A quiet day at the spa is probably on everyone’s relaxation list. But let’s be honest: who has the time or the money to actually take a day off and go to a specialised space? Not often, right?
Sometimes the closest you can get is a soak in the tub between work and chores, at weird moments like 2 p.m. on a Tuesday or midnight on a Saturday. At least there are options. Here are some tips and recipes that will make you feel like you’re at a spa—even if it’s an at-home version!
Lean into natural scents.
A way to bring nature indoors is aromatherapy. A natural spray, essential oils, or candles made with essential oils will help to infuse your room with fresh scents—aromatherapy practice can work wonders calming a racing mind and helping you relax. With notes of eucalyptus, cedar, lemon, and spruce you can recreate a forest in your bathroom. Start lighting up a candle when it’s time to wind down and see how transformative a few deep inhales can be. In a diffuser add eucalyptus—known to enhance feelings of relaxation and soothe nervous tension with its invigorating smell— and cedar for its warming, relaxing, peaceful notes. These oils blended along with lemon and spruce will help you shut your mind off so you can drift into a blissfully deep sleep.
Make baths a habit.
There’s perhaps no better elixir than soaking in warm water after a long day. Many of us can attest to the relaxing benefits of unwinding with a hot bath, but did you know it can also help improve your health? Most ancient cultures have long believed in the healing effects of water. Soaking in healing waters is a way of purifying from the day-to-day spiritual grime. A warm bath can also improve breathing. The temperature of the water and pressure on your chest increase your lung capacity and oxygen intake. A growing body of research has shown that passive heating, like spending time in a sauna, can also reduce the risk of having a heart attack, improve blood sugar control, and even help lower your blood pressure.
A bath also serves as dedicated alone time— just you, no distractions. Time to process your thoughts and emotions, mindfully check in on what’s happening with you, and make space for self-care that might otherwise be neglected. Only 10 min will work magic. Here are some recipes to inspire you:
Nurturing Rose Milk Bath
Not only is this recipe super easy, but it’s also amazing for your skin – in case you didn’t know, milk and roses are incredibly nurturing and healing.
Ingredients
1/2 cups powdered milk—full-fat (non-fat lacks the lipid benefits)
1/2 cup Epsom salt or Himalayan salt
1/4 cup dried rose petals (more if needed)
5–7 drops rose essential oil
Directions
Mix the powdered milk and salts together. Then add the rose petals and 5–7 drops of essential oil. If you don’t have rose essential oil, you can skip it or use any other soothing essential oil you might have, like lavender or ylang-ylang.
Nourishing Honey Bubbles
Honey is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to the skin and locks it in. Plus, it has well-known antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, and it’s packed with antioxidants. This is a fantastic bath for nurturing your skin.
Ingredients
1/2 cup almond or macadamia oil
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup mild liquid hand or body soap (don't use Castile or Marseille soap)
1 egg white (optional for more bubbles)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract for scenting
Directions
Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup under running water. You can keep any excess in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ginger Detox Bath
Ginger has historically been used for hyperpigmentation and evening out skin tone in various cultural practices.
Ingredients
2 cups Epsom salt
1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup mustard powder
Directions
Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. You can set aside a couple of tbsp add some lemon juice drops and scrub your body before soaking.
Time to turn that bathtub on, take a deep breath and relax.
Sonia x