Having a DIY self care day in your home spa is a more affordable option than going to a spa, AND it allows you to have complete control over the products and practices you use. By adding in eco-friendly elements, you can make your spa day even more relaxing and sustainable.
Planning a spa day at home is the perfect way to unwind and destress. Stressful meeting ✅ Celebrating a promotion ✅ Impromptu girls night ✅ Stupid hormones making you cry at literally everything ✅
When I think of a spa day, I often imagine luxurious treatments and indulgent products (the kind I associate with Legal Blonde). But many of these products can be harmful to the environment and potentially our health. By choosing eco-friendly and natural alternatives, we can still pamper ourselves while minimizing our impact on the planet. From using natural ingredients to reducing water waste, there are many ways to make your spa day at home more sustainable.
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Setting up you Spa Day at Home
Planning your relaxing spa day at home is a simple as creating the feel of that luxurious treatment. Here are some tips to create the perfect ambiance:
Light a Candle (with all-natural scents)
Candles are a great way to create a calming atmosphere. Just dim the lights, burn a couple candles, and let their aromatherapy waft over you. But not all candles are created equal and it’s important to choose natural eco-friendly options when selecting your candles.
I recommend candles made from soy wax, beeswax, or vegetable wax, as these are renewable resources that burn cleanly and don’t release harmful chemicals into the air. Avoid paraffin wax candles, as these are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource that can release toxins when burned. Be sure to also choose candles with natural wicks made from cotton or wood, rather than those made from metal or containing lead.
When you’re looking for candles, it’s really important that you get a scent that lights you up and makes you happy, BUT I will caution against candles with added “fragrance” and those that aren’t natural scents. “Fragrance” (or “perfume” or “aroma”) is a catch-all term that is used by companies so they don’t have to share the exact ingredients of their proprietary scent formula. Most fragrances, however, are made up of any number of synthetic chemicals blended together to create the perfect scent. And these synthetic chemicals are often petroleum based and have been associated with negative health effects (such as headaches, allergens, or even breathing difficulties).
Organic Essential Oils
Using organic essential oils is a great way to create a perfect spa day atmosphere and promote relaxation. Look for essential oils that are certified organic and sustainably sourced. Lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and chamomile are all great options for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. To use, try adding a few drops of essential oil to an essential oil diffuser or mix with a carrier oil, such as coconut, jojoba oil or almond oil, and apply to the skin for a soothing massage that moisturizes and works out your sore muscles.
DIY Home Spa Day Treatments
Creating your own luxurious spa treatments at home is easier than you think. You don’t have to leave your home (no extra peopling necessary), can save a lot of money, and be environmentally and health conscious. To do this, you can use organic ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals that are found in many store-bought products. Here are some easy pampering spa treatments that you can make at home.
Make a DIY Body Scrub or Face Mask
Making your own scrubs and masks is easy and fun (plus they make great gifts!). You can use ingredients that you already have in your kitchen, like sugar, salt, coffee grounds, honey, and yogurt. These ingredients are all natural and gentle on your skin.
I like using a gentle sugar scrub to exfoliate my dry skin. To make a simple sugar scrub, mix 1/2 cup of sugar with 1/4 cup of coconut oil. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, like lavender or peppermint, for a relaxing scent. And viola! Gently massage the scrub onto your skin in circular motions, then rinse off with warm water. I like to follow this home spa treatment with a lotion or other moisturizer (I only use coconut oil at home) and really let my skin absorb what it needs. No more dead skin for me, I’m as soft as a baby’s bottom when I get out of my bath.
For a simple, hydrating face mask, mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1/4 of an avocado. Mash the avocado with a fork until it’s smooth, then mix in the honey. Apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat your face dry.
Organic Bath Bombs and Bath Salts
Taking a relaxing bath is a great way to unwind after a long day. You can make your own bath bombs and soaks with natural, organic ingredients that are good for your skin and the environment.
To make a simple bath bomb, mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of citric acid. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil and a few drops of food coloring, if desired. Mix well, add a tiny amount of water to help the mixture stick together, then pack the mixture into a silicone mold. Let the bath bomb dry overnight, then pop it out of the mold and store in an airtight container.
For a soothing bath soak, mix 1 cup of Epsom salt with a few drops of lavender essential oil. Add the mixture to a warm bath and soak for 20-30 minutes. The Epsom salt will help to relax your muscles and the lavender oil will calm your mind. I LOVE an epsom salt bath when I start up a new workout routine and my entire body is just one big sore muscle.
Other Ways to Pamper Yourself
Another way to pamper yourself for your DIY spa day at home is to give yourself a mani/pedi. I’ll confess this ALWAYS makes me feel like a rockstar, but I never do it because it feels like work to me…but maybe you’re someone who was raised painting your nails and you’re really good at it. You can start by filling a bowl of warm water to soak your fingers before giving yourself a gorgeous DIY spa manicure. Gently push back your cuticles, trim and file your nails, and then buff away dead skin before applying a rich, natural hand cream with vitamin E. You can also squeeze in a quick massage as you work the cream into your hands. Turn off your mobile phone and relax while the cream works its magic.
You can complement your manicure with a sheet mask or eye mask to help reduce puffiness and give your skin a boost of hydration. And brew yourself a cup of green tea or a glass of cucumber infused water to complete the spa vibe.
Creating a Relaxing Spa Experience
When it comes to a DIY spa day at home, mindfulness and relaxation are really the only reason I’m pampering myself. Taking the time to slow down, disconnect, and focus on your own well-being can be incredibly beneficial for both your mental and physical health. Here are a few techniques you can use to enhance your spa day experience:
Meditation Techniques
Meditation is a powerful tool for reducing stress and increasing relaxation. You can incorporate meditation into our spa day by finding a quiet and comfortable space to sit and breathe deeply. You can focus on your breath, repeating a calming word or phrase to yourself, or simply allowing your thoughts to pass by without judgment. Apps like Headspace or Calm can be helpful for guiding us through a meditation practice.
If your brain (like mine) doesn’t allow you to sit quietly and focus, you can consider listening to relaxing or calming music, drawing or coloring, reading, crocheting…really any habit or hobby that requires your brain to do minimal work. The point is to let you brain get to a state of calm, instead of overthinking, overworked, nearing burnout mode.
But meditation looks different for everyone; do what relaxes you.
Eco-Conscious Yoga Practices
I prefer a more active meditation practice, and tend to gravitate towards a gentle yoga flow for my at home spa days. Yoga is a great way to promote relaxation and mindfulness. You can incorporate eco-conscious practices into your yoga routine by using a non-toxic yoga mat, wearing sustainable and comfortable clothing, and practicing outside in nature when possible. You can also focus on poses that promote relaxation, such as child’s pose, forward fold, and savasana.
Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques into our spa day can help us to feel more centered, calm, and rejuvenated. By taking the time to care for ourselves in an eco-friendly way, we can promote both our own well-being and the health of the planet.
Final Thoughts on Creating a Spa Day at Home
Creating a spa day at home can be a wonderful way to treat yourself and relax without having to spend a lot of money or time at a traditional spa. Incorporating aromatherapy, exfoliating treatments, and face masks into your spa day can help you feel rejuvenated and pampered. It’s important to set the mood with calming music, dim lighting, and naturally scented candles to create a peaceful atmosphere. Taking the time to focus on self-care and relaxation can have a positive impact on your mental and physical well-being. So next time you’re in need of some self-care, consider creating a spa day at home to unwind and recharge.