When it comes to stress, Americans take the cake. In fact, 44 percent say that their stress levels have increased over the last five years.
Are you part of this group? Are you looking for something to help you chill out and feel a bit more at ease?
One easy way to relax and minimize your stress is to plan a spa day. Remember, too, that you don’t have to spend tons of money or visit an exotic location to engage in some self-care.
Listed below are 10 steps you can take to enjoy the perfect DIY spa day.
1. Prep Some Fancy Water
Just about everyone can agree that staying hydrated helps your skin look fresh and glowy. Drinking plain old water doesn’t feel very luxurious, though.
You can easily upgrade your water for your spa day, though, by adding in fresh fruit or herbs. Strawberries, lemons, cucumbers, and blueberries are all great options, as are herbs like fresh mint or basil.
If possible, mix up your fancy water a few hours before you kick off the spa day. That way, all the flavors will have time to combine and create a delicious drink.
2. Create the Right Ambiance
With a few simple adjustments, you can transform your home into the ultimate spa. Start by turning down the volume.
Recruit a babysitter or your partner to take your kids out for a few hours so you can enjoy some peace and quiet. Then, dim the lights, light some candles or diffuse essential oils, play some peaceful music. You’ll be at ease before you know it.
3. Make Your Own Face Mask
It wouldn’t be a spa day without a face mask, right?
The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on a face mask from the store. Instead, you can make your own with a few basic ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Try combining avocado, honey, olive oil, and plain yogurt to make a moisturizing face mask that’s perfect for soothing dry skin. Slather it on, lie back, and let it work its magic.
4. Enjoy a Foot Soak
If you’re not someone who likes a full-body soak in the bath, you can still relax and unwind by showing your feet some TLC.
Fill the bathtub (or a smaller tub if you have one) with warm water and add some Epsom salts and/or essential oils. Then, plunge your feet into the water and let them soak for about 20-30 minutes.
Follow up by scrubbing with a washcloth to get rid of calluses and dry skin, then apply a nourishing cream or lotion.
5. Show Your Hair Some Love
A spay day is a perfect time to pay a little extra attention to your hair.
Consider deep conditioning with coconut oil or avocado oil. These oils will provide your hair with additional nourishment and leave it feeling soft and smooth.
When deep conditioning, start by applying the oil of your choice. Then, cover your hair in a shower cap to seal it in and prevent the oil from dripping onto your skin or your clothes. Let it sit for an hour or so, then rinse it out.
6. Stay Away from the Phone
The point of a spa day is to relax and feel refreshed. It’s hard to do that if you’re checking emails and responding to texts while your feet soak and your deep conditioner does its job.
Consider putting a no screens rule in place before your spa day begins. At the very least, put your phone in the other room so it’s not within easy reach.
7. Make Your Own Body Scrub
After your foot soak and scrub, you might decide that the rest of your body could use some exfoliating as well. Homemade body scrubs are easy to throw together and work wonderfully.
Combine a few teaspoons of sugar with a few tablespoons of honey for a simple, yet effective, body scrub that will leave your skin smelling sweet and feeling silky smooth.
8. Turn Your Shower Into a Sauna
With the right essential oils, you can turn your regular old shower into a relaxing sauna experience.
Turn on the shower and heat up the water to create steam, then pour a few drops of essential oils (eucalyptus oil is a great option) on the floor to add a soothing scent.
You’ll feel instantly relaxed when you step into the shower (just watch your step to avoid slipping on any oil!
9. Eat Some Healthy Snacks
A spa day is nothing without snacks, right?
When choosing snacks, try to pick items that are on the healthier side. You’ll feel better at the end of the day if you haven’t gorged yourself on junk food, and you’ll be putting foods in your body that are rich in nutrients that your skin and hair need to look their best.
Try eating things like fresh fruit, veggies, and nuts instead of chips, cookies, and crackers.
10. Treat Yourself to One New Item
You don’t have to go out and buy a ton of new items to have a great spa day at home. However, it can be nice to treat yourself to something new to help yourself get in the mood to relax and rejuvenate.
You can pick up a new soap or head to your favorite bath and body store to purchase a new bath bomb. Something simple like that can make a huge difference and give you the push you need to finally take some time out of your schedule and fit in a spa day.
Start Planning Your DIY Spa Day Today
As you can see, there’s a lot you can do to turn all of your spa dreams into realities. Give these tips a try and you’ll have plans for a great DIY spay day in place before you know it.
Are you looking for more ideas on how you can pamper yourself? Check out the Beauty section of our site today for some additional tips and tricks you can try out during your next spa day (or any day when you want to feel a little more glamorous)!
