Stressin' about the recession?

Layoffs, inflation, depression-inducing interest rates—it’s hard to justify pampering yourself when news about the sagging economy is bearing down from all angles. But if your knotted-up shoulders are any sign, you might need a massage now more than ever.

Think you can’t afford it? You’ve just got to know how to recoup some cash—plus where to find some decent deals, from cheapo student clinics to special spa sales.

Give up... two weeks of $5 pre-work lattes 
Then you can afford... The Rubb ($50) at halo [FOR MEN]. Opt for a 60-minute deep-tissue sports massage or the gentler Swedish massage with cooling (and organic) tea tree and peppermint oils in a Zen-like treatment room decked out with a vintage chandelier and Buddha decor. Milk this deal for all it’s worth with a leisurely rinse-off session in the locker room’s luxe multi-head shower.
The catch: One-time only appointments in August (after that, regular price is $90). And sorry ladies--this spa is for dudes only.

Give up... the $60-a-month gym membership you never, ever use
Then you can afford... a monthly massage at Massage Envy, a national chain with a newly opened Streeterville location boasting late hours (10 p.m. on weeknights) and budget prices for members. Commit to one 50-minute massage a month for 12 months and the $98 price drops to $59. If you don't use this month's massage, it rolls over to the next. When you’ve melted blissfully into the massage table, we doubt you’ll wish you were slaving on the treadmill instead.
The catch: The extra bargain comes with the 12-month contract. Sorry, commitment-phobes.

Give up... three $12 martinis on Friday night
Then you can afford... the $35 hour-long massage at Chiropractic Solutions & Massage. This chiropractic office looks like, well, a chiropractic office from the outside, but Dr. Jeremy Weisz also employs two massage therapists with a pain-relief focus and massage rooms sport the requisite soothing music and candles.
The catch: First-timers only; for return visits, it’s $70. The session starts with a brief consultation with Weisz to customize your massage for aches and past injuries; come 10-15 minutes early to avoid losing out on treatment time.

Give up... five days of $10 lunches
Then you can afford... a 50-minute massage ($45) Chicago Touch. Here, you’re sacrificing privacy for affordability; it’s one large space divided into ceiling-less loft-style rooms with curtains for doors. Read: A chatty neighbor could potentially disrupt your de-stressing.
The catch: Weekdays before 5 p.m. only, so skip out early from work or book over lunch. Evening or weekend appointments cost $5 more. For the best deal, split a pre-paid package with a friend: At $400 for 500 minutes, that’s five 50-minute massages for each of you at $40 a pop, usable anytime.


MORE DEALS
If you can stand to splurge bit more, snag a late-summer deal at these decadent spas:
• Aniko Salon & Spa: Save $10 on an Aniko massage (regularly $85 for 60 minutes) on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Print out a coupon from the spa's website.
• Urban Spa Chic: Book a 60-minute signature massages for $75 (usually $90) in August
• Luxe: Score a 90-minute Swedish massage for $80 (usually $110)
• Exhale: Score 25 percent off a 60-minute massage on Tuesdays or 8 a.m. any day ($86.25 instead of $115).
• SpaForever: 60-minute massages are a respectable $60 yearround.
• Lincoln Park Massage: Take 10 percent off 60-minute treatments, Monday through Friday

Lisa Arnett is the metromix suburbs and shopping producer. lmarnett@tribune.com