Hello everyone!
This is going to be a short post because it mostly speaks for itself.
February has come again, and we know what that means: flowers and chocolates (or other candies) and romance. Valentine’s Day makes a point to remind us all how special those with significant others are and how sad and lonely the rest of us must be since we are not smiled upon and subsequently shot by a baby armed with bow and arrow. Come on! What does a baby know about romance anyway? Besides, who says that the only love important this time of year is for significant others?
As writers, who often have day jobs and … well … life to manage before we can even get one word recorded on our preferred medium, we tend to neglect a very important issue: self-love or self-care, whichever term you prefer. Besides ourselves, there are other groups that are often neglected when it comes to all the lovey-dovey flying around. These groups belong to family and friends. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to read my post “Family, Mentors, and Friends.”
Since these aspects of love are so often overlooked, let’s focus on them a bit this year with a spa day.
Without further ado, let’s start with an overview of the recipes. Simply click on the titles to be taken to the source recipes.
- DIY Detox Foot Bath
- DIY Foot Scrub With Essential Oils
- Aloe Green Tea Face Scrub
- Bentonite Clay Face Mask
- Witch Hazel Aloe Toner
Now, I actually did this in parts instead of one big spa day, but I prepared it all in advance.
My point is that, for this spa “day,” you can pick and choose as well as mix and match.
The amount of time you should set aside for preparations will vary. Some variables would include: level of organization, level of distraction (other matters demanding attention), whether you choose to do the full spa or only part, and whether you choose to do the preparations before the spa day on your own or make the preparations part of the experience with everyone doing their part.
The foot bath and scrub were amazing. Both my friend and I felt incredibly relaxed, and our feet felt refreshed.
There was one change I made to the foot bath. I did not use the Epsom salts and instead of Dead Sea salt, I simply used large grain pink Himalayan salt.
I tried the face scrub and mask at home. In the YouTube video, you will notice that there is a water version and an ACV version. I used the apple cider vinegar. The ACV was smooth and refreshing. Just remember that ACV is acidic. If you have any cuts or sensitive skin you might want to use the water version as the ACV can sting a little.
The face scrub, itself, significantly improved the brightness of my skin though I felt it was a little on the oily side. The face scrub and mask together seemed to clear my pores a little and smooth my complexion as well as soften my skin. I found it refreshing.
I will give a note for those who have difficulty with patience: this face mask does not dry quickly. It took my mask 30 minutes to dry, and that was with me cheating by blowing warm air on my face. I put more than a thin layer, but I also wouldn’t say it was thick. Since the mask is clay, it does dry tight, so if certain textures or a pulling sensation on your skin is a problem for you, I would not recommend this mask. If you are willing to experiment, however, I think it is something you should try at least once.
Whether you are doing a full spa day, going solo, or enjoying the experience with friends or family, I recommend burning incense or, better yet, using an essential oil defuser for some aromatherapy. Lavender is good for relaxing, though two of my favorites are orange and cinnamon which are known for being invigorating. If you have a favorite scent or blend, please let us know in the comments.
If you want to make the time, however long or short, even more relaxing, play some soothing music or nature sounds. I have provided a variety of YouTube links. If you have any to suggest, leave a comment.
- Forest Ambience Birds Singing & Beautiful Stream Sounds for Peaceful Sleep, Deep Rest, Medicine ASMR
I hope these ideas help you relax and recharge your batteries so that when you return to your writing you can better enjoy the wonder.
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