Those who train for better health have already heard about home gyms, but what about when you’re looking for a relaxing spa treatment?  A home day spa can be a great solution for relaxing and getting the benefits of professional spa or hydrotherapy treatments at home.  

The spa experience can begin with using a home whirlpool or jacuzzi, but it shouldn’t end there.  Whether or not you include hydro in your home day spa experience, there are also a whole lot of aspects of a spa therapy experience that you can re-create in your home.  From yoga to skin treatments, the possibilities are vast.

Try some of the following:

* using cool packs or wet cloths for calming therapy

* using natural ingredients, like pineapple (a source of skin therapy agent bromelain) or oils like olive oil or tea tree oil for their rejuvenating properties

* finding a space at home for calming meditation

* getting candles and other tools for aromatherapy

* alternating yoga and workouts for a full-spectrum spa/fitness program

Many aspects of these home therapies are based on just a few basic criteria.  First, plan a program, with a timeline and goals. Then, plan a space.  Renovate any space to fit your needs.  And then, accessorize.  With these three steps, you should be able to reasonably re-create the kind of day spa or spa therapy that you’re looking for.  Remember to be persistent in your effort to find the right space for your home therapy, a place that puts you at ease, that will be a good stage for you to use the natural benefits of simple setups to truly let the pressures of the world slip from your shoulders.

When planning, pay attention to what your diet will be, as well as getting rid of home distractions, (TV, kids, etc.) and being deliberate about creating an aura for wellness.  Be proactive, and plan the entire day to more fully control what goes on.  Think of a home spa experience like a “trip”, and take all of the appropriate preparations, including any food prep and getting clean, cold water to drink.  When it comes to food, think light: vegetable spears, whole fruits, granola, or any other lighter fare will help you feel the benefits of your spa day.

Taking care of extras like music, air flow and sound control, as well as collecting your best set of accessories, will help.  Make time for that new book on yoga or video on meditation.  Consider doing introspective activities like writing or drawing.  Keep in mind that what relaxes you will be a unique combination of factors that are different for every individual.  Focus on your needs, and you’ll see that often, getting a full relaxation experience is as easy as listening to yourself once in a while!