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Creating an at home Spa ritual
 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.
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