Essentials for Spa Night at Home by Yourself!

by Sophia DeVito

It is no secret that these days getting to the spa is almost out of the question. Spas can be expensive, people don’t want to go out and be around others and many spas are not even open. However, it is important to dedicate time to yourself to relax and feel refreshed. Thus far, 2020 has been a year of hardships.

Many people are not coping well with the idea of not leaving their homes or wearing masks. It has caused many people to form unhealthy habits like binge eating or not leaving the bed all day. Creating a healthy environment is one of the firsts steps to feel relaxed. Michelle Harris, TV host of Alive & Well, recommends de-cluttering and cleaning your space before you begin an at-home spa day.

Let’s face it. Most people don’t have time to dedicate an entire day to pamper themselves -some may be lucky if they have even 10 minutes. Creating an at-home spa doesn’t have to be an entire production. You don’t need the hot rocks, pedicure tubs, etc. to enjoy a relaxing night.

Michelle recommends carving out time for yourself. An at-home spa can include taking a warm bath, exercising, or even practicing meditation like Michelle. “One of my favorite ways to relax at home is doing mediation. I’m a big fan of it, it can help you all the time. Especially right now, everyone is extremely stressed out.”

Aromatherapy is another great way to create a spa-like vibe in your space. Michelle likes to spray her area with scents like lavender, which can often be found in many spas. Lavender, eucalyptus, or even citrus smells can all be very calming. Even incorporating something that makes you feel good—painting your nails—can help emphasize a pamper day.

It’s important to try to disconnect from your phone or social media when you are trying to relax. Typically, when you get a massage or facial, you aren’t able to check your phone. Do the same at home. Dedicate an hour to be present with yourself and turn your phone off. It might seem silly but giving yourself a break from the [sometimes] horrors of social media, can do a lot of good.

Michelle likes to kick off her spa days with a wellness shot. She mixes pineapple juice - which has great digestive enzymes - lemon juice - which is detoxifying - and she also adds black elderberry syrup. She says it’s not only delicious but it also has great antioxidants.

At-home spa days don’t have to be over the top. They can be a simple few things you incorporate into your daily life like driving around and listening to music or doing squats for 10 minutes each morning like Michelle. Whatever the case is, it’s important to take care of yourself and to make yourself a priority. Michelle says, “whatever you do that makes you feel your best is time for yourself.”

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Some of my personal recommendations...

Mantra Mask:

Puffy eyes, dark circles, and wrinkles are all things we’ve all struggled with at times. And if you are having those issues now, you are not alone. Millions of men and women deal with these symptoms—it’s part of being human.

Luckily for us, there are ways of combating them. Under-eye dark circles can be a result of lack of sleep, allergies, sun exposure, or genetics. While some may be able to fix this problem with brightening cream, others can simply be out of their control. Another thing that is out of our control is wrinkles. They come with age. Botox can be a quick fix but not everyone wants to stick a needle in their face to improve fine lines.

SO, WHAT DOES AN EYE MASK DO?

Mantra Mask was created by Kim Wellen, a woman who has specialized in skincare for over a decade. She created this brand to encourage natural beauty and affordable skincare for people to believe in. Mantra Mask offers a large variety of face masks, under-eye masks, and cleansers. It is known for its CBD formulated products, which helps reduce inflammation and restore natural radiance. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the oil extracted from the cannabis plant, and although it comes from a marijuana plant, it doesn’t give you the intoxicated, “high” feeling.

The CBD Anti-Aging mask is great for those who are looking to eliminate stubborn fine lines. The mask is made with rye seed extract, which is known to relax wrinkles, and contains 30 mg of CBD oil. It helps to tighten, lift, and firm the appearance of the skin. A satisfied customer stated, “These masks are so easy to use. The “excess” liquid can be spread in the neck/upper breast area—makes my skin feel softer and smoother.”

