Contributed by Gwen Lewis
Some days are just incredibly overwhelming. The kids have sports practice, work ran late and who knows what to do about dinner. Whether you’re a working mum or a stay-at-home mum, some duty always beckons. But even if kids aren’t even on your radar, you know what it’s like when the stresses of life and work collide.
While, yes, a spa day once a week would be awesome, the cost alone is prohibitive for most of us. The idea, though, of kneading out the stress with a relaxing massage, getting a facial and, well, just being pampered, is like a soothing dream.
Sure that day at the expensive spa and salon might be out of the budget—at least, it is for me!—but you can still have a relaxing and blissful spa day. You just have to DIY!
And, no, a DIY spa day isn’t a lot of work. You have enough work already…so let’s not add more! Using ingredients you already have laying around or buying already prepared spa products is a great way to have an inexpensive spa day and have it as often as you like.
Ready to DIY your way to relaxation? Here are a few ways to bring the tranquility of the expensive spa into your home:
1. Soothing salts.
Epsom salts help soothe sore muscles and a tired body. Soak in the relaxation by adding one cup to a warm bath (WebMD recommends warm, not hot water!). Then let the body soak in the salty bath for about 10 minutes…although you can relax longer. Alternatively you can treat yourself to relaxing bath oils that already contain Epsom salts such as Chill Time. Light some scented candles or add a few drops of essential oils to a washcloth and breathe in the soothing scents. Lavender oil is known for its calming properties. Or lift your spirits with citrus oils.
2. DIY Facials
Mix up some fun food masks to nourish your face. Self recommends a mask made with avocado, yogurt and honey to help hydrate the skin. While Real Simple shares a recipe for a Wrinkle-Smoothing Wine Facial. If you need a simple facial scrub, try mixing brown sugar, milk or yogurt and oatmeal. Just be careful using sugar on the face…it could agitate sensitive skin. And never scrub too hard! Alternatively, you can treat yourself to ready made face masks such as Sweet Cheeks, Queen B and B Tox.
3. Fragrant Floral Baths
Think bouquets are just for decoration? Think again. Flowers –or their petals—may be added to beautify a warm bath, while you also bask in the relaxing scents. Of course, you also can opt for traditional floral bouquets to fill the bathroom with a wonderful and relaxing scent. Try freesia, roses, lavender or your favorite blooms. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to luxurious bath oils that contain floral essential oils. The most important thing no matter what you choose is to RELAX AND HAVE FUN!
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4. Knead out the kinks.
If the budget doesn’t allow for a massage, take matters into your own hands. Place a few tennis balls between you and the floor. Make sure the balls are placed in the areas where you need the massage. Prevention features all the ways that simple tennis balls can help sooth sore muscles.
5. Mani/Pedi
Manicures and pedicures are some of the simplest spa treatments to DIY. Make sure hands and feet are clean and use coconut oil to help moisturize cuticles. To soften skin on hands, add a dollop of your favorite moisturizer. Of course, the colors you choose are up to you. But I try to find fun colors when doing my nails at home. If you can afford to buy a new bottle of nail polish, splurge on a new color. If you’re on a tight budget, you can find polish for a couple of pounds at discount stores! Look out for a not tested on animals emblem.
Stress can wear you down, and the everyday craziness of our routines makes us crave a break. And relaxation. Even if you can’t afford to spend the day at the spa, create your own blissful retreat at home. Spend a day at Spa DIY and find time to relax, unwind and pamper your body after a grueling week of obligations and daily toil.
