It is a stressful time. It has been traumatic for so many. For others, boredom is (luckily) the main problem. At times, we find ourselves wanting to turn off the TV and de-stress. We want (and need) to give ourselves, and our mental health, a break. For most of us, essential workers aside (thanks, guys!), staying home is the best thing we can do to try to help save lives by stopping the spread of this virus. This also means that there’s a lot of time that we didn’t have before to worry about getting sick, about our families, about our jobs, our futures, our kids. Or perhaps to reminisce about the past, our regrets, and our most embarrassing moments. Ah, yes. Hello, anxiety, my old friend. 🙃
My own shortcomings aside (now that would be a post), I’ve found myself needing a bit more self-care than usual. My biweekly spa nights have turned into once-a-week spa nights in order to de-stress. Taking the extra time to unwind and relax has really helped me during my stay at home and I want to remind all of you to do the same. Below, I’m going to list a few of my favorite spa-night products that help me to get calm and get right.
The first thing I do for my spa night is put on music. Lately I’ve been tuning into Michelle Phan’s Magic Hour Radio livestream on Youtube. She always has some nice songs going on over there and it’s a 24/7 live stream so you can tune in and listen any time of the day or night.
Next, I make the room smell nice. When things smell fresh and good, I feel fresh and good. I don’t like the toxic effects of candles so I opt for an essential oil diffuser. This one is my favorite. I’ve had it for several years and it’s still going.
Lavender is known for being the scent of relaxation and my senses are not exempt from it. It’s light, it’s pleasant, and it helps me to relax. Basically, it does what I need it to do on a spa night.
Run a bubble bath (duh). Not many things in this life help us to de-stress like a hot bubble bath. Feel free to swap out the bubbles for your favorite bath bomb. I just happen to prefer the bubbles, specifically this calming bubble bath from The Honest Co.
Pay attention because this next one is key. While soaking, it’s a great idea to reflect on your day, your week, your month, and make inventory of all of the things that you do have, as opposed to what you have lost or been denied. Follow it up with positive affirmations and positive thinking. This book by Cyndie Spiegel is full of inspiration to turn your mood around.
Before you start getting pruney, wash your hair, ya nasty. This silicone scalp massager doubles as a scalp cleaner so you’re killing two birds with one stone (sorry birdies). Not your wash day? No problem. You can use this tool to massage in your favorite hair mask or on dry hair, too.
One important thing that some may not know is that you should always use face masks on a clean face. The perfect time to do so is after you’ve hopped out of a steamy bath when all of your pores are open and you’ve already washed your face. These face mask spatulas are awesome for applying even layers while staying sanitary. Check out my favorite face masks here.
Now that you’ve finished with your mask, you want to apply any of your serums and moisturizers. I like to apply mine and go over my face with these facial globes that I pre-chill in the fridge (just don’t put them in the freezer). They help boost circulation, help to de-puff the eye area, and they just feel pretty nice. So, de-stress? Yes.
It’s a great idea to moisturize your body after a good soak. I love this CeraVe Moisturizing Cream that can be used on the entire face and body. It helps restore the skin’s protective barrier with three essential ceramides (1,3,6-II). The formula also contains hyaluronic acid to help retain skin’s natural moisture. It’s great for people with sensitive skin or eczema like me.
I should mention, while I’m doing all of the above, I like to sip on a nice cup of herbal tea. Knowing you’re drinking something that is good for you can help to de-stress and be relaxing in and of itself. To keep my drink hot for as long as possible, I opt for these double-walled glass mugs. They look cute, too.
Remember that thing I said earlier about smelling good, feeling good? That may be why I like to end my night of self-love with a few spritzes of my favorite perfume. Only recently did I find that it was available on Amazon and I didn’t have to wait to purchase it when overseas (#win). Layali by Swiss Arabia is an alcohol-free, oil perfume so be sure to spray it on your skin, not your clothes. The bottle is quite glamorous, as well.
Take care of yourself and others around you by taking the time to recharge and relax. It is important to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself. Self-care is necessary to remind yourself and others that you and your needs are important too. It’s easy to slip into a pattern of sadness and exhaustion during the normal ebb and flow of life, let alone during this period of isolation. Don’t forget to take time for you, especially now that we have it. ♥
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