Raise your hand if this year felt extra stressful? You’re not alone. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that nearly 8 in 10 adults (78%) say the events of 2020 were a significant source of stress in their life.
Left unprocessed, all that stress can lead to some serious health consequences. We’re talking about everything from headaches and heartburn to fertility problems and failing immune systems–no thank you!
Instead, why not try coping with stressors in healthy ways by upping your relaxation ante. Sure, exercise, sleep, and eating well are also important forms of self-care. But sometimes, what you need is a little calm and serenity to get you through the day.
An at-home spa day is ideal for everybody and every budget. A Healthier Michigan explains, “studies have shown that the frequency of visiting a spa directly correlates with better quality sleep, fewer sick days, reduced absenteeism from work and fewer hospitalizations.”
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to head to the spa to give yourself a relaxing spa day–just your pantry. This home spa day checklist will help you create an ultra pampering experience without leaving the house.
Serene facial steam
No DIY spa day at home would be complete without this staple.
What you’ll need:
- A big mixing bowl (preferably glass)
- Pot of boiling water
- Your favorite essential oil (lavender and eucalyptus work especially well)
- Towel big enough to cover your entire head
Start by washing your face. Wait to put on any product. Pour the boiling water into your glass bowl and add a few dashes of essential oil. Throw the towel over your head longways and position your face a few inches from the bowl’s edge. Adjust as needed to avoid a steam burn. As the water evaporates, it will help clear away any remaining dirt or oils. The heat and steam also encourage blood flow. Breathe slowly and deeply to aid the relaxation process.
Gentle total body exfoliation
Removing dead skin cells is key for helping your skin breathe and expel toxins. While you may want to go easy on sensitive areas like your face, you can exfoliate your entire body using only items from your pantry.
What you’ll need:
- Coffee grounds
- Granulated sugar
- Olive oil
Mix equal parts coffee and sugar. Add olive oil until the mixture becomes firm but not too wet or dry. Gently apply by the handful, lightly scrubbing your entire body section-by-section. (Preferably while in the shower or tub to avoid excess mess.)
Egg-white masks
Once you’re steamed and cleaned, time to mask up. Believe it or not, you can use the whites of eggs as the base for a mask that can be applied to your hair and skin!
What you’ll need:
- Egg-whites
- Aloe vera
- Olive oil
Crack the eggs and use the shell to separate the whites into a bowl. The yolks can be discarded, cooked or given to your pets as a treat. Mix remaining ingredients and apply generously to hair, face and neck. The egg whites will help your hair shine and tighten your pores, while the aloe and olive oil soften and moisturize.
A treat for your feet
It just wouldn’t be a proper home spa day without a little toe treatment.
What you’ll need:
- Pumice stone
- Olive or vegetable oil
- Cozy socks
After your feet have been soaked for a few minutes (or you’ve just stepped out of the shower), take the pumice stone and gently slough off any dead skin, concentrating on the heels and balls of your feet. After, apply a generous amount of oil, massaging as you do so. Next, cover your feet with some cozy socks that you don’t mind getting a little oily and put your feet up. You can also do this right before bed and leave on overnight.
How to give yourself a spa day FAQ
These DIY spa day ideas are pretty self-explanatory, but if you still have questions, see if these help answer them:
What is the definition of a home spa?
Any self-care treatments applied in the home environment without the help of a professional.
How do men do home spa days?
Men’s hair, skin and nails are made of the exact same material as women’s. The treatments – and their benefits! – aren’t any different either.
What do you need to have a spa day at home?
As we’ve seen, all you really need are a few pantry staples to enjoy an at-home spa day.
Ready for a spaaa-ctacular day of at-home treatments? You don’t need an esthetician (though it’s easy to find one here). All you need is some time alone and a few household items from your kitchen. Bonus points if you heat up your towels beforehand in the dryer though. Still want a professional to double check your work? Sign-up for Gina’s platform to find pros that can help you perfect your self-care craft.
Gina Rivera
Beauty Icon and Expert
Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.
