Having a spa day is a wonderful way to rejuvenate after a stressful week, but unfortunately actually going to the spa isn’t always an option. In these cases, you’ll have to find other ways to relax, but who says you have to settle? Creating a luxurious home sauna and spa experience is easy! The next time you feel like having your own home spa day, use these tips to inspire your routine.  

1) Appeal to your senses.

Spas are special because they appeal to all 5 senses at the same time. So when you’re setting up your home spa routine, make sure you incorporate things that your senses will enjoy! That means turning on some tranquil music, slipping on a soft robe and fuzzy socks, slicing some fruit, dimming the lights, and lighting a candle. 

2) Practice aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is a treatment that uses essential oils to activate smell receptors to send messages to the brain. Certain smells can even send specific messages. For example, lavender promotes sleepiness, lemon is a mood booster, and eucalyptus is medicinal. If you’re looking to achieve a specific headspace, research essential oils to find one that suits your needs. To use the oil, you can either breathe the scent in with a diffuser or mix the scent with a carrier oil and apply it to your bath or directly onto your body. 

3) Try dry brushing.

Dry brushing is an exfoliation technique that can keep skin smooth and improve circulation. To try this treatment at home, use a body brush to brush your skin in circular strokes that go towards your heart, starting by your feet, and working your way up. This should only ever be done on dry skin, so save your shower and lotion for after your dry brushing is over. 

4) Pamper your peepers!

The under-eye area is ignored by plenty in their everyday beauty routine, but the under eyes deserve love too! Dedicate some time during your home spa routine to depuff that area with cucumbers, cold spoons, tea bags, or any other appropriate product or home remedy. Your eyes will thank you! 

5) Use water for a full body treatment.

You can get an amazing full body treatment simply by showering in hot or cold water! That’s because these extreme water temperatures have certain benefits for the body and mind. Depending on your needs, you can choose to stick to one temperature or switch between the two mid-shower! To end your treatment,  take 5 minutes to rinse with a more neutral temperature setting so your core temperature can return to its normal levels. 

6) Throw on a face mask.

Is there anything that screams ‘spa-day’ more than the classic face mask? We think not! If you don’t already have a favorite mask, research your skin type, and needs to find something that fits exactly what you want. If you do happen to be trying something new, do a patch test on a small spot of skin to make sure you’re not sensitive to the ingredients. Once your patch test gives you the green light, you’ll be ready to show your skin some much needed TLC. 

7) Use your home sauna.

Of course, using a sauna is the key element to a home sauna and spa day. If you don’t have the convenience of having an at-home sauna cabin, you can DIY your own steam room by closing your bathroom door and windows and turning your shower on to the hottest setting possible (don’t worry, you won’t be handling the water). Then just sit back, relax, and let the steam do its job! If you do have a home infrared sauna unit, even better! Infrared saunas have many more benefits than the traditional steam room sauna, so definitely use it to your advantage if you have one at home. 

The best part about crafting your home spa routine is that you get to customize it! This list is just a guideline, so when having your own spa day, don’t be scared to skip some of our suggestions or add in your own steps. After all, this is supposed to help you destress, and no one knows what will make you relax better than you do!