(BPT) – During stressful times, there’s nothing better than a little soothing self-care at a spa. If you aren’t able to go out to get pampered the way you used to, however, you can give yourself some TLC right at home.
To help you create your own personalized spa experience, Nikki Miller, global director of KOHLER Waters Spa, offers tips for home self-care based on the relaxing treatments offered in their locations including at The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin; in Illinois — and even in Scotland.
Her primary advice? “First, create a ritual that suits you, and that makes you feel like you’re making time for yourself,” says Miller. “When you’re done, you’ll feel happy and positive, and you’ll feel an improvement in both your mental and physical health.”
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Create a soothing space
Whatever relaxing rituals you choose, create a comforting, quiet and peaceful space. Choose an area like your bathroom or bedroom where you can have privacy. Make the room special with sensory components like calming colors, ambient lighting, soft textures, soothing music, candles or essential oils.
Harness the power of hydrotherapy
“KOHLER Waters Spa is known for its experts in hydro-therapy,” explains Miller. “Certified hydro-therapists at these locations expertly use water to heal the body and to create a healthy experience for guests.”
You can harness the healing powers of water by recreating these experiences at home.
- Cool rinse: Heat penetrates and forces blood flow and circulation, so switching to a cool rinse after a hot bath or shower brings your body to a more balanced state, helping support your immune system, increasing your heart rate, stimulating blood flow and increasing thyroid production.
- Cool compresses: Especially if you suffer from migraines, a cool compress is great way to constrict blood away from the pain area, forcing blood to contract and circulate better.
- Foot baths: Fill a vessel big enough for your feet to rest comfortably with warm water and add your favorite essential oils and soak. Add mineral oils to increase your soaking experience.
Try body (dry) brushing
Dry brushing is ancient body detox technique that addresses the lymphatic system. Gentle brushing of your skin helps improve the flow of toxin buildups that can block your lymph nodes, causing inflammation. Body brushing stimulates blood flow and acts as detoxifier, breaking up toxin deposits in the body.
Using a simple dry brush with soft bristles or a loofah, start by lightly flicking your skin, starting at your feet and working your way up to the heart, focusing on the feet, backs of knees, groin, underarms and the collarbone. All movement should be focused toward the heart.
Give yourself a cupping facial
When people hear cupping, they think about hotspots pulling blood into the skin, leaving a visible mark. However, a cupping facial uses special cups placed on the skin to create gentle suction, stimulating blood flow to reduce inflammation and activate lymphatic drainage. The width of the cup doesn’t pull blood to the surface, so it won’t be visible.
Using a facial cupping set and face oil helps to remove impurities and improve blood flow.
Focus on your skin
Basic skincare is even more important today, since wearing face masks can be tough on the skin. To improve your skin’s condition, follow these steps.
- Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type, then rinse the cleanser off with lukewarm water.
- Exfoliate: Remove dull skin with a pumice rub or chemical exfoliator. Or you can try alpha beta hydroxys and lactic acids, which are very popular and safe to use on a regular basis.
- Mask up: Use a hydrating mask after exfoliation, once a week.
- Moisturize: Nighttime is the best time to moisturize. Follow up with sunscreen moisturizer during the day.
“Give yourself permission to take time for you,” adds Miller. “Making time for yourself will help you better take on the day, be more productive, and feel more centered and connected.”
To learn more about spa amenities and locations near you, visit KOHLERWatersSpa.com.
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