Treat Yourself to a Spa Day … At Home!

Pre-2020, my monthly spa visit was what I relied on to decompress, to recenter, and to hold onto my sanity! I don’t know about you, but for me, regular spa visits weren’t a luxury; they were an essential part of my wellness ritual. And even more so now, with additional anxiety, worrying about health and wellness, and nowhere else to go – a spa day would be perfect! It might seem impossible to make that happen in These Times. But never fear, because with a bit of ingenuity we can take matters into our own hands!

If lockdown has shown us anything, it’s that we can be pretty creative and adaptable! We might not have a jacuzzi or sauna in our home, or a team of knowledgeable therapists on hand, but it’s definitely possible to create a relaxing spa environment in the comfort of your home. Bonus: it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg!

The Importance of Self-Care

We are all going through an overwhelming experience right now. We are still in confinement, subject to curfew, frustrated and impatient. There are new regulations and precautions to keep up with all while taking care of ourselves and our family. It’s so important to pause and listen to ourselves, to give ourselves a moment to reset when we can.

One thing to remember: the way you’re feeling is completely normal. Anything from anxiety, fear, anger, or helplessness, are all frankly natural responses to what’s been a long and difficult crisis. These emotional responses affect us physically as well. It’s no surprise that many of us are dealing with headaches, muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, and insomnia, and a host of other ills and aches – and that’s not even getting into the “is this the coronavirus or is my anxiety just producing the same symptoms” phenomenon.

Taking time for yourself to reset your mind, spirit and body by planning a spa day at home can truly help to relieve some of these worrying, if normal, reactions.

Make the Experience Meaningful

As you begin to plan your spa day, take a few minutes to set your intention. What do you like about visiting the spa? From a sensory point of view, what stands out to you? Is there a particular scent that you would like to rediscover?

For example, the classic spa scent, eucalyptus? Or maybe you’re drawn to citrus, or cedarwood. Incorporating this smell, whether by a diffuser, or a candle, can help set the tone for your spa day.

Think about what sounds are calming to you, and then search online for nature or water sounds, or a spa playlist, of which there are plenty of options. I’ve noticed that music has a huge effect on my mood!

Are there healthy snacks you look forward to on your visit? Maybe you can recreate them. Set up a detox water station as well by adding your favorite fruits to a water jug. Prepare your favorite tea so it’s ready to go.

Do you need some natural vitamin D right now? Or would you prefer to dim your lighting and light some candles instead? If you have a fireplace, you can consider making a fire for your spa day. If it’s warm, perhaps you can set up a spot in the garden to relax. Consider which area or areas you want to use also. A quick pickup to declutter will be enormously helpful for your peace of mind.

Is the soft and snug embrace of a bathrobe what stands out to you? Do you think of the cozy lounge areas, with perfectly temperate spaces, and inviting cushions and blankets? (This is definitely true in my case!). Maybe the last massage or treatment you had comes to mind. With a little creativity, you should be able to recreate the things that make the spa so magical in no time!

Focusing on which aspects of the spa experience mean the most to you will help you make your at-home experience as relaxing, and as meaningful in a personal way, as you can. Really use the opportunity to tune into yourself and your needs, and give yourself what you’ve been missing.

Change Your Space

Now that you know what parts of the spa experience are meaningful to you, and how you can recreate them at home, it’s time to prep. This is not a step you want to skip over, because it can make all the difference! There’s a difference between sitting on the couch with a facemask on while binging Netflix, and feeling transported to another space for the day. (No disrespect to the face mask Netflix days, of course – but when it comes to making your own spa day, it can really pay off to go the extra mile.)

The environment we’re in sets the tone for our energy and behaviour. Because we’re currently spending the majority of our time in the same confined space over weeks and months, we really want to focus on making it a welcoming, loving space that can gear us up to best take care of ourselves. Try to keep distracting or stress-inducing things out of the way during your at-home spa break – so whether it’s a hamper of laundry, or a work laptop brimming with emails, let yourself put it away. Then, gather your candles, your tea, and your supplies before you start, so you can stay “in the zone” as much as possible.

Extra: Examples!

Need some ideas to get started? I got you, Boo:

Restorative bath: Prepare your bathroom with the right lighting and music. Ensure you won’t be disturbed. Run a warm bath and add bath salts, bubble bath, a bath bomb, or a few drops of essential oil directly to the bathwater. Relax and breathe deeply. Take some time to read or sip on a glass of wine. Next you can massage your muscles in the warm water, followed up by a full body exfoliation with a loofah or body scrub. Don’t forget to moisturize after toweling off.

Purifying shower: Apply a face and/ or hair mask. Doodle, draw, journal or daydream during the countdown. Just before you get in the shower, apply a body oil with your favorite scents. Breathe deep and enjoy the sauna effect created by the steam. Rinse off to remove any excess mask residue. Moisturize as a last step, then relax in a plush bathrobe with a mug of tea!

Pamper those paws: Trim and file your nails; toenails are easier to trim after a 15-minute soak. Try a hand or foot mask. Take some time to massage your hands or feet afterwards and finish up with a replenishing moisturizer. For extra relaxation: turn on a diffuser with your favorite scent before you start.

Treat your mind: Start by setting up your coziest room: turn off any blue light sources: TV, cellphone, laptop, or others; before dimming the lights. Instead, try lighting candles to create a calming environment. Next, get as comfortable as you can with soft pillows and snuggly blankets. Try a simple deep breathing exercise, or try a meditation app if you prefer to listen to soothing music or a guided practice.

I hope this mini guide helps you to reset and feel better during these difficult times. Keep in mind, you’re important and you deserve to make the time for self-care. Approach a spa day at home with intention and spirituality for best results, and don’t neglect the prep! Follow us on Instagram for more tips and inspiration, and please don’t be shy to reach out and connect with me.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Not Sleeping Well? Go to the Spa!

By Emma Von Casimir • March 13, 2023

Sleep health is a pillar of wellness, like exercise and nutrition. Poor sleep impacts us outside of the bedroom, leading to serious health issues. Even though so many of us suffer from poor sleep, we may not know what we can do to get better rest. Luckily, spas can be a great partner in your journey to getting more Zzzs.

Women with different body types standing together

Democratic Wellness: The Case for Accessible Spa Services

By Emma Von Casimir • February 19, 2023

The pandemic made it clear; health is wealth! Should the spa industry, as part of the health and wellness industry, look after everyone?

Spas Are Essential - Here's Why

By Emma Von Casimir • January 17, 2022

While it was important to temporarily close to protect each other during a time of uncertainty, we now have enough information to know that spas should be considered essential services. What the spa industry offers to individuals is indispensable, especially given the current context.