It’s all too easy to get caught up in our hectic lives and forget that we need to take care of ourselves – our bodies and minds. Without this essential care we can become run down and over-stressed. Check out a few simple ways to pamper yourself so that you’re better able to meet the challenges of your daily life feeling your best.
1. A Cup of Tea
Whether it’s black tea, green tea, herbal tea, it’s all good and each type brings its own healthful comforts. The soothingly warm taste of tea does offer a pampering break in the day; yet tea also boasts many important health benefits. For instance, chamomile tea is known to have a calming effect on the nervous system. If you’ve had a long and stressful day, a cup of chamomile tea can naturally help you unwind and de-stress. Green tea is known for its antioxidant protections and black tea is associated with reduced risk for various conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and even Parkinson’s disease. Give it a try and see how refreshed it makes you feel.
2. Hot Bath with Epsom Salt
There’s something about a hot bath that makes the day’s woes melt away. Adding Epsom salt to the bath is an extra special way to pamper yourself. Epsom salt is known for its ability to sooth the nervous system and provide relief from bad headaches. The magnesium in the Epsom salt can also help flush toxins from your body and even ease muscle cramps. You’ll feel much better when you step out of this bath and into a fluffy towel.
3. Aromatherapy
Did you know that the scents of essential oils from plants like lavender and jasmine are associated with reduced depression and anxiety? A warm bath accompanied by some aromatherapy treatment can feel like a great indulgence, but it has such rejuvenating potential that it is well worth taking the time to enjoy. Add a sprig of eucalyptus to the shower or add a fresh bouquet of roses to add a touch of romance to any room of your home.
4. Massage
While it would delight the senses to book a world-class massage at a seaside spa in Cabo San Lucas, that isn’t always possible. Yet you can light a candle with a sea-breeze scent and elicit the services of your partner to give you a relaxing massage right in your comfortable home. Moreover, you can also visit a local spa for their massage treatments that will pamper you and help you feel like a new person when you emerge from their care.
5. Manicure and Pedicure
Pamper yourself with a manicure and pedicure when you’re feeling low. Just taking care of the little things helps you feel more ready to take on the bigger obstacles of life. These beauty treatments don’t take too long and yet they can bring so much pleasure that outlasts the session. You’ll feel great each time you catch a glimpse of your great-looking nails.
6. Dark Chocolate Bliss
Forget about the day and take a bite into the rich and delicious taste of a dark chocolate bar. Loaded with antioxidants, dark chocolate can give you an anti-oxidant boost and a jolt of energy. Yet the taste of chocolate satisfies a craving for something deeply satisfying and good. When you need some pampering that won’t disappoint, reach for some dark chocolate.
7. Lounge with a Sunset
If you live near a beach or have a comfy chair on your terrace, take time to sit with a sunset. Put cares from your mind and indulge in a session of free time, remember that? Free yourself of all obligations for just thirty minutes to watch the sun sink low and to feel the pleasure of being alive in the world and surrounded by the beauty of nature.
8. Read Something Wonderful
For some people, it’s a magazine and for others it’s the most recent recipient of the National Book Award, but a good read pampers the soul and is a great therapeutic use of time. Curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and enjoy ‘getting away’ with a good book. Though it can be hard to make time to read each day, be sure to indulge each week; you’re always so much better upon emerging from a book.
9. Eat Something with Wow Factor
Pamper yourself with a great meal after a long, hard week. Try a new cuisine or a new restaurant in your area. Dining affords such simple pleasures and it’s such a joy when you can set aside cooking duties and enjoy what another cook brings to the table. Comfort food doesn’t always have to be a major detour for your diet either; there are many healthy dishes that can nourish your hunger as well as your soul.
10. Rest Up
Maybe you need to sleep in or indulge in a nap, but that beauty sleep can also enhance your energy. If you’ve been putting in long hours and need to catch up on rest, try to work in some extra nap time. When you’re well rested you can think better and work better. Pamper yourself with some quiet slumber in your comfortable bed with some soft music playing and no distractions allowed!
What’s your favorite way to pamper yourself? Share your ideas in the comments section, please!