Have you ever had one of those days when life gets to be a bit too much and you long for a bit of rest and relaxation? Everyone needs a bit of “me” time once in a while. Perhaps the laundry has piled up beyond your control, or that online presentation you had at work just didn’t go as planned. After a stressful day, the best remedy is time spent taking care of just you.
We call this self-care, and setting aside time for yourself is important for your overall well-being. Having a spa day is a good way to set aside a time and place to rest, relax, and clear your mind.
6 Ways to Create a DIY Spa Experience
We think of spas as a place to unwind and pamper ourselves, but did you know you can actually create a spa-like environment in the comfort of your own home?
Here are my top DIY tips for creating a spa experience without ever leaving the house:
1. Take a relaxing bubble bath.
My go-to means for relaxing has always been to take a bubble bath. Add a splash of your favorite, gentle, sulfate-free bubble bath product, light a few candles, put on some music, and just submerge yourself into relaxation.
One nice way of getting your bath to smell good is by using bath teas. These are tea sachets filled with your favorite herbs. There’s nothing like a good, warm soak to relieve muscle tension, open up your pores and clear your cluttered mind.
Alternatively, you can also take a hot steamy shower, go for a swim, or soak in a jacuzzi in case you do not own a bathtub – find creative ways to pamper and relax!
2. Apply a facial mask.
A good facial mask doesn’t have to be done at the spa. You can experience that same high-quality experience at home. Choose a facial mask that has an inspiring scent, like rosemary or mint. Some of my favorites are either a clay mask or sheet masks. Apply it to your face, allow it to dry or hydrate your skin, and simply wait for the results.
I love applying my mask while relaxing in the tub. There’s something about the steam, the bubbles, the aromatic scents, and the ability to just chill that really pulls it all together. Masks containing bentonite clay possess amazing skin toning and absorbing properties. Plus, the feel of that silky, smooth clay against the skin really provides you with an authentic pampering experience.
3. Don’t forget the hair mask.
Besides treating your skin and giving it a good face mask, it is also important to give your hair the care it needs. By using a hair mask, it helps moisturizing and nourishing the hair. You will benefit the most if you have damaged, dry or frizzy hair. Make sure to use one that is appropriate to your hair type or you can create your own.
DIY Hydrating Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- 3 TBSP aloe gel (such as Herbal Aloe Soothing Gel).
Directions:
- Stir all ingredients, adding more coconut oil if you have very long or thick hair.
- Apply to damp hair, starting at the ends and working up to the top.
- Wrap hair in a bun or hair cap for 30 to 40 minutes.
- The vitamins in the coconut oil and avocado will nourish your hair to keep it hydrated and shiny, while the aloe gel will moisturize and soothe the skin on your scalp.
- Rinse out with lukewarm water and follow with sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
4. Scrub away the day.
There are some days when you just want to scrub all of your problems away. Well, why not make it a self-indulgent experience and use an exfoliating scrub that smells great and contains scrubbing particles that slough off dead skin cells? Once you experience how soft and silky your skin feels, you’ll forget about your troubles.
5. Moisturize from head to toe.
There’s nothing like slathering on a hydrating moisturizer immediately after a good exfoliation or bubble bath. Use a nice moisturizing lotion and pamper your entire body!
Apply when your skin is still damp to really seal in that much-needed moisture. Your skin will look more youthful as a result, and it will definitely feel silky and soft to the touch. Take a few extra minutes to relax, enjoy and focus on your toes, feet, legs, and arms. A little massaging and some great moisturizer will definitely ease away the stresses of the day.
6. Relax further with topical hemp-based products.
Finally, if you truly want to finish off your home spa with a good final touch, try some hemp-based skincare products. The oils found within hemp seeds are great for moisturization, and their emollient properties are beneficial to the skin and hair. Some popular hemp-derived skincare products include massage oils, skin moisturizers, facial serums, and soaps.
Never feel guilty for taking the time to take care of yourself. A little pampering goes a long way, and it’s really beneficial to you and to your well-being. It might be a bubble bath, masking, reading a book or just taking 5 minutes to drink a cup of tea. Whatever you do, take that much-needed time to pamper yourself. Remember, self-care is self-love and, you deserve it!
Laura Chacon-GarbatoLME — Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training
Laura Chacon-Garbato is the director of Worldwide Nutrition Product Training and Education at Herbalife and the Outer Nutrition Advisory Board chairwoman. Laura is a licensed esthetician and has received postgraduate education from the International Dermal Institute in the U.S. Her background extends to working with well-known global personal care companies, where she was responsible for the education strategy and execution of business goals. Her go-to Herbalife Nutrition products include French Vanilla Formula 1, Herbal Tea Concentrate Original, Herbalife SKIN® Collagen Beauty Booster, and Herbalife Skin Protective Broad-Spectrum SPF 30.