[dropcap]I[/dropcap]magine you’re lying down in bed in the middle of a quiet, perfumed room. Enveloping you is a warm glow, given off by dozens of beautiful flickering candles canvased across tables and shelves. You’re mesmerized as you watch their tiny flames dance shadows against the walls. The soft crackling of the fire drowns out the sounds of all the thoughts and anxieties running through your mind. You can feel the stress melting from your muscles.
Sounds like something you’d only experience at a 5 star resort on a tropical island. Or spent a small fortune at an expensive day spa. But what if I told you that you could have this same experience and have it cost you next to nothing? How? We asked Stress Management Expert Elli Bell for 3 simple steps on how you can turn your home to your own private spa, WITHOUT emptying your wallet!
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[tab title=”Step One: Candles” icon=”entypo-newspaper”][/tab]
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Whether large or small, scented or unscented, candles create a vibe of pure serenity. “Do not underestimate the effect candles can have on you. The atmosphere they bring to a dimmed room can relax not only your muscles, but also your mind,” says Elli.
Add a few around your tub and it instantly transforms your ordinary bathroom into a luxurious water getaway.
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By adding bath oils to your hot bath, you immediately submerge your whole body in complete relaxation. “Certain bath oils have the ability to soften skin, extract toxins from the body, and release endorphins. Depending on which scent speaks to you, there are many essential oils that can be added to a bath to clear up the sinuses and nasal passages and increase air flow into the lungs,” continues Bell, “breathing deeper will help you get more oxygen into the brain and help your body release tension faster.”
Bath oils bring the perks of expensive aromatherapy treatment right into the comforts of your own tub.
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[tab title=”Step Three: Lavender Scented Neck Pillow” icon=”entypo-newspaper”][/tab]
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Imagine soaking in a hot bath surrounded by exquisite candles and soaking in soothing bath oils. Then, you slide inside your warm bed and relax your head, neck, and shoulders on a pillow that gently emits just enough Lavender to calm you into a deep, relaxing sleep. In that moment you’ll realize that bringing the atmosphere of a spa into your home was the best idea you ever had.
“Lavender is one of these scents that release endorphins into your body” says Bell. “Adding that with the comfort and contouring of a neck pillow, and you have a very relaxing combination”.
So ignore the preconceived notion that spoiling yourself is expensive. Next time you feel the urge to pull out the checkbook and make that drive to the spa, do yourself a favor and stay in instead. With these 3 simple steps, you’ll transform your humble home to your very own spa, customized to your wants and needs. It will be the best money you never had to spend.
[infobox title=’About:’]Elli Bell is a Medical Aesthetician at The Oaks Medical Spa, a health and wellness center based in Baton Rouge, LA.[/infobox]
Great Article!