We all need a little break from things now and then. Our bodies and minds deserve a rest – but pampering doesn’t always need to mean an expensive retreat. Instead, enjoy a spot of relaxation right in your own home by learning how to carve out your own day of self-care with an at-home spa. From how to set the scene to what to wear and even how often to use body scrubs and other pampering products, we’ve got you covered.
Get the place to yourself
One of the best features of a spa day is getting time to yourself: no partner, no kids, no pets, and no cellphone. Take what steps you can to achieve this at home – if it’s not possible to get time completely to yourself then find ways to limit distractions instead. This might mean putting your phone on silent, getting your partner to take the kids and pets on a walk, or just agreeing a few hours when you’ll be on “do not disturb”.
Start by setting the mood
To get in the self-care spirit you need the mood to be the calmest and most relaxing to you. Everyone is different: one person’s calm and relaxing may involve candles and silence while another may prefer mood lighting and their favorite music.
No matter what gets you relaxed, now is the time to put it into action to begin your self-care. Set the scene by grabbing the lighting, sounds, and accessories that bring you calm. Soft lighting is always popular but remember to use items like candles safely to avoid any mishaps.
Change into loungewear or nothing at all
Your regular clothes have a purpose – to make you feel like you’re looking at your absolute best – but at this moment we are not dressing to look good. We are dressing to relax!
Ditch your regular daytime clothes for relaxed loungewear or ditch clothes entirely and wrap yourself up in your favorite robe. No more tight clothes or pinching underwear, just relaxation from head to toe. Throw on some comfortable slippers for added warmth and luxury.
Draw a bath and make it a little special
Slow things down and draw a bath to relax in, running the water nice and hot while adding whatever bath bomb, salts, or bubbles you love. Let the water cool down a bit before you step in: you want it to provide soothing warmth, not scalding heat!
Don’t have a tub? Try a relaxing shower instead, using a shower steamer that will wrap you in soothing scents. The steam from a hot bath or shower can also help open your pores.
Revitalize your skin by applying a face mask
With the time you have while the bath cools (or before you step into the shower), apply your chosen face mask. Don’t forget the cucumber slices for your eyes! Give it 10-15 minutes to soothe your skin before washing it away.
Give yourself time in the bath or shower
You have nowhere to be – no meetings, events, or social engagements, this time is all for you. So don’t rush. Whether climbing into the shower or getting in the bath, give yourself some time to relax there. The wonderful warm water will leave you feeling excellent and well-refreshed.
Clean intensely with an exfoliator
With your extra time in the bath or shower, indulge by using a few skin’s treats like exfoliating body scrubs and hair masks.
Body scrubs help to remove dead skin cells and buff your body. Use them after cleansing your skin (avoiding delicate areas) and take the time to give yourself a soft massage as you apply the product in circular motions to your skin. Make sure you moisturize thoroughly afterward too. Love the feeling afterward but not sure how often to use body scrub and exfoliator products? Once every week or two should be enough.
Hair masks help to restore dry, damaged, or tired locks. Apply generously before letting the product seep in while you relax. Rinse right at the end of your bath or shower to get as much benefit as possible.
Dry naturally while relaxing
Candles have been lit and their scent is in the air, your favorite playlist is playing, you have exfoliated yourself clean and moisturized yourself to peak freshness. Now, it’s time to relax and dry naturally. No aggressive rub down with towels or blasts from blow-dryers: wrap yourself in your towel or robe and read, listen to music, or just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
We often lose sight of our own care when caring for others but it’s important to find time to recharge with self-care. This is not just about having one day for yourself though: there are things you can do during every week to look after yourself. Take a look at our list of some of the ways to manage your daily routine for inspiration.
