Photography: Dave Wheeler
Wouldn’t it be marvellous to indulge in a pamper session anytime you’re feeling wrung out by the daily grind? It may sound like an unattainable dream because of your schedule or budget, but enjoying some self-care doesn’t need to involve a booking at the Ritz-Carlton. These 9 ideas will show you how to have a relaxing spa day at home that melts your stress away.
With a little planning and DIY ingenuity, you can elevate your basic bathing experience to a mini retreat, and all without the inconvenience of leaving home. Just add soft fluffy towels, a plush bathrobe and comfy slippers and you’re good to go!
In the bath
Your daily bath can become a mindful experience when you cater to all your senses.
1. Get the temperature right
When running a bath, pay close attention to the temperature of the water. A basic, relaxing soak requires just-warm water – a couple of degrees above your body temperature – to ease your muscles and lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Remember, you’re there to allow your body to rest.
2. Add Epsom salts
To add to your sense of wellbeing, drop in some Epsom or sea salts. Both have trace minerals and elements, including magnesium, sulphate, sodium and potassium, which can soften the skin and may help to relax muscles. If you have eczema or sensitive skin, try adding 2 tablespoons of oat flour. If your skin is prone to breakouts, add 1 tablespoon of French green clay.
3. Oil it up
Bath and body oils are a great way to turn an ordinary bath into a day spa experience. Here are some easy ways to incorporate oils into your bathing routine:
- Add 15 drops of a relaxing essential oil blend like Tranquil and Calm massage and body oil to your bath water
- Massage a few drops of Oil Garden’s Rosemary and Scalp oil into your hair and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing
- Once your bath is finished, apply body oil to still-damp skin before patting dry with a soft towel
- If it is safe to do so, run an essential oil diffuser in or near your bathroom with a relaxing essential oil blend
- Place 5-10 drops of an essential oil such as eucalyptus around your shower cubicle’s inside perimeter, away from where water hits the floor. Oil vapourises as the shower heats up, creating an aromatherapy steam chamber.
Tips for using essential oils safely
- Almost all essential oils should be used in a diluted form with a carrier oil. If you’re going to apply an essential oil to your body, do a patch test first to make sure you’re not sensitive to it.
- Pregnant women should use essential oils with caution, especially in the first trimester. They should avoid peppermint, clary sage, rosemary, wintergreen and more.
- When using a diffuser, be sensitive that aromas affect people differently. Follow the diffuser’s directions carefully and use in a well-ventilated room.
4. Exfoliate
Exfoliating your skin to achieve a smooth, glowing look doesn’t have to be harsh. Powdered milk has lactic acid that will gently exfoliate your skin. Or you can gently rub your wet skin with salt mixed with olive oil.
In the shower
These easy upgrades can elevate your shower into a spa-time pleasure.
5. Make it rain
Ring the relaxing sensation of a gentle rain to your bathing with a rainfall showerhead. The wide coverage and soft water flow can help relieve stress in your body, making every shower a rejuvenation. Most models install in a few minutes on existing shower necks. But be aware that a rainfall showerhead will likely use more water (9 litres/minute) than a water-efficient shower (6 litres/minute).
6. Get a sprayer
Soothe aching muscles with a directional water sprayer. Hand sprayers can be added to an existing showerhead or bath tap. Or look for a body shower panel or integrated shower system that includes all the bells and whistles.
7. Add music
Bring meditative music into the shower with a rechargeable, waterproof Bluetooth speaker.
Beverages
Be sure to drink during your spa time to ward off dehydration from all that warm soaking.
8. Tea, please
Teas can be relaxing or energising, depending on their ingredients. For the best brew, use 2 heaped teaspoons of loose tea leaves for 1 cup water. Tea made of small broken leaves will release flavour faster than a batch with unbroken leaves, so you’ll need slightly less of them per cup.
You can create your own tea from any herb by pouring hot water over it. For relaxing, try spearmint and honey. For something bright and uplifting, try a citrus tea or infuse some lemon balm.
9. Infused water
Dazzle up plain water with a little fruit-ninja flourish. Infuse a jug of water with sliced cucumbers, strawberries, melon – really, any fruit will add flavour. A squirt of lemon or other citrus will give you an energy boost. Adding slices of fresh turmeric or ginger may work as a natural anti-inflammatory. Store leftover fruit-infused water in the refrigerator for up to six days.
Make DIY masks
Try these DIY versions of spa experiences, and let them work their magic while you sip tea.
10. Face mask
Combine 1/2 tsp matcha powder, sifted, 1/2 tsp aloe vera gel or juice and 1 tsp active manuka honey to create a face mask that combats puffiness and redness. Whisk together the ingredients in a bowl. Use a brush or your fingertips to apply the mask to your face and neck. Leave on for 10-minutes, then remove with a damp, warm face washer.
Shop home day spa essentials
11. Hair mask
Stir 1/2 cup rhassoul or bentonite clay and 1/2 Tbsp active manuka honey then add your choice of water, tea or aloe vera juice until it reaches a desired consistency. Apply to dry hair. Keep on for about 15-minutes, then shower off. Follow with a conditioner. Rhassoul clay may assist with dry scalps. Bentonite clay can moisturise dry or damaged hair.
12. Honey tapping
Smooth manuka honey onto your face, using your fingertips to press it against your skin. Its stickiness lightly exfoliates the skin and helps remove blackheads. Wash off with a damp cloth.