The CBD Coconut Eye Gels not only smells incredible but helps awaken your eyes for a younger, brighter look. These non-toxic gels reduce puffiness by improving elasticity and promote cell turnover. Made with the ingredients Vitamin K, pomegranate, green tea, and rye seed, the gels contain 30 mg of NANO-encapsulated CBD that allows for deeper penetration.

While having puffy under-eyes might seem like the end of the world, there are plenty of ways to begin combating them. Limiting your salt intake is an easy and natural first step. Sodium can cause extra puffiness in your under-eyes. Ever feel puffy the morning after a big meal? It could be the amount of salt the meal had. Another trick is to switch up your sleeping positions. If you sleep with your face in the pillow, fluids can build up in your skin, specifically under your eyes. Try switching to your back and watch the puffiness disappear!

Although French girls swear by the charm of dark under-eyes, American women love using concealers to brighten up their skin. For consistent brightening, check out OLEHENRISKEN Banana Bright Eye Cream. This cream was inspired by every makeup artist's favorite ingredient—banana powder. This product is rich in Vitamin C and targets any signs of aging. For a less expensive option, try Versed Vacation Eyes—we’ve heard it’s just as good. This lightweight gel can be applied directly to your under-eyes, and you will enjoy the refreshing cooling sensation as it sets in.

It’s never too early to start looking into anti-aging products and serums! It’s best to get ahead while you can. Anti-aging products can jump-start collagen production, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that we all naturally develop with age. “Buffet” by The Ordinary is a five-star anti-aging serum that features ingredients like Matrixyl 3000 and hyaluronic acid, which are known for their advanced anti-aging technologies. It’s a great and inexpensive product that will give lasting results!

Puffy eyes, dark circles, and wrinkles are not something to be ashamed of. They can be easily reduced with healthy products and a few simple steps. Caring for and loving your skin is the best way to improve its appearance.

Lush Bath Bomb:

Baths are back on the radar—becoming more and more popular in the world of Internet aesthetics. It seems like everyday someone on Instagram is taking a Boomerang of their Lush bath bomb or a photograph of their bamboo bath tray. But baths provide more than just the benefit of a cute clip for your story. Soaking in a bath can do good for your body and your brain.

If you’re feeling sleep deprived, lacking energy, or having a stressful day, taking a hot bath can help you immensely. Warm water helps improve blood flow and circulation. It also lowers blood pressure and blood sugar, rejuvenating your system to its maximum strength. A simple soak can improve your overall health and wellbeing!

Tanya Vanden Bosch, the founder of the Bath Bean, explains that taking a bath every day can help reduce anxiety levels, boost your mood, and be an overall game-changer for your health. The Bath Bean is an innovative tool that comes in handy—it is a device that Tanya created to help make baths easier and more relaxing.

The Bath Bean goes underneath your bottom, preventing you from having to sit on the hard surface of the tub. This seafoam green bean will suction to the bathtub and help keep you in place so you aren't slipping and sliding all over the place!

Baths have been proven to help the body burn calories—as much as what taking a 30-minute walk consists of. Sign me up! The theory behind this is that if you are relaxing in the warm water, you will start sweating.

When you sweat, your heart rate goes up—in the same way that it would if you were on the treadmill. With gyms still in a temporary closed state, many people are losing out on their workout days. However, as working out can boost your serotonin levels, so can taking a bath!

It’s all about temperature therapy. “The core temperature rising automatically creates a response that signals the brain to release a hormone that will make you feel happier. And we all need that right now. We’re under a tremendous amount of stress,” Tanya says.

Tanya recommends finding one thing that makes you feel like you're being pampered; something out of the ordinary. It could be adding your favorite scented candle to the bathroom, or dimming the lights. You could even add in some essential oils to an oil diffuser, or make yourself a warm cup of tea. Take this time to create a space alone with your thoughts. It’s a great way to wind down after a long day.

The amazing health benefits that are associated with baths are unmatched. So, grab your Bath Bean and your favorite book, and hop into a warm, sudsy bath. Find your peace and when you get out, you will be relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated.