You don’t have to jet off to an exotic location or splurge on a spa visit to enjoy some well-deserved self-care. Let me show you how to turn your space into a haven of relaxation with easy DIY home spa ideas. Get ready to feel utterly pampered and rejuvenated—perfect for tackling anything the world throws your way, even if it’s just another Zoom call.
Heaven knows that since my move to Lagos, I haven’t felt quite as ‘sane’ or put together. The change of pace and the chaos of the city, combined with work, has made me quite desperate for some much-needed R&R—and I work remotely. I can’t imagine being a professional on the go or a working parent dealing with the daily exchanges of Lagos in this hellish sun.
But it’s not just about Lagos; it’s life in general these days—our yearnings grow endlessly, deadlines loom, to-do lists seem never-ending, and our minds are constantly motoring. I can’t help but feel now more than ever how crucial it is to carve out moments in our day, especially at home or in spaces where we can clock out to settle down, breathe, and relax.
As we craft your home spa paradise, we’ll explore how to set the best ambience, uncover treatments that make your spa day unforgettable, learn to fully embrace the here and now, and tailor your relaxation haven to perfectly match your tastes.
Set the mood
1. Dim the lights!
Install dimmer switches or lamps that alternate brightness: Consider installing dimmer switches for your existing lighting fixtures to adjust the brightness according to your preference easily. Soft, adjustable lighting creates a cosy and intimate atmosphere; Dr Ellen Hendriksen, a clinical psychologist specialising in anxiety and a contributor to Scientific American, suggested that adjustable lighting can contribute to relaxation. She explains that softer, warmer lighting can create a cosy and calming atmosphere, which can help reduce stress and promote a sense of tranquillity. Investing in lamps or light fixtures with adjustable settings that offer soft, warm-toned brightness is ideal for relaxation.
2. Light Candles
Lighting candles can quickly turn your home into a relaxing spa. Choose calming scents like lavender or sandalwood that make you feel peaceful. Place them around your room to fill the space with a soft, comforting glow, but keep them away from anything that could catch fire. For a worry-free option, go for LED candles that can spread scents, too. Picking candles made from natural ingredients like soy wax means you’re breathing in clean, safe fragrances. Arrange them to make the room feel warm and welcoming. This cosy setup is more than just nice to look at—it helps you feel calm and happy. Now, take a deep breath, enjoy the cosy light and scent, and get ready for some easy, budget-friendly spa treatments that’ll refresh and rejuvenate you.
3. Play soothing music
Creating a playlist with ambient, serene, soft instrumental music and nature sounds can evoke a sense of tranquillity and relaxation. Explore meditation or relaxation channels and playlists on streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, which offer playlists designed to promote relaxation.
4. Enhance comfort
Layer textures: Mix and match cushions and throws in different textures and fabrics, such as faux fur, velvet, or knits, to create a cosy and inviting seating area. Incorporate a variety of pillow sizes and shapes to provide support and comfort while lounging.
Choose chairs or seating options with ergonomic design features, such as lumbar support and padded armrests, to promote proper posture and relaxation. For a casual and laid-back vibe, consider adding bean bags or oversized floor cushions for lounging and unwinding; for those without access to various cushions or ergonomic seating, get creative with what’s available. Repurpose blankets as throws, use floor pillows for seating, and add cushions to chairs for extra comfort. The goal is to maximise cosiness with what you have on hand.
5. Consider temperature
Thermostat control: Adjust the thermostat to maintain a comfortable room temperature, typically between 20-22°C (68-72°F), to ensure relaxation without feeling too cold or warm. Keep soft blankets or throws within reach for added warmth and cosiness, especially during cooler months or after a refreshing bath. If you don’t have control over your thermostat, there are still ways to stay comfortable. During warmer months, maximise natural airflow by opening windows or using fans to circulate air. In cooler months, layer clothing or use extra blankets to stay warm. Additionally, consider using draft stoppers or sealing windows and doors to minimise heat loss. Adjusting your attire and surroundings can help maintain a comfortable temperature for relaxation.
6. Utilise aromatherapy
Invest in a quality essential oil diffuser or oil burner to disperse the aroma of your chosen essential oils throughout the room. Blends for relaxation: Experiment with essential oil blends, such as lavender and bergamot or eucalyptus and peppermint, to create a personalised and calming atmosphere.
