Top Ten Tips for Spa Quality Relaxation at Home

Hi lovelies,

It's the start of not only a new week but a new Month, Happy March Monday everyone!

Hope your day hasn't been too stressful? Monday's always seem to be the worst don't they! My life is insanely busy at the moment.. I'm doing a part-time self-funded Masters whilst working full time. I have an essay deadline next Monday. I have no money because I'm paying for it myself and I have no weekends because I'm still working full-time so my lectures are Saturday and Sunday full day.

It's one of those things you just have to suck up and get on with I guess, but when the cracking people at Utopia Group sent me this gorgeous luxury hamper filled with Champneys, Baylis and Harding and Spa goodies to inspire me to relax a little I actually took note!

Utopia Group are all about luxurious relaxation. They specialise in setting the perfect scene for spa-like bliss with their bathroom ranges.  They're a UK company (you know I love supporting UK business!) with over 25 years experience too so they're pretty much the experts!

My top tips for spa quality home relaxation now live at luckypretty.blogspot.co.uk #RelaxMondays @Utopia_Furniture @UtopiaBathrooms #bbloggers #lbloggers

A photo posted by Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger (@laura_claire88) on Mar 2, 2015 at 5:10am PST

If I've had a hard stress-filled day I tend to do one of two things:

Stick in my earphones, play some happy tunes and go for a long run. The exercise gets my endorphins going whilst the happy music calms me. I always feel ten times better after a good long run!

Or...

I do the complete opposite and remain near stationary as I wallow in a hot deep-filled bath mixed with sumptuous smells whilst I apply copious lotions and potions to myself.

I'm a bath kinda girl you see. Even if it's a quick 'wash before bed' it's always got to be a bath for me. I just love having half hour to myself to ease away the aches of the day whilst the heat sleepifies me for bed.. gosh I'm feeling more relaxed just thinking about it!

It's always been the same ever since I was young. If ever I was in need of a de-stress I would run or I would wallow! That action plan has got me through some tough times I'll tell you. It's been tried and tested! hehe

So here's my Ten Top Tips for Spa quality relaxation 

in the comfort of your own home: 

1. Don't skimp on the ambiance. 

We're talking all of your senses here. Turn off that ceiling light and enjoy the soft warm glow that only candles can provide. My favourites are Yankee Candles in any of your favourite scents. They'll do a double duty too.. their gorgeous scent will also please your nose and, if you choose lavender, Jasmine or Rose it's likely to ease you into relaxation mode all the sooner.


2. Lotions and Potions and something Indulgent.

Raid your bathroom cabinets for the facemask, body scrub, bath oils and any other of your favourite bathtime potions. Make sure you strategically place them close at hand... you don't want any reason to have to get out of the tub once you're in!

I'd also recommend having something that's a little more indulgent. I love Neom bath oils and also keep a bottle in the cabinet to make my home-spa relaxation time just that bit more luxurious.


3. Towel Please.

Get those towels out of the hall-way cupboard right now! you don't want to be doing the run for them later on... and pop them on the radiator too so they're nice and warm for later. Don't forget your bathrobe too if you've one.





4. No phones allowed. 

Just like a spa treatment you've got to imagine this time as 'me-time'. Lavish yourself with your own company... you don't need to look on Instagram... you just don't!







5. Find the perfect temperature for you. 

If you look online it says that warm water is the best for relaxation... around 92 degree Fahrenheit. Firstly... who is going to bother to measure the water temperature.. pppftt! And secondly, I think it depends on you.. I like my baths scolding! Just make sure, whatever you're preference, you take some time to get it just perfect.



6. Be you're own beautician. 

Aching shoulders? Give them a massage. Blemishes on your face? Do your own mini facial. Dull looking skin? brighten it up with exfoliation gloves. Don't forget the scalp massage whilst you're washing your hair! It's important to take some time to pamper yourself... even if it is you whose doing the hard work.. the effects are still the same.

Check out this article from the Daily Mail on how to give yourself a relaxing head, neck and shoulder massage.


7. Just breathe. 



So, I don't know much about meditation or 'emptying your mind' but I do like to focus on my breathing every so often to help me unwind. Close your eyes and consciously focus on breathing in all those delicious fragrances - immediate relaxation!








8. Leave it as it is. 

You've wallowed long enough and it's time to come out. But the bath needs cleaning now? oh and I should really just clean the sink whilst I'm at it too, perhaps whilst I should just give the lounge a quick hoover? No, no, no. Leave it until tomorrow, it can wait... and bed is calling...



9. Bath then... 

It's something that reminds me of my childhood. Bath then bed was a common phrase in our household. But bed is just as important as bath. Don't ruin your bliss-like state with an unmade bed and harsh ceiling lights! Candles and even some soothing music will keep you chilled out ready for a deep refreshing sleep.

Try this YouTube link for 3 hours of relaxing spa-quality music


10. Keep scents in mind for a perfect slumber. 

Camomile and Ylang-Ylang are just two of the fragrances that will help you drift off quicker and having a lovely fragrance in your room will add a bit of luxury to your night-time ritual. I recommend pillow sprays just like this one from This Works which contains Camomile, Lavender and Vertivert which comes from the root of an Indian Grass.





Now I'm going to spend this evening doing just that with my lovely hamper!

Love

LauraClaire