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Let's face it: Everyone needs ways to relax. Whether you've had a stressful week or made a New Year's resolution to practice self-care, there's nothing better than a calming spa session to set you straight. But what if don't have the time, budget, or prefer to stay close to home? That's when it's time to create your own at-home spa day! There are so many simple suggestions and DIY ideas that recreate the experience faster than you think.
The great thing about making a spa experience at home is that you can do as much or as little as you want. You can pick one thing off this list for a few-minute escape. Take Ree Drummond, for instance. Her idea of relaxing is sitting in her "whopper of a massage chair" and watching Netflix. But if you want to go all out, you can pile on many of these options for the ultimate day-long affair. Think: smoothie in the morning, manicure in the afternoon, long soaking bath at night. The relaxing combos are endless!
The most important part of a DIY spa day is to pick what makes you feel relaxed, not what a spa order menu thinks you want. Set the mood with your favorite scents, grab a few essential items for the bath, and do whatever you feel your body needs. Then you're ready for your own personal oasis without having to step foot out the front door!
Take a Bath
One of the simplest joys in life is taking a soak in your tub. Even if you don't have things like fancy bath pillows, you can fill the tub and rest gently against a fluffy towel. Want to heighten the mood? Grab some bubbles and get ready to relax!
Give Yourself a Facial
Get some much needed R&R and clearer, healthier, glowing skin by creating your own facial! If you're running short on time, just grab your favorite store bought sheet mask and chill for 15 minutes. Or if have the time, go for the whole DIY experience.
Give a Little Love to Your Lips
Sure you may pop on some chapstick when your lips are dry, but what about giving them a little more care? Follow a great idea from Alex Drummond and buy a lip mask. Wear it overnight or all day like she does for super soft smackers.
Light a Candle
It seems simple, but lighting a candle really does set the mood. And if you pick the right scent, it's extra relaxing. You can try a wax warmer, too! That way, you don't have to worry about blowing it after your relaxation session.
Go for a Full Body Scrub
Your face isn't the only thing that should be exfoliated! Your whole body will thank you for the rub down. You probably already have everything in your house to make a DIY sugar scrub, so why not give it a shot?
Give Yourself a Pedicure
While painting your fingernails is a lovely idea, there's something luxurious about spoiling your feet. Your feet do a lot of work, so they deserve to be pampered. And, doing a pedicure at home is easier than you think!
See What an Eye Mask Can Do
If you're tired or stressed, your eyes will show it. Masks designed specifically for the skin underneath can work wonders! Reduce dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles, and more. You can even pair eye masks with a face mask at the same time.
Add Some Shower Botanicals
Adding plants with healing properties in and around your shower will not only perk up your space, but help what ails you. Think: eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, and mint. The scents will help relax you and probably clear those pesky sinuses, too!
Transform Your Tresses
A true spa day should also include your hair, so try a DIY hair mask at home. No matter what kind of hair you have―dull, dry, damaged―there's an option for you. You and your hair will feel like a million bucks!
Give Yourself a Hand Massage
Chances are that you need to put lotion on your dry skin anyway, so why not give each finger some attention? Before you know it, you're giving yourself a full hand massage and enjoying every second.
Buy a Bath Bomb
Oh, what fizzy fun! Bombs add a kick to your bath and come in so many colors and scents, making it super easy to personalize your experience. Go for soothing lavender or mix it up with a variety pack to experiment.
Make a Smoothie
Fresh juices and smoothies are staples at spas for a reason. You need to nourish your insides, too! It's so easy to create your own smoothie. You just need to grab a blender, all the healthy stuff in your fridge, and give it a whirl.
Dress the Part
The first thing a spa will give you is a robe, comfy slippers, maybe a bath towel or two. Set yourself up for spa success by doing the same. It will set the tone for whatever other pampering activities you want to do. Or stay in your pajamas! Just be as comfortable as possible.
Diffuse the Situation
Similar to candles, diffusers set the mood with calming scents. Essential oil diffusers come in all shapes, sizes, and smells. They can be used all the time of course, but they sure do set the tone when you're inside all day for pampering.
Invest in a Massage Chair
Ree Drummond had the right idea to put a massage chair in her living room. That way, she can relax anytime she wants! While you spend a pretty penny on full chairs, you can also snag a massage pad and pop it on your favorite chair for under $100!
AnnMarie Mattila is the Commerce Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering products ranging from home, fashion, beauty, and more.
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