Spa-Style Self-Care at Home for Better Mental Health

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If you’re like most people, there are days, weeks — even entire seasons — that leave you feeling frazzled and worn. Commitments and responsibilities sap so much of your time and energy, you barely have it in you to collapse on the couch in front of the TV at the end of the day.

The trouble is, zoning out regularly in front of a screen does nothing to restore the energy you’ve lost or alleviate the stress you’ve accumulated. While a day away at the spa could do wonders right now, it might not be realistic.

Situational Awareness Concepts is dedicated to helping you feel your best. Connect with Brad for information  that can make a difference in your life — starting with these five self-care tips that provide a bit of a spa experience right in your own home.

1. Set the Stage

One of the reasons spas are so inviting is that they know how to create the right kind of atmosphere to help you unwind. To that end, make it a priority to clean and declutter at least one room in your house that you can designate as your sanctuary space. Open the windows and air out the room (even if it’s cold outside) to freshen it up and metaphorically let out the negativity and usher in calm and peace.

Include an aromatherapy candle or diffuser to gently waft stress-busting scents like lavender and eucalyptus. A playlist of relaxing music, such as instrumental jazz or nature sounds with piano, will round out the sensory experience spas offer their visitors. Investing in a high-quality speaker pays big dividends, as the surround-sound effect of soothing tunes adds to the experience. Going with a wireless or Bluetooth speaker allows you to place it wherever you’d like. A “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door might be a good idea as well.

2. Protect Your Time

Just as Lifehack explains, it’s OK to carve out time for yourself and protect it from disruptions, permitting yourself to say no to phone calls, whining children, or anything else begging for your attention. You can’t get water from a dry well, so this is your time to pour into yourself whatever feeds your spirit.

3. Pamper Yourself

While you begin to unwind with the soft music, relaxing scents, and serene atmosphere, nurture your body as well. Spas always ensure their clients are hydrated, so have a glass of lemon- or mint-infused ice water and some grapes or strawberries. Give yourself a facial and hair treatment with store-bought or all-natural remedies like yogurt, avocado, honey, or coconut milk.

You might be amazed at how good you feel (and look!) after 20 or 30 minutes of pampering. What’s more, a little bit of chill time can be a boon to your mind and body; it can lower blood pressure, improve concentration and even help your digestion.

4. Use This Time to Be Kind to Yourself

Many spas offer meditation spaces on their premises as part of the mind-body experience they offer. Meditation is a discipline that is well worth the time and effort because it can help you find balance, cope better with stress, and develop a kinder, more optimistic mindset. Spending 10 minutes or more of your “me time” meditating and practicing positive affirmations can create new neural pathways that can help you think and function differently. Not only will you learn to be kinder to yourself, but that will extend to others around you as well.

5. Get Quality Rest

If at all possible, schedule your self-care time right before bedtime. Harvard Health Publishing points out that spending dedicated time unwinding in a calm, peaceful atmosphere helps your body and mind power down for a good night’s rest. Sleeping seven to eight hours a night is not just good for your body, but it’s good for your mental health, too. Nothing resets, restores, and recharges you like sleep. There is no substitution.

It isn’t easy to make yourself a priority when there are always other things that seem more important. However, taking the time to relax and de-stress by practicing self-care isn’t self-indulgent at all when it’s done with intention and as a discipline. Your mental health is every bit as important as your physical health — for you and those around you.

Note from the editor:

You can learn more about Jennifer and read her wonderful blog posts at http://spiritfinder.org/

Contact her at jennifer@spiritfinder.org