Self Care Rituals: The Ultimate Home Spa

With a new year upon us, Spring on it’s way and Valentine’s Day almost here it got me thinking about how now is the perfect time to start practising a bit more self care.

Just in case your New Year good intentions have already fallen by the wayside or perhaps you are struggling to make time for YOU because you’re too busy looking after others it’s not too late.

I’ve written this then this blog with you in mind.  

Set aside some self care time for you and use these tips to create a relaxing space and re-connect with yourself…

#1 MAKE TIME

A previous survey I did showed that lack of time was THE biggest challenge to people looking after themselves and practising self care.

Although I cannot wave a magic wand to give you more than 24 hours in a day I do have some helpful advice for you…

Think about WHEN is the best time for YOU to create a relaxing spa experience.

• When are you more likely going to be able to do it? A weekday evening, morning, at the weekend – when are you more likely not to be disturbed by pets or people.

 

• How often are you most likely able to commit to it?  Once a week, twice a month…?

 

• Maybe it’s on a Friday evening to de-stress at the end of the week and be refreshed and ready for a relaxing weekend… or early on a Sunday morning?

Plan it and put the date in your diary and calendar, set a reminder, tell anyone who may be likely to disturb you in advance so you won’t be interrupted and look forward to it. 

Can you schedule it regularly?  The more likely you are to continue a new routine or ritual if you can find a regular time to commit to it that suits you.

 

#2 GET WARM & FLUFFY

Your spa experience may start in your bathroom and move elsewhere so make sure these areas are nice and warm, turn the heating up if needed so you don’t tense up going from a warm space to a cold one.

Have your favourite bath robe & slippers or socks warming and ready for you on a radiator.

#3 GET UNPLUGGED

Switch your phone off or just turn off your notifications.  Remember this is YOUR time to relax, unwind, and ponder, not to click or scroll.

You may think scrolling is relaxing but trust me it’s not – it’s stimulating and more research is showing how it leads to increased stress, anxiety and a lack of concentration.

#4 CREATE THE PERFECT ATMOSPHERE FOR YOU

Light some candles or diffuse some essential oils or spray your favourite natural room spray.

Engage your favourite scents.   Here are some blending ideas depending on how you want to feel…

“I am deeply relaxed”  Lavender, Frankincense, Ylang Ylang

“I am relaxed & refreshed”  Rose Geranium, Bergamot & Carshalton Lavender 

“I am energised and focused”  Lemon, Spearmint & Rosemary (good for a morning or daytime blend but not before bedtime)

CAUTIONS:

Never add neat essential oils to your bath (except for Lavender).

Consult a qualified aromatherapist for advice about blending.

Certain essential oils are not suitable during pregnancy. Feel free to call 020 8419 8143 or message me here for more advice.

#5 SALT DETOX

Epsom & Dead Sea Salts are excellent way to naturally cleanse and detox your body.

Ideally run a warm bath & soak in a good cupful of salts for a minimum of 15 minutes to absorb the full benefits.

Don’t think you can soak for that long? Listen to a podcast, an audiobook, anything that relaxes you.

Why not add a blend of essential oils too? Remember to dilute them before adding them to your bath.

#6 HOME SPA PRODUCTS

Have all your cleansing & pampering products ready all in one place so you’re not searching around getting stressed.

Think cleansing, exfoliating, natural clay face mask, face moisturisers & body oils, hand and foot creams.  Think natural, think pure, think organic.  Avoid filling your body with toxins.

A big part of my self care ritual is Restore Luxury Body Oil – I just love getting out of the bath and getting comfortable on a big fluffy towel on the bed and massaging the oil in to my feet, then working my way up the whole body.

It’s lavender scent is calming and I know that every drop is being savoured by my skin which is left feeling super soft and smooth afterwards.

It’s ideal for a night time bath as the lavender scent is very calming or a great start to a chilled Sunday.

#7 EAT & DRINK

Will you be doing a detoxifying home spa?  In that case you may want to have some green tea or hot lemon & honey to drink.

Or are you having an indulgent or celebratory spa with a glass of bubbly?

Whichever it is make sure you have some spring water to sup on too!  Remember your body loves to be hydrated.

Healthy snacks, raw chocolate, cacao nibs, cranberries, unsalted nuts, cheese & biscuits whatever is your preferred nibble.

There you have it, my guide to the ultimate home spa and in case you wondered yes I  do this regularly for myself – a minimum of once a week.  

If you think you can’t manage all of these then just pick one – even if it’s switching off your devices and focussing on your breathing for 10 minutes, your body and mind will thank you for it.

Remember, planning is key to helping you to take care of yourself because no one else can. 

Do you have any questions or tips to share? Feel free to leave a comment below… 

If you would rather book in some time for you where relaxation is guaranteed without any interruptions, you can find some inspiration here 🙂

Best wishes, Louisa