How to deselect ???

I just started with Ps, and I have a very basic problem.  Whenever I make a selection like spot healing or the brush tool, i have no idea how to turn off the selection.  The choice on the interface remains highlighted and the cursor remains being the cursor/tool that is appropriate for that selection.  I tried "Deselect" under the "Select" option at the top of the screen (Ctrl + "D") but that doesn't do it.  How do I "turn off" a tool when I'm done using it please???