Take Care of Yourself – The Ultimate Home Spa

My guide to taking care of yourself by creating the ultimate home spa

 

A very important lesson in life is to take care of yourself but sometimes it’s too easy to take care of everyone else first and have no time left for you.  Sound familiar?  Remember on a plane you are told to put our own life jacket on first and only then should you help others.

With this lesson in mind and April being Stress Awareness Month, I thought it is the perfect time to share with you my seven secrets to create the ultimate home spa.  Set aside some time for you and use these tips to create a relaxing space…

 

 

 

#1 MAKE TIME

In my recent survey lack of time was THE biggest challenge to people looking after themselves and practising self care. I cannot wave a magic wand to give you more than 24 hours in a day but I have some advice for you:  Think about when is the best time for YOU to create your spa experience.

• When are you more likely going to be able to do 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 your family so you won’t be interrupted and look forward to it. 

Can you schedule it regularly?

#2 GET WARM & FLUFFY

Your spa experience may start in your bathroom and move elsewhere so make sure these areas are nice and warm, crank 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 it’s relaxing but trust me it’s a stimulant and as more research shows it leads to stress, anxiety and a lack of concentration.

#4 CREATE YOUR PERFECT ATMOSPHERE

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 want to feel deeply relaxed: Lavender, Frankincense, Ylang Ylang

Relaxed & refresh me: Rose Geranium, Bergamot & Carshalton Lavender 

Help me feel focused & energised: Lemon, Spearmint & Rosemary (great for a morning blend but not before bedtime)

CAUTION: 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 for more advice.

#5 SALT DETOX

Epsom & Dead Sea Salts are excellent way to detox your body.  Ideally run a warm bath & soak in a good cupful of salts for a minimum of 15 minutes, ideally 20 to absorb their 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?

#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 & oils, hand and foot creams.  Think natural, think pure, think organic.  Avoid filling your body with toxins.

#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? Or are you having an indulgent 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  try and do this for myself once a week!  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