I’ve been sheltering in place for 2 weeks now during the coronavirus pandemic.  My stress level is HIGH, my toilet paper supply is low.

Stress zaps your immune system, weakening it.  Keeping anxiety as low as you can is a crucial part of staying healthy.

Give your mind at least an hour off from all the anxiety and uncertainty.  Pamper yourself with a spa day at home!

Now is the time to make self care a priority.

I’ve gathered some EASY DIY ideas to spoil yourself with a spa day at home.  These facial steaming and mask recipes are not just good for your skin, making your own is a good way to fight the boredom of quarantine.

Make Yourself A Drink

Whatever you drink, make it special.  Make it fancy!  If you’re having wine, use the crystal.  If you’re having tea, use the china.  And if you’re having water, dress it up!

Chop up some produce and make infused water.  It’s not just refreshing, it has some vitamins, too!  Simple,  one- ingredient recipes like the ones pictured above are easy and delicious.

Set The Mood

We’re all feeling cooped up.  Beautify your surroundings.  Change it up, make it different!  This will add to the feel that you’re not at home.  You’re at the spa!

Start with music!  Spotify has tons of spa music playlists.  You’ll find one that suits your mood perfectly.

Get out those fancy candle holders you never use and use them, add flowers to the room, light a bunch of candles, dim the lights.

DIY Facial Steam

Facial steaming is something I rarely make time for at home.  Besides being good for your skin, steaming also encourages you to breathe slowly and deeply, a naturally calming activity.

After you’ve cleansed your skin, put about 4-5 cups of hot water into a big bowl.  Add ingredients that target your skin’s needs.  Here are 3 easy recipes using ingredients that you probably have in the house now.

To Calm and Soothe Skin:
5-10 Cucumber Slices
1-2 Chamomile Tea Bags

To Hydrate Skin:
1-2 Chamomile Tea Bags
1 Teaspoon Lemon Peel

To Energize Your Skin:
1 Teaspoon Lemon Peel
1 Teaspoon Orange Peel
1-2 Chai Tea Bags

Put your face over the bowl, put a towel over your head to create a tent over the bowl, close your eyes, and just breathe.  Let the aroma relax you, let the breathing calm you.

DIY Facial Mask

Relaxed from the steam, with the spa music playing, take a sip of your drink and then apply a facial mask.  Pop some cucumber slices over your eyes, and sit back and relax!  Keep that deep breathing going, and get lost in the music or the soundscape you’ve chosen.

You can whip up your very own facials at home.  Here are 3 you might like:

To Hydrate Skin:
1/2 Avocado
1 Tbsp Honey
1/4 Cup Oats

To Tighten Pores:
I Egg White
1 Tbsp Honey
Splash of Lemon Juice

To Exfoliate And Moisturize:
Small Handful Of Almonds
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
Toss the almonds into a food processor or smash them in a plastic bag before mixing them with the olive oil.  They are a great exfoliant!

As with any product you try, remember to patch test these masks on a small area of your skin before using them all over your face.  If you have food allergies to any of these ingredients, don’t put them on your skin.  Don’t reuse or save any mask in the fridge.

I believe in taking time for yourself.  I believe in giving your mind and body a rest from the near constant worry and anxiety we’re experiencing.  Don’t put yourself last on the list of priorities.

Commit to taking the time and making the effort to give yourself a much needed rest.