Low-Cost Ideas
If you know that flopping in front of a box set has become an evening habit that you want to shake up,
busting out a home spa at a moment’s notice (or maybe 20 minutes’ notice) puts you firmly in charge of your Variety game.
With busy lives – we know that might not be possible every day, but when it IS… you’ll be ready.
Step 1: Get set up
* Engineer some peace and quiet (easier said than done)
but if you can get/bribe the kids into bed, or if they are having a sleepover with the ‘rents – you’ll love it even more.
So that’s one that could benefit have a little diary prep.
* Make sure the bathroom feels nice.
If you are looking at empty TP rolls, empty bottles, and full bins – you’re not going to relax.
Soft lighting is a must.
Tea lights around the bath or in the room set a tranquil, intimate tone.
* On your spa night, make sure the heating’s on. If you have a real fire – DEFINITELY light that.
You want to stay toasty.
* Banish the distractions.
In the old days, we would have said ‘take the phone off the hook’ but no one uses a landline anymore.
Definitely turn off your phone (or at least set to silent)
* Nothing whispers Spa, like clean fluffy towels.
Find your biggest ones and let them have a little ride in the tumble drier, if you have one.
Put one on the floor too.
It reinvigorates and refluffs them.
* Put a small, wet towel in the fridge/freezer (if you put in the freezer – don’t forget about it)
* Fluffy Robe at the ready if you have one, nice clean dressing gown if you don’t.
* Spa sounds
Like Mindfulness, the spa experience is about giving all of your senses a treat.
You could choose a favourite playlist – OR use the more traditional soothing tones of spa music
(here’s a good playlist if you use Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4I2AS42BIqcoo2zz084njs?si=a929ce9b35ed4b45)
If you find yourself with a spare five minutes, tee up, or add to your most relaxing tunes ready for your pop-up home spa.
* Essential Oils
The jury is out about some of the claims the Essential oils companies make, but one thing we can trust – they smell great.
Lavender is synonymous with relaxation, but if there’s another aroma you prefer – go for that.
This is all about you, so what you say, goes.
If you have an aroma diffuser that’s great, but if not, a big bowl of boiling water with a few drops of oil in, works well too.
* Fancy Water
Get a jug of water ready to sip – infused with cucumber, mint, fruit – or your go-to spa tipple of choice.
Staying hydrated plumps up your skin – especially needed if you are planning a long soak.
* Spa Products
Not essential, but if you want to buy a mask, bomb, salts or any other ‘spa products’ in advance you could pop something in your trolley next time you’re in the supermarket.
Obviously, hide these from anyone else in the house who might snaffle them.
My favourite home-made face mask:
Ground oats (a quick blast in the blender, until they are a fine powder),
a splurge of honey,
a squeeze of lemon juice,
and some tea tree oil.
Step 2. Your Me-Ritual
* Get your kit off and slip into your robe
* Herbal Tea
I think all spas should start with herbal tea.
(not green tea, too much caffeine, you’ll feel too jangly)
Take your time and make this the official start of the Me-Ritual.
* Body Brush
Improves circulation, removes old skin cells and calmly energises.
If you have one – use that – but a towel that’s gone a bit crispy from being outside works well too.
Start at your feet and work upwards in a circular motion towards your heart.
* Steam your face
Drape yourself over a bowl of hot water with the oil or dried herb of your choice (I like thyme) and a towel over your head.
Inhale for a few minutes, then pat dry
* Apply your face mask – and the obligatory cucumber slices or cold tea bags (or an eye mask)
* Slip into your bath.
Relax.
Enjoy.
* Self Massage/Moisturise
Once you’ve had enough of a soak, make the most of the fact that your skin is at super receptive.
Use oils like coconut, sweet almond, and jojoba oils and massage carefully into every part you can reach!
Pay particular attention to dry skin and aching muscles.
* Light Stretch or Yoga
If you want to stay starkers in your own house – why even not.
But use this time to very gently stretch your newly softened, warm muscles in a mindfully gentle way.
* Eat a Light Meal
The food at high-end spas is one of their pure delights:
They tend to use natural, great quality ingredients that are colourful and nutritious.
The focus is on flavour – definitely quality over quantity.
When you are recreating spa food at home, you could go for things like colourful winter salads, sun-dried tomatoes, avocado, baked tomatoes in balsamic vinegar, hot smoked salmon,
or whatever feels delicious, nutritious – and a treat for you.
* If you feel like a mini-mani-pedi – go for your life; my guess is that you’ll be too relaxed.
* Snuggle Under Blankets
with your cold hand towel retrieved from the fridge/freezer, draped over your face (or use an eye mask).
Lay back and enjoy the music, listen to an audiobook or simply snooze!
We’d definitely love you to show us your DIY spa.
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