Keeping everyone in the office happy understandably leaves even the most hard-core PA drained, so it is important that you pamper yourself occasionally. However, a weekend at a spa is not a luxury we can all afford, so read on for our DIY spa guide and indulge
Set aside time for yourself
Relaxing at home will be impossible if the phone is constantly going and the kids are screaming. Switch off that mobile and arrange for your partner or babysitter to take the kids off your hands so you can focus on calming activities for yourself.
Schedule in some exercise
We all know exercise releases endorphins, which make you feel happy. They also energise you and help battle insomnia. So do something as simple as a brisk walk or jog around your local park, or perhaps go for a swim. If you would rather not have anyone witness you in sweatpants/swimming costume, close the living room blinds and put on that fitness DVD you got for Christmas.
Luxuriate in a bubble bath with mood lighting
Bubble baths are an excellent way to unwind. If you want a taste of the Champneys spa experience, check out the companyโs range of at-home products.
Lighting some tea lights and scented candles and dotting them around the bathroom is a simple way to create ambiance. Lavender is the ideal fragrance for creating a relaxed sensation while ginger is good for confidence.
Quick tip: Before you run that bath find your fluffiest towels and dressing gown and warm them on the radiator if you donโt have a heated towel rack.
Take away the frizz factor
If you want to pamper your locks too but hate the frizz caused by a steamy bathroom, apply a deep-moisturising treatment to nourish your locks back to a healthy luster.
Face mask
Post-bath is the ideal time to unclog those pores further and apply a face mask. Try Sasy n Savyโs ones. Once applied, sit back in your comfiest armchair and listen to your favourite tracks.
Buff those nails
As the icing on the proverbial cake of your home spa experience, give your nails a little treat too. NevO Special Nail Care Kit is excellent for creating shiny-looking fingernails and they come in a range of scents including French vanilla and passion fruit.
Clear the clutter off of your table and make it look like a mini nail salon to make this a more special experience than the usual hasty application of nail varnish at your desk. Lay out your clippers and emery board and line up all your nail varnishes. Make sure you have lots of cotton buds on standby.
Make your own spa treatments
If you fancy going the whole hog on this DIY spa why not make the spa treatments yourself? The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa has kindly divulged some easy and delicious looking recipes โ apply, but donโt eat.
Lemon salt scrub โ detoxifying and fabulous for dry skin
โข 1/2 lemon fruit
โข 50g fresh ginger
โข 500g salt
โข Jojoba or any vegetable oil.
Chop the lemon and ginger, or use a blender to coarsely chop it. Mix all of the salt, lemon and ginger together in a bowl, making sure the juice of the lemon is included. Add oil depending on how rough or smooth you want the scrub to be. For the best results, scrub onto dry skin before showering and spend at least 10-15 minutes massaging on to your whole body. This scrub is very hydrating so there is no need to apply moisturiser afterwards.
Refreshing cucumber and honey facial โ cool down and refresh your face
โข 1 table spoon natural yoghurt
โข 1 table spoon of honey
โข 20 thin slices of fresh cucumber
โข Rose water or cucumber water
โข Your own moisturiser
Yoghurt is rich in enzymes, which makes natural yoghurt excellent as a cleanser for your skin. Apply and massage gently for one minute before cleaning with a warm, wet towel. Tone the skin with your daily toner to rebalance your skin ph.
Honey is calming for the skin, so apply and massage for around three minutes. You should use sticky honey if available. Lie down and apply cucumber slices to your face on top of the honey, finish by putting two on your eyelids. Leave for 10-15 minutes. Remove the slices and use a warm, wet towel to remove honey residues. Tone again and apply moisturiser.
Rehydrating coconut hair treatment
โข Coconut milk (amount varies depending on length of hair)
Warm up the coconut milk to tepid temperature. Make sure it has a slightly thick consistency before massaging it into your hair and scalp; this can be done to dry hair or wet hair. Leave the milk in for 15-20 min so your hair gets sticky and a little bit hard as the milk dries. Rinse and allow to dry naturally.
