Let’s face it, in January all we can think of is staying warm, making plans that don’t involve venturing outside, and nourishing our bodies after the celebrations over the December holidays. And we’re not talking going on an insane health kick of only drinking celery juice! We are just huge fans of a little bit of is self-care and 'me' time.
With that said, we wanted to share 6 ways you can create the feeling of a 5-star wellness retreat in the comfort of your own home. Because, yes, it would be amazing to visit a spa for a weekend of pampering, but after the expense of Christmas, we thought it might be nice to bring the spa to you instead.
So, whether you live alone and have the luxury of a full-weekend, or you can squeeze in two hours one Sunday afternoon when the kids are out of the house, block out some time dedicated to just you this month. Starting with…
DISCONNECTING AND BEING PRESENT
With the ever increasing need to be online, be available and be up to date with other people’s lives, or browsing endlessly for the next fashion or home inspiration, we’re fast becoming a generation bound to technology. But what happens if we unplug for a while and just be present? We know it's super scary and something we haven't been brave enough to try yet, but honestly, the world won't stop!
“Being mindful” was a term used frequently last year, but with the growing epidemic of people genuinely addicted to their mobile phones and laptops, it’s something that’s needed. Could you last a whole day without the internet, a whole weekend even?
Act as if you were entering a retreat and leave your phone on aeroplane mode for the majority of the day. Or at least turn off the internet so people can only call in an emergency. It will be hard at first, but it will do you the world of good to be present and have a screen break!
CHOOSE YOUR SCENT
You’ll notice as soon as you step foot into a spa or retreat, the fresh relaxing scents around you. Before your at-home wellness weekend, why not invest in a room spray, candles or diffuser in jasmine, lemongrass or lavender to give a calming energy to the space. A tip is, when you’re next in a space which tickles your nose, ask a member of staff if they know what scent is used. That way you can purchase it yourself and create a similar ambiance at home.
FILL YOUR FRIDGE WITH NOURISHING FUEL
The key is to prepare beforehand and fill your fridge with delicious foods in a variety of colours. Avocados, oily fish, vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, dark chocolate – yes, that’s right. Fill your body with good fats, protein and enjoy rich dark chocolate whilst your curled up in your spa robe (OK, dressing gown, but work with us here). Look for smoothie recipes ahead of time and spend time in the kitchen creating a dish you’ll love. Having time away from online distractions means you have more time to look after yourself in every way!
DUST OFF YOUR YOGA MAT
Put on comfortable clothing and create space on your floor to practise 30 minutes to an hour of yoga, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced Yogi. It helps control your breathing, stretches muscles you didn’t even know you had, and makes you feel amazing afterwards. It can also be a fantastic way of dealing with stress and anxiety, which is something most people look to escape from when booking a wellness retreat. A great recommendation is Yoga with Adriene, an online yoga expert who’s currently doing a 30-day challenge which you can dip in and out of, as well as lots of beginner videos. This is the one and only time you’re allowed to plug the wifi back in!
TURN YOUR BATHROOM INTO A SPA
There are so many ways to pamper yourself at your at-home wellness retreat, including a pedicure, manicure, hair mask and body scrub – an afternoon of pure luxury, right? A great idea is to create your own natural skincare products from ingredients you might already have in your cupboards.
Check out some of our ideas below:
Moisturising mask: 2 x teaspoon of coconut oil, 1 x drop of lavender, 1.5 x teaspoon of honey. Leave for 10-15 minutes.
Brightening: 3 x tablespoons rolled oats ground in a food processor, 1 x tablespoon of manuka honey, 1/2 x teaspoon turmeric, squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Leave for 15 minutes. You may need to wash your face a couple of times to remove the yellow tint from the turmeric!
Exfoliating: 1 x tablespoon of ground coffee, 1 x tablespoon of sugar, 1 x tablespoon of honey. Leave for 15 minutes once scrubbed on to the surface of your skin.
CREATE A SANCTUARY TO SLEEP IN
Okay, those with young children might have to stop their sanctuary here, but there's no harm in fantasising right!? Once you’re feeling rested, pampered and relaxed, drop some lavender onto your pillows, turn off any lights in the room, including standby switches, make sure the room is the right temperature for you to sleep in and curl up with a good book before hitting the pillow. Having fresh cotton sheets, a throw and a mattress topper are all ways you can create a 5-star retreat feeling at home, especially as hotel beds are the one thing people remark on when staying somewhere fancy for the evening. You could even put on some tranquil music or sounds before you drift off, making you feel like you could be anyway in the world once your eyes are closed. That is before the world wakes up and let’s you know it’s Monday again!
So, how are you looking after yourself this January? Let us know your top self-care tips and how you turn off from the world, even if it’s just for an hour or so.