hour there is crucial to living a sane life.

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"It's something you need to do. You need to take the time to pamper yourself and relax," she said.

Most salons are able to accommodate any client's request, and just like Waterside, Scruples is able to customize any treatment, massage or beauty process, she said.

"It's a very stressful world out there. The younger generations have it even more stressful," said Shirley Jansen, an aesthetician at Scruples.

Jansen said people today are very conscious of what they put in their bodies but aren't necessarily so vigilant about taking care of the outside of their bodies.

"Getting a massage or having work done on your skin is just really healthy for you. You're healthy on the inside and the outside," she said.

Massage therapists would agree.

Laura Gilligan, a certified massage therapist at Sol Day Spa, said working on a client is more than just a massage.

"In that moment, you want to meet them where they are spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally," she said. "It's all about healing you from the inside out."

The numbers of people using spas as alternatives to Western medicines and ideals, is growing, she said.

"I know that we are seeing more everyday people coming in because of their everyday lives. Before, it was only seen as a pampering thing, as a luxury. Now, it's more of a necessity," she said. "We're actually seeing doctors prescribing their patients with massage instead of pharmaceuticals.

For visitors to Steamboat Springs or clients interested in diving into the spa world, prices vary from spa to spa, but expect to pay between $50 and $85 for a massage and about $90 for a facial. Most salons can accommodate walk-ins, but appointments are recommended.