One of my favorite quotes “Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self- preservation” is in a little frame on my desk. Carving out some “me time” in our busy and often chaotic lives is critical to our mental, physical and emotional health. Scheduling an appointment with ourselves may seem absurd but it’s really not. We get trapped in our responsibilities as spouses, parents, grandparents, employees and caregivers and I truly believe we sometimes lose sense of who we are. A date night with ourselves helps us to regroup, gather our thoughts, discover our inner self, imagine, dream, create, escape, cope, contemplate and simply unwind.
So DIY spa night?? I wish I could take credit. My sister Joyce gets copyrights to this one. It was the dead of winter, as I recall, and during a conversation with sis she said she had to go because she was doing a spa. “A spa?,” I said. “Yes, I do them regularly.” Hmm, it must be nice I thought, because the last time I went to a spa was about 10 years ago and I’m still paying off the loan LOL! But then she clarified that her ritualistic spas were in the comfort of her own home using products that were therapeutic and special to her.
So most every Friday night since that conversation several years ago, I do my own DIY spa night. Hubby knows that 8:00 is my sacred, much anticipated and most appreciated “do not disturb” alone time. It’s an hour soaking in the bathtub until my fingers literally turn to prunes, listening to soft ambient music and watching flickering candles dance on the ceiling. It is time I have learned to carve out for myself as part of my wellness routine.
Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self- preservation
Audre Lorde from her book “A Burst of Light”
Planning for Spa Night
Just like when you go on vacation, planning always seems to be half the fun. There’s a lot to consider when planning spa night (or day). Do I want to do calm lavender, sage wellness or comforting vanilla candles? Do I want to do an oatmeal soak or a sudsy bubble bath? Do I want to apply a face mask while soaking? A hair mask? Is this a foot scrub week? After bath lotion. Face cream. Body spray. Lingerie. Fresh towels. Clean linens. This is all part of the planning which, for me, begins mid-week.
Pampering products do not have to be costly to be effective. For me, a trip to a local discount drug or department store works just fine. Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt Balance & Calm Matcha Green Tea Foaming Bath ($5 Target), Aveeno Oatmeal Bath Treatment ($7.57 Target) and Garnier Argon Oil & Cranberry Hair Mask ($10 Walmart) are some of my favorites. Foot scrubs are fun and easy to make, but when I’m too lazy to do this, I love Tea Hut Watermelon Shea ($8 Target). Whether you choose economy, middle of the road or high end products the end result is still the same – a peaceful and relaxing experience.
Making your own treatment products can be enjoyable and quite self-satisfying while also adding a whole new dimension to the spa experience. Food is medicine both inside and out. Olive oil not only moisturizes the skin but its antioxidants help to diminish signs of aging. The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar help smooth, soften and tone the skin and makes hair shine. The caffeine in green tea is a natural skin exfoliant and because it is rich in anti-oxidants it can protect the skin from damaging free radicals. Raw honey promotes skin cell regeneration and healing and softens the skin. Salt and sugar help slough off dead skin cells. Oats have anti-inflammatory and anti-itch benefits for the skin. Homemade products have the advantage of no additives and preservatives and the ingredients can often be found in your own cupboard, pantry or refrigerator.
FOOT SCRUB
WINTER HAND REPAIR SALVE
FACE MASK
COLLOIDAL OATMEAL BATH
The Big Day!
I wake up a little earlier on Friday and make my bed up especially nice. I lay my post-spa clothes neatly on the bed. Yes – my husband laughs at me for doing this – but it’s all part of the big day. I also make sure the bathroom is nice and clean.
Creating a zen (serene and peaceful) atmosphere is important. I do this through scented candles or an essential oil diffuser and soft soothing music. I set out a warm fluffy towel, my bathrobe and prepare a glass of ice cold fruit infused water. I fill up the bathtub with nice warm water and off I go on a virtual vacation – even if it’s just for 30 minutes.
My spa experience continues with curling up in my favorite chair with a nice hot cup of herbal tea and a good book until my eyes cannot stay open any longer.
In a world where so many things seem out of our control, setting aside a weekly DIY spa experience is something completely within your control. It’s a simple act of kindness you can give yourself to help promote physical, mental and spiritual healing. Remember, “Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self- preservation.” Carving out “me time” is a very good use of time!
