There is nothing better in the world than being able to stay in after a long, stressful day, and have the time to fit in some self-love and pampering. Most days can really take its toll on our souls, especially after all the annoying, tedious tasks you have to do day in, and day out. Finding the time to set aside for pampering and self-love is difficult enough without factoring in the costs of going to the spa. Most people budgets don’t have the significant stash of money required for pampering themselves.
Instead of categorizing pampering and relaxing into a “needs” and “wants” column, how about we just consider it a vital, essential need. Developing a routine for pampering yourself doesn’t have to be an expensive venture. There are so many viable, if not free methods to give yourself a spa treatment without breaking the bank. All you need is some spare time to dedicate to yourself, and some imagination. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some affordable ways to pamper yourself.
Face Masks
If you’ve never personally experienced a face mask, like cucumber or charcoal, you haven’t lived!! Applying a face mask as a form of skin treatment is an amazing way to let loose and wind down for a little bit. Depending on your personal preference, there is a huge variety of face mask that can be utilized.
My personal favorite mask is a blend of charcoal and sugar. The charcoal has very deep exfoliating and cleansing properties, while sugar really helps scrub and polish your skin. I usually don’t leave the mask on longer than 15 minutes because the charcoal can dry your face out. I’d start with about eight minutes with the mask on, scrub then rinse, then apply a moisturizer. You won’t believe how smooth your skin will be afterward. Like I said, moisturize!!!
There are so many different blends of the mask, each which serves their own, unique purpose, so do some research, find a mask that is appealing to you and apply it. You will be so relaxed and will love how calm you feel. A face mask is an excellent way to pamper yourself.
Make a List of Things You’re Thankful For
The real essence and meaning of pampering and self-love are to make yourself to feel good. I can’t think of a better reason for making yourself feel good and sweep out the negativity of your life than a list of positive affirmations and things that you’re thankful for. It doesn’t have to be something huge or extravagant, just the little things you have every day, like the Starbucks on the way to work.
Warm Baths with Essential Oils and Herbs
With the razzle dazzle of day to day life, when is the last time you can recall the time you took a warm bath? Once the kids are in bed or all of your studying is done for your exams, draw a hot bath, add a few drops of lavender, grapefruit, and eucalyptus and just relax! Pour a glass of your favorite wine, or brew a cup of your favorite hot tea. Light some candles and enjoy your time to yourself.
Adding some essential oils and herbs can really enhance your bath and your relaxation. Essential oils such as grapefruit or citrus extract will give you a joyful and uplifting feeling. Oils such as eucalyptus and lavender will help calm you and release any pent-up stress.
Dress to Impress for No Reason at All
Most of us had evolved from taking the time out of our day to make ourselves look our best before we went out, changing into a perpetual state of hoodies and sweatpants. I mean, who has time for makeup, doing your hair, and fancy clothes? This all may seem very impractical but take the time to do your hair, put on all your makeup, and put on your best outfit. It doesn’t matter what others think; you sure do feel great when you look your best! Putting aside the time to make yourself look your best is one of the most affordable and efficient ways to pamper yourself on a budget!
Have A Staycation
If you have some unused vacation days at work and no intentions of booking an elaborate, expensive vacation, having a staycation is a blessing in disguise. Use your time to do WHATEVER you want to do! You will finally have some time to sit in silence and do nothing. Sounds too good to be true right?! Staying at home and doing nothing seems simple but you’d be surprised to learn most people don’t know how to “do nothing.”
Take some time to catch up on some reading you’ve been neglecting. Go for a walk in the park or on some nearby hiking trails and get some nature medicine in. Taking a long walk in nature really goes a long way in clearing my head. There are a wealth of local hiking trails where I live, so I make it a point to go out and explore each and every one of them whenever I have the time to spare.
These are just some examples of how to utilize your stay at home vacation, feel free to use your time to do what you enjoy doing most.
Pampering yourself doesn’t have to break the bank, or doesn’t require an expensive trip to the salon. These are just a few examples of how you can stay at home and give yourself some much-needed pampering and self-love. With the roller coaster ride of life always running full speed ahead, having time to yourself is a valuable commodity that doesn’t present itself often. Make the most of your time and treat yourself.
If you have a little extra funds lying around, a salon usually runs special deals on facials, cut and color package deals, nail treatments, and so on. Get the misconception that pampering yourself requires a truckload of money, your imagination only limits you.
