I love enjoying a blissful moment of complete solitude within the comfort of my own home whenever I can – which I admit, is not very often.  But in those rare moments, I like to engage in self-care by taking a mental health break.  My favorite mental health break involves me sitting at my kitchen table with a cup of caramel-flavored coffee, a slice of my favorite cake (from the Cakes Plus bakery in Laurel, Maryland) and a really good book.  

But since I would like to continue fitting into my clothes and eating cake tends to work against that goal, I have found other ways to take special care for myself.  One way is to create a spa experience for myself at home and I encourage you to try it.  Being able to have a fabulous spa experience at home is particularly important now as we continue to deal with the effects of the global pandemic.  We are all more in need of mental health breaks than ever before.  

Here are the steps to creating that fabulous at-home spa experience.  

Step 1 – Pour a large serving of cold fruit-infused water and bring it to the bathroom. 

My favorite is Hint Fruit Infused Water because it is refreshing and flavorful. I make sure to drink plenty of water while having some spa time because it is important to stay hydrated while relaxing in a warm bath.   Using an unbreakable cup is also key in case it falls onto the bathroom floor. 

Step 2- Select and light a favorite scented candle. 

I like the candles from Bath and Bodyworks the best because they have the most indulgent scents that smell like my favorite foods. I love the Pumpkin Pecan Waffle most. But you may find scents like lavender, sage, chamomile and vanilla more relaxing.  Choose whatever you prefer.  You do you!

Step 3 – Play your favorite music.

Songs from my favorite Broadway musicals always put me in a fantastic mood.  My two favorite musicals right now are Hamilton and Once on this Island.  However, sometimes I find it more relaxing to listen to instrumental music when I am trying to get my spa on.  So for those times I found that YouTube has hundreds of amazing playlists of relaxing jazz music. I like Smooth Jazz Weekend Music – 3 Hours of Relaxing Smooth Jazz Saxophone and 3 Hours of Smooth Jazz Saxophone with the Sound of Ocean best.  You should definitely check YouTube out for the playlist that suits you best if you don’t already have one.  

Step 4 – Fill your tub with warm, bubbly water. 

Step 5 – Wash your face and apply a face mask.

Even though I am in my 50’s, my skin is still as oily as it was when I was a teenager.  However, I have to be careful not to use harsh, abrasive products on my skin that might cause premature wrinkles. I have found Apple Cider Vinegar Facial Mask by Majestic Pure – Face Mud Mask for Pore Minimizing and Acne Prone Skin works really well for my skin. But you should choose whatever works best for your skin.  

Step 6 – Soak in the tub. 

Sip your water, enjoy your candles and be soothed by your music.  Release the stress of the week as you relax, reflect and get rejuvenated. 

Step 7 – When you are finished soaking in the tub, dry off and moisturize your entire body with your favorite lotion. 

Don’t skimp on this final step.  Topping off your spa experience by moisturizing your skin with a lavish body cream or lotion will help make your spa experience last.  The act of massaging lotion onto your skin encourages circulation and locks in moisture to prevent dryness.  I have been using Weleda Skin Food Intensive Skin Nourishment Body Butter.  Even though there are less expensive body butters on the market, I find this one is really worth extra expense because of the way it makes my skin look and feel.  

That’s it. You can have a fabulous at-home spa experience in less than an hour but you will feel as if you had been on a mini-vacation.  It’s important that we take special care of ourselves in this season of life.  We need to look good and feel great so that we can continue to live life to the fullest.  So take some time to pamper yourself tonight.  You deserve it!