Whether you’re sore after spending weeks at your new home office — otherwise known as the sofa and coffee table — or simply stressed about the state of the world, we could probably all use a spa day right about now. So while the businesses themselves remain temporarily shut down — along with most vacation plans involving oceanside massage tables — why not bring the spa experience home to you? For one thing, it’s not complicated (because it’s not like you need another thing to stress about). And for another, a little wellness can do wonders — even if it’s from the normalcy of your own bathtub.
EMBRACE THE ESSENTIAL OILS
Known for their revitalizing properties, these flower and plant extracts can boost skin health as well as restore its vitality. At the spa, you will find them in everything from moisturizers to body scrubs. If you don’t have any essential oils at home, turn to your kitchen cupboards for such alternatives as salt (preferably sea salt, but even table salt will do) and sugar (which moisturizes while removing toxins), as well as olive oil and coconut oil. From there, choose from any number of recipes for making home-made bath salts or scrubs.
TREAT YOUR SCALP
By now we could all probably use a massage therapist to help unknot our tense, tired muscles. But how about a simple scalp massage instead? Studies have shown that scalp massage can boost serotonin levels as well as relieve chronic migraines. If you’ve been hunkered down at your desk or on your laptop while working remotely, it can ease the strain suffered by both your neck and eyes. And if you’re self-isolating alone, with no one to lend their helpful hands, there are video tutorials to teach you how to give one to yourself.
MAKE YOUR OWN FACIAL MASK
For a homemade facial mask, look no further than your fridge. Whether it’s honey (with its antibacterial properties) or avocado, matcha or green tea, olive oil or egg yolk, oatmeal or orange juice, your kitchen is packed with possibilities. Got powdered milk? Mix well with water. And if you don’t know what to do with those bananas you have? Mash them into a paste with orange juice and honey. And those are just some of the facial mask possibilities.
SET THE MOOD
Scented wellness candles containing essential oils will not only provide the appropriately-dim, stress-freeing illumination but also produce a pleasing aroma. From lavender to peppermint to rose, there’s probably a scent suited for you, so confirm you will enjoy it before you light it. Now that you’ve arranged the stage, fill the room with soft, ubiquitous music. A soothing soundtrack will lower your heart rate and blood pressure as well as set your mind adrift.
SOAK IT UP
Once you’ve introduced the bath salts or essential oils (possibly in the form of a bath bomb, which will also add fragrances and color to the water), lit the candles and cued up your spa-like sounds, you’re ready to slip into the tub for a long, hot steep. Although many of the benefits of taking a bath are obvious — such as improving your mood or reducing aching muscles — others are less so. For example, because heat can boost blood flow, you are actually burning calories while you soak — roughly the same amount as if you had gone for a walk instead.