Who doesn’t love a spa day? With a little creativity and these handy tips, you can bring the spa experience home to enjoy whenever you desire. Partake in the below suggestions all together, or pick and choose the elements that are right for you.
1) These days, spas are focusing on overall well-being as opposed to just luxurious pampering. Plus, nothing can feel more relaxing then pampering yourself after exercising. Try yoga, bike riding, strength training, walking, swimming or your exercise of choice. Or, try these simple meditation exercises. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning a new physical activity.
2) Next, set the scene by creating a spa atmosphere at home. Light some candles in your favorite scents and turn down the artificial lights; play some soothing background music; and if your house has a fireplace or water feature, all the better for creating a soothing background.
3) If you’re in need of some massaging, spread out a soft blanket and grab a tennis ball. Place the tennis ball under your back or shoulder, or the area with tension, and move around to work out the “knots.” You can also try this standing against a wall or sitting down and using it under your feet. Some people prefer to place two or three tennis balls in an old sock, tie the sock off, and use the resulting “massage tool” to work out tension.
4) Then apply a store bought face mask or make your own (click here for “9 Face Mask Recipes for All Skin Types” from About.com).
5) Next, run the bath, and pour in some homemade bath salts. Pre-mix the bath salts ahead of time by adding your favorite essential oil from the health food store to some Epsom salts (one teaspoon per cup of Epsom salts). Don’t forget a bath pillow for comfort.
6) Wet your hair and apply a store bought deep conditioner or hair mask, or make your own ahead of time. Place some cooled cucumber slices over your eyes, then relax and enjoy the warm scented water and soothing music.
7) When you’re ready to begin draining the tub, use the time to exfoliate and moisturize your skin with a body scrub. You can buy one or make your own ahead of time by adding one part oil (baby oil or olive oil works well) to two parts sugar. Add in a few drops of essential oils for a great scent. Rub the scrub on your arms, legs and feet to remove dead skin and moisturize at the same time. Then run a steamy shower to rinse off your mask, hair treatment and scrub.
As you step out of the shower, dry off with a towel fresh from the dryer, and then slip into a warm and fuzzy robe. Your hair will be shiny, your face clean and fresh, and your skin soft and moisturized. Best of all, you will feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
Resources
13 DYI At-Home Spa Tricks – Glamour.com
The At-Home Spa Guide – WholeLiving.com
21 Pro Secrets to an Amazing At-Home Spa Experience – RealBeauty.com