Do You Feel That A Trip To The Spa Can Seem Out Of Reach? - If So, Why Not Bring the Spa Home to You!

If you are looking for a great way to relax on a regular basis without spending a lot of money, consider creating your own home spa experience. This can be a very simple way to bring rejuvenation to your body and spirit and it's not hard to do. If you have a bathtub then you have the basic tool needed to create a mini retreat for yourself.

The first thing to do would be to plan your mini-spa ahead of time. Schedule it into your calendar just like you would do for any other appointment. Don't forget to schedule the time you need to prepare for it too. Having all your supplies ready and prepared so that your time is spent on pampering and not on rushing around preparing will make for a more pleasurable experience later. You can prepare a lot a day or two ahead of time. Make sure you have the house to yourself for the time period you have allotted or at least are guaranteed no interruptions and a quiet house. I would recommend giving yourself at least 1½ to 2 hours (plus prep time).

To have optimal relaxation it is important to create a soothing, refreshing environment around you. Overall you will want to appeal to all your senses when you create your home spa experience and if you follow these general guidelines, adding whatever extra special touches you like, you will have achieved this goal.

The bathroom is the likeliest place to have your spa experience, so prepare it in such a way that when you walk into it to begin your treatment, it's as though you are walking into a professional spa. Light the room with plenty of candles, even lining the edges of the tub with small tea lights. Make sure you have soft, fluffy, clean towels and face cloths ready beside the bathtub. Fluffing them in the dryer a few minutes before you start is important. Have all your bath products by the tub within easy reach so you don't have to get out of the tub to get them. Have the tub filled with tolerably hot water and any products such as essential oils or sea salt before you get in. Don't forget to have a bowl of your favorite fruit, cut and ready to eat, within arms reach of the bath tub. I would suggest chilled strawberries or frozen grapes to cool your mouth as you soak. Also a tall plastic tumbler of cool lemon water will appeal to the taste buds. Try adding a slice or two of cucumber about 1 hour ahead of time to your water for enhanced cooling flavor.

Another wonderful way to create an ambiance of relaxation is to have a tabletop fountain running while you soak and apply your treatments. Many professional spas have fountains, whether it be wall fountains or table top fountains, in their rooms because the sounds of water are so soothing. To have a table top fountain in your bathroom during this time of pampering will help your mind settle down and bring you a sense of serenity that is quiet and captivating. You cannot underestimate the power of the sounds around us and you can't beat the sounds of water for the ultimate in relaxation. The bonus to a table top fountain is that you still have it when you are done your treatment and you can place it anywhere else in your home for the same wonderful sounds of water. Some prefer to use this extra little touch only during their personal retreat while others prefer to utilize the fountain elsewhere in the house. Playing soft, gentle music along with your fountain will also help bring pleasure and relaxation to your mind and soul as you retreat into your own little world. These audio additions will greatly enhance the mood you are trying to create.

Be creative with it. To some, adding a great book to the scene would be ideal. To others just losing themselves in thought and reflection is ideal. Keep in mind that this is only a guideline. Let your imagination carry you and remember this is your time to escape and refresh yourself and it must fit your personal preferences. Creating this experience for yourself once a week or even once a month will do wonders for your mind and body, Relieve stress! Bring a calming effect to your spirit and life by bringing the spa experience home to you.

Garth Epp
©2007

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