Our at home surroundings can impact our happiness, focus, relaxation and stress levels and while we’re back on-the-go, we’re still all spending a lot of time at home.
So, why not make ‘home’ a place that increases your tranquillity? The beauty of spa-ing at home means you can create a space that works just for you, here are some top tips from the spa team at Bedford Lodge
First choose a room that makes you feel grounded, we’d recommend the bathroom but go with whatever feels right. Just make sure it’s somewhere you won’t be disturbed by any children or partners!
Next, you want to make sure you’re engaging all of the senses. Your sense of smell is one of your most powerful senses and it has been proven to have an effect on emotions. Our favourite aroma comes from lavender essential oil due to its calming properties. For maximum effects, you could rub it on your pressure points, use a diffuser if you have one or make your own scented spritz by mixing 10 drops of lavender essential oil with one ounce of water. And don’t forget music. Just like you’d have in a spa, something with a slower tempo will quieten your mind, relax your muscles and help you release stress from the day gone by.
A relaxing bath is going to be one of the key components of your at-home spa sanctuary so be sure to take this step seriously. Firstly, gather all your bath time essentials: a good book or magazine, plenty of candles, bubble bath or salts and definitely a fluffy towel or robe for afterwards. Start running your bath and regularly check the temperature to ensure you get it just right. While you’re waiting for it to fill, grab yourself a refreshing drink; we’d recommend either water infused with fresh mint and lime, which is great for flushing out the body’s bad toxins, or a warming green tea can act as a neurotransmitter in the brain, causing you to relax.
What’s a spa day without all the masks, scrubs and lotions? Make sure you have all your favourite products handy before you get into the bath. If you want to get creative and try something new, make your own face mask! For an exfoliating facial, squeeze the juice of one lemon with 59ml of olive oil and spread the mixture on your face, massaging in short motions as you go. If you’re after something a bit more moisturising, try the simple recipe of mashing one banana into a smooth face and gently applying to the face and neck for up to 20 minutes. For ultimate smoothness, add in 2 tablespoons of honey. Now drift away in your bubble bath knowing your skin is getting the ultimate refresh.
A self-massage is a great way to relieve tension, aches and pains in your body, while also appreciating all that your body does for you. After your bath soak, you can start massaging from the feet upwards using the essential oil from earlier, or a specific body oil if you have one. Try to stick to a circular motion and if you get to a spot that feels particularly tight, give it that extra TLC and rub it for longer. This self-massage will get your oxytocin flowing and is a great way to conclude your at home spa experience – it will also get you wound down for bed.
Product Suggestions for an At Home Spa Experience:
Mavala Revitalising Emulsion for Tired Legs:
Especially formulated to relieve tired legs, this product immediately relaxes aching muscles and provides a feeling of freshness and lightness.
Available from Nail Polish Direct | RRP £15.70
Organic Series Red Wine Algae Mask:
A glass of wine in the bath is a popular way to unwind. However, the detoxifying benefits of red wine can now be channelled into your skin – without the sugar and alcohol! Just arrived in the UK, the Organic Series Red Wine Algae Mask lifts, revitalises and removes toxins. Clearly brightening and soothing the skin, the combination of red vine leaf extract and vitamin E, neutralises free radicals.
Available from Organic Series | RRP £17
Four Sigmatic Hot Cacao Mix Reishi:
Designed to help people unwind and enjoy life to the fullest, the Reishi mushroom in this drink is nature’s ultimate anti-stress tonic. Known for balancing an overactive hormone system and improving sleep, this drink is an effective mood enhancer and is perfect for relaxation.
Available from Planet Organic | RRP £12.50