You don’t need to go to a spa to have a spa day. You can create a lovely spa day for yourself in your very own living space. Here are five steps for a perfect self-care day and 10 ideas for quick spa moments.
SPA DAY
Start with these five steps to a relaxing spa day at home:
Prepare
First, you will want to make sure you are not disturbed. Designate out a time and let your partner, friends and family know you can only be reached in an emergency. Next, you will want to create or search for the perfect playlist of spa music to have twinkly, relaxing music in the background to get you in a relaxing mood. Make sure you have the tools you need (dry brush, oils, etc). Surround your space with beautifully scented candles. This is your time to exfoliate from head to toe, try that facemask hanging out in your bathroom, do a deep conditioning hair treatment and moisturize all that skin.
Optional: slice up your favorite fruit and put it in a chilled pitcher of water so you can sip on it while you decompress.
Exfoliate
Start by dry brushing your body with a stiff brush or, if you have sensitive skin, a washcloth. Avoid sensitive areas and broken skin and don’t use too much pressure. Try concentrating on the rougher skin on your elbows, knees and feet. This will help remove dead, rough skin. For your face, either use a store-bought skin exfoliant or try to make your own with sugar and oils.
Soak
Fill your bathtub up with warm water and add scented oils or a bath bomb. If the spa music is making you too sleepy, play an audiobook instead and just let go. Also, your body shouldn’t be getting all the attention– make sure to put on a moisturizing face-mask and, if you like, a hair mask. If you have a shower and not a bathtub, you can wash yourself head to toe with a nicely- scented, moisturizing shower gel and just take your time.
Moisturize
After you’ve rinsed off, it is time to put something on to soften that fresh skin. Make sure to use different moisturizers for your face and body, as they take care of different needs and you don’t want to clog the pores on your face. If you want, you can use oils instead, such as coconut, olive or jojoba. As with all the other steps, take your time and really enjoy each moment. Put on a robe afterwards and sit down and take care of those gnarly feet. If you have a foot mask, now is the time to use one. If not, moisturize and put on thick socks after to keep the moisturizer locked in.
Keep the mood going
Take a nap or perhaps, meditate. And put out those candles– no need to burn down your house!
SPA MOMENTS
Here are some options for quick pampering because, damn, you are a busy man. But, fine, you can always take 15 minutes to do something nice for yourself.
Face Steaming
Fill your sink with hot water. Use a towel over your head to build a little steam tent and let the steam hit your face. Afterwards, cleanse your skin and moisturize.
Eye Mask
Use sliced cucumbers or frozen spoons to depuff your eyes.
Mini-Pedi
Get a foot mask or buy a tool to exfoliate the bottoms of your feet
Quick Bath
Take a 15 minute bath and light candles nearby. Play soothing music. Disconnect.
Drink Herbal Tea
Ditch the coffee and have a nice tea moment
Scented Candles
Turn off your lights and light some candles. Enjoy the ambiance.
Scalp Massage
Before you shower, sit back and massage your scalp or talk your partner into doing it for you.
Moisturize Your Hands
Take a moment and look at those cuticles! You walk around like that? Moisturize your hands, trim your nails. Really take care of those paws.
Trim Those Nose and Ear Hairs
You’ve been letting those go, haven’t you? Put some spa music on and handle them.
Drink Fruity Water
Grab a pitcher, fill it with sliced fruit and add water. Put it in the fridge til it’s nice and cold. Voila– you have a refreshing spa drink!