Four treatments to try at home
When you can turn your home into a makeshift spa with ambient music, mood lighting, and all, immerse yourself in these must-try masks, scrubs, and soaks—you can thank me later, friends.
Rejuvenating Salt Scrub
It exfoliates dead skin cells and reveals smoother skin. The olive oil moisturiser is customised with your favourite essential oils for a personalised spa experience. Revel in softer, smoother skin and a moment of blissful relaxation.
Soothing Foot Soak
It reduces inflammation and eases muscle tension in tired feet. The invigorating scent of peppermint essential oil refreshes and revitalises. Warm water provides relaxation and comfort.
Avocado Face Mask
Hydrates and nourishes the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Honey helps to moisturise and soothe dry or irritated skin. Plain yoghurt gently exfoliates, promoting a brighter complexion.
Green Tea and Eucalyptus Body Soak
Green tea’s antioxidants soothe and rejuvenate the skin. Epsom salts relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and detoxify the body. Eucalyptus essential oil clears the sinuses and promotes relaxation.
Be in the moment
After expending the effort to create a relaxing and soothing environment, it would be a waste if your mind and body weren’t present and in the moment to experience it. Silence the phantom crying of a baby, set your phones on do-not-disturb, turn off the TV and zone in on your body. As you practise mindfulness in your at-home spa retreat, focus on the sensations, sounds, and scents you have curated around you. To help you shut out distractions, here are practical ways to incorporate mindfulness into your spa routine:
Mindful breathing
Begin your spa session with a few minutes of deep breathing exercises to centre yourself and calm your mind. Focus on the sensation of each breath as it enters and leaves your body, allowing yourself to let go of any tension or stress.
Body scan meditation
Body scan meditation (BSM) is a mindfulness practice that systematically directs your attention to different body parts, from head to toe, in a focused and non-judgmental way. It allows you to become more aware of physical sensations, tensions, and areas of discomfort while promoting relaxation and a deeper connection with your body. Start and move slowly at the top of your head to your neck, back, spine, elbows, and knees, and motion your attention gradually down to your toes. As you breathe deeply and relax each muscle group, you’ll cultivate a more profound sense of relaxation and awareness.
Guided visualisation
This relaxation technique creates vivid images of peaceful settings, such as a tranquil garden or a secluded beach. You can induce deep relaxation and calm by immersing yourself in these imaginary scenes and focusing on the sensory details, like the sights, sounds, and smells. This practice often reduces stress, alleviates anxiety, and promotes overall well-being. Incorporate guided visualisation techniques into your spa routine by imagining yourself in a serene environment, such as a peaceful garden or a secluded beach. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the sensory experience, noticing the sights, sounds, and sensations around you.
Personalise your home spa.
Tailoring the spa routine to individual preferences and needs is essential for maximising the benefits of the home spa. Here’s how you can personalise your home spa experience
- Customise your skincare regimen: Identify your skin type and concerns, then select skincare products and treatments that address your needs. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, acne, or ageing skin, incorporating targeted products like serums, masks, and moisturisers can help enhance the health and appearance of your skin.
- Explore aromatherapy blends: Experiment with essential oil blends to create personalised aromatherapy experiences that resonate with your senses and mood. Whether you prefer floral, citrus, or woody scents, blending essential oils like lavender, bergamot, and cedarwood can help promote relaxation, uplift the mood, and alleviate stress.
- Body massage techniques: Customise your body massage by focusing on areas of tension or soreness and using the most beneficial methods. Whether you prefer gentle strokes, deep tissue pressure, or soothing kneading motions, tailoring a massage to your preferences can help release muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote overall relaxation.
Don’t forget to take care of you
Incorporating mindfulness practices and personalised pampering into your home spa experience can further enhance mental rejuvenation and overall well-being; you can create a holistic self-care experience that nurtures your body, mind, and soul within your home. It is crucial to prioritise and tend to ourselves as we must step it down sometimes. I’m all for being full of energy, but let’s not forget about the balance our bodies crave. It’s all too easy to brush off those little signs from our bodies telling us to hit pause and soak in the peace of a calm, serene space. I really hope this sparks a little fire in you to pamper yourself with some much-needed relaxation. Sink into the joys of your very own home spa day and savour all the good vibes it brings.
