The word spa, refers to a health or beauty resort that offers water-based treatments; it is also used loosely to describe any establishment offering beauty or wellness therapies.
Even if you’ve never had a spa experience, it’s not too late to find out how refreshing it feels to step away from life’s cares and into a world of self-care: when you don’t make time for yourself, your mood suffers, as does your well-being, your looks, and even your health. Fortunately, you don’t need to travel to a smart spa to unwind. An easier, more feasible option is to bring the spa home by turning your bathroom into a pampering centre.
The spa routine
Choose a time when you have a few uninterrupted hours. Evening is ideal; after your spa time, you can simply crawl into bed with a book or slip into your favourite party dress for a night out. Follow these simple steps:
- Select soft music: New Age, classical, or jazz are ideal. If your stereo is in another room, turn the volume up so that you can hear it in the bathroom, or place a portable CD player in a dry corner of the bathroom. Do not bring homework, office work, newspapers, a radio, or any other potential irritants into your self-made sanctuary. In order to recharge your spirit, you must truly “get away from it all”.
- Place a glass of drinking water next to the bath; it’s easy to feel dehydrated in a steamy bathroom.
- Get a bottle of massage oil, almond oil, or sesame oil; or try an essential oil. Essential oils are concentrated extracts, derived from the roots, bark, stalks, flowers, leaves and/or fruit of plants. Because each essential oil boasts specific pharmaceutical properties- such as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or antiviral – these oils are popular herbal remedies. In the beauty realm, however, it is the oils seductive scents that are most prized. Popular scents include lavender, orange, and bergamot.
- Place facial cleanser, toner, and moisturizer within easy reach. You may choose to have a large bowl to hand, ready for facial steaming.
- Get out a comfortable dressing gown and find two or three plush towels, if there are plush towels. If there isn’t a clock in your bathroom, place a watch in an easily visible position.
- Put one or more scented candles in spots where they cannot be knocked over; dim or switch off the lights.
- Fill the bath with warm water. Add your favourite bath oil, Epsom salts, bubble bath, or four drops of an essential oil. Avoid hot water when you take a bath. Not only does it dry your skin, but overtly hot water can make you feel lethargic.
- Lower yourself into the water, lie back, and relax. Don’t let yourself think about your day, your hips, your in-laws, or anything else that makes you stressed. Keep your mind clear and breathe deeply. Continue thinking of nothing and breathing deeply for up to 20 minutes; any longer than this and you risk dry skin.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
