Like many of us, I find that today's very busy lifestyle I never seem to have enough time for myself.
Taking time out or down time is necessary even if we do have a very busy schedule that doesn't allow much time for ourselves. Giving our bodies time to relax helps to reduce stress letting us feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the world again.
Pampering yourself from head to toe doesn't require as much time as you think. When done in the privacy of your own home costs are reduced and you can feel like a million bucks without spending it.
Here are a few ideas to help get you started!
Hair Rinse
A good shampoo and conditioner is a must, but to really pamper your hair, why not try a wonderfully scented herbal hair rinse.
Make an infusion of a great rinse by steeping two tablespoons of dried rosemary, lavender or chamomile in two cups of boiling water for fifteen minutes. After the allotted time, strain and rinse hair with the water after you shampoo and condition your hair.
Face Mask
Facial masks are often overlooked as part of our skin care routine. Along with your daily cleansing routine, a facial mask should be included at least once a week.
- Dry skin, smash an avocado, smooth over face for 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
- Normal to oily skin, mix two raw eggs with cup orange or grapefruit juice and apply to the face.
- Sensitive skin, try mixing oatmeal with warm water and apply the mixture to your face.
While you are at it, throw a couple of cucumbers over your eyes to reduce puffiness and cool tired eyes.
Body Moisturizer
We may use it daily, but most of us do not think of lotion as a body moisturizer. Trying to keep out skin from being ashy is doing just that, moisturizing our skin. But today body moisturizers don't have to come in a bottle.
A good moisturizer can be something as simple as a few added drops of sweet almond oil to your bath water or as soothing as mixing a paste of baking soda with cup of olive oil for dry skin. To Use: Simply, apply the mixture to your dry skin and then rinse with warm water.
Another simple recipe is a mixture of equal parts: Oatmeal, coconut milk and honey. Apply the mixture to skin and rinse with warm water. Don't forget a loofah sponge or body brush since these are a great essential for pampering your skin.
Hand Mask
Before you get into the tub, try a clay mask on your hands. It will leave them feeling wonderfully soft.
You can purchase a clay mask anywhere most beauty supplies are sold. Follow the instructions on the package and apply to your hands in the same manner as you would your face. After your bath, try applying your face creams to your hands instead of your usual lotion and then slip on a pair of cotton gloves (found at most beauty supply stores) for added moisturizing softness.
If possible, try your hand mask at night, leaving the cotton gloves on all night for a really deep moisturizing. Your hands will thank you.
Feet Treatment
One of the most neglected parts of our body is our feet. Other than a simple pedicure and daily lotion, we forget about them. Yet, our feet are one of the most important body structures. Daily, for our lifetime, they support our weight, allowing us to stand upright.
With spring only a couple of weeks away and summer soon to be on it's way, you'll want to give your feet more than a pedicure to get them ready for open toe shoes again.
An easy way to pamper your feet is a soak in a footbath. Add a few drops of sweet almond oil or peppermint oil to your warm water foot bath to refresh your tired tootsies. Afterwards, slather your feet with lotion, body butter or olive oil. Then put on a pair of socks for the softest feet ever.
Inner Beauty
Preparing yourself a hot cup of herbal tea or your favorite flavored coffee or cappuccino is a simple way to indulge in a little bit of pampering and it can also be very satisfying.
Try a hot cup of chamomile to relax away your stress or a peppermint or spearmint tea to revive your senses. For a sinfully delicious treat, indulge in a cup of Chocolate flavored coffee or dark chocolate flavored cappuccino.
Another way to indulge is by lighting scented candles or incense. Both of these offer a wide variety of scents to help calm and relax. To take things a step further, try turning on your favorite music, sit back and relax for a few minutes. This can be very soothing to both your body and your soul.
These are just a few simple ideas to help get you started. The best thing about home spas is that you can add your own special ingredients to pamper yourself as you see fit!
Michele Winslow (c) 2008
When word gets around about your command of Ethical facts, others who need to know about Ethics will start to actively seek you out.
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