If you’re as busy and stressed out as the rest of America, you probably don’t take time out for yourself very often. Although personal pampering has known stress relieving benefits, we don’t all have the time or financial freedom to book a spa day at a high end resort. Instead, you can transform your bathroom into the relaxing, spa-like retreat of your dreams. By following these tips, you’ll be one step closer to feeling just as pampered and relaxed as you would after a day at the spa – except without the costly bill.
Ensure Privacy
One of the most important parts of any home spa experience is ensuring you have uninterrupted time just for you. If you have to jump out of the tub to answer the ringing doorbell or soothe your crying toddler, you may end up feeling even tenser than you did before entering the bath. By making arrangements for uninterrupted solitude you’ll be fully prepared to indulge in the luxury of a bath. Keep your cell phone out of the room, let the phone go to voicemail, and consider taking a bath while the kids are in school or are otherwise occupied – you’ll thank yourself later!
Don’t Forget the Tunes
If you can arrange to have music in your bathroom, you’ll be glad you did. Whether it’s a soothing, classical record or an acoustic performance by your favorite band, music can work wonders to melt away stress and remove you from reality. Additionally, if you share a space with others, music can help drown out the sounds of everything that’s going on elsewhere in the house. Some use their phones to stream music, while others opt for waterproof, Bluetooth enabled speakers. Whatever the method, music shouldn’t be overlooked when transforming your bathroom into your own personal retreat.
Pay Attention to Details
Did you know eliminating labels can help you relax? By transferring cotton balls and Q-tips to clear, glass jars you can reduce the stress caused by clutter in your bathroom. If shower space is an issue, consider using a curved shower curtain – it’ll create space and ensure your showers are relaxing. Another easy way to create a relaxing atmosphere in your bathroom is to trade colorful towels for white, fluffy ones – they’re clean, simple, and won’t act as a distraction. When’s the last time you went to a spa and were given a striped or brightly colored towel? Spas use white towels for a reason, and so should you.
Take Advantage of Your Senses
If the lights are on, your eyes will wander and your brain will follow suit. Lighting the room with candles is ideal, since the flickering of the flame when combined with the soothing scent of a candle will do wonders to relax your body and mind. By using lavender-scented bubble bath or aromatherapy bath salts you can take advantage of the soothing effects scent can have on your body. Many spas incorporate fresh flowers, so why not include a vase of fresh cut flowers in your bathroom?