As part of my commitment to my developing awareness of including self-care rituals into my life, I have chosen one aspect of my day where I could make more loving choices. I felt it was time for me to focus on self-love, and to support my body with some deeper self-nurturing. I have always enjoyed a bath, but it was often done in a way that was over too quickly, with my mind on the next thing on my ‘to do’ list. |
Although it is a small space, my bathroom had the potential to be a soothing retreat so I decided to turn my bathroom into a ‘home-spa retreat’ – a space that would really support me to cleanse, rejuvenate and revitalise. It would just need a few tweaks here and there without spending lots of money. I also knew that is was important how I approached this task.
After all, a rushed job would be counterproductive to the end result. I am worth it, to spend time on just me.
My bathroom was often untidy with bottles strewn everywhere, so first of all I looked at all my collection of creams and potions, throwing out any past their use-by date, or those with only a little left in the tube. I organised them into categories, like with like, only keeping the ones that I really loved and used. It makes such a difference when everything is in its place, and only the things I love are in use.
I then gave the bathroom a thorough clean, wiping every surface and polishing the taps till they shone. I found some lovely thick bath and hand towels that coordinated with my neutral colour scheme and folded them neatly over the radiator so they would be warm and toasty.
I took down the old shower curtains that were looking worse for wear with mildew, and went out and bought some fresh new ones. I bought myself some rose and neroli shower gel with matching body cream – one of my favourite scents. I looked at my handiwork and decided that all was in order. Later that day it was time to use the bathroom.
I decided to have a bath in my new ‘Spa Retreat’. Giving myself time to just stop, and re-connect with myself in the soothing, warm fragrant water would be deeply nurturing.
I lit a couple of tea lights in holders and placed them at the end of the bath. They gently flickered and cast a soft light, which was so much kinder than the bright lights I had used before. I ran the bath getting the exact temperature of the water right – not too hot, and not too cold. I added Epsom salts, rich in magnesium, which help the body to cleanse and revitalise. I also added a few drops of Ravensara essential oils as a support for my immune system as I was getting over a cough.
Other oils that are great to use in the bath include Lavender or Chamomile for relaxation, and Rosemary or Pine for aching limbs or sore muscles. Another favourite of mine is Ylang Ylang, which is very aromatic. You can use five to ten drops of your chosen oil into the water after the bath is ready.
The bathroom felt amazing – a new space for me to be me, and to enjoy!
I felt that I was honouring my body by providing this lovely fresh environment and this was a truly self-nurturing experience, which I shall continue to enjoy and develop as part of my self-care program.
Sue G. UK
After all, a rushed job would be counterproductive to the end result. I am worth it, to spend time on just me.
My bathroom was often untidy with bottles strewn everywhere, so first of all I looked at all my collection of creams and potions, throwing out any past their use-by date, or those with only a little left in the tube. I organised them into categories, like with like, only keeping the ones that I really loved and used. It makes such a difference when everything is in its place, and only the things I love are in use.
I then gave the bathroom a thorough clean, wiping every surface and polishing the taps till they shone. I found some lovely thick bath and hand towels that coordinated with my neutral colour scheme and folded them neatly over the radiator so they would be warm and toasty.
I took down the old shower curtains that were looking worse for wear with mildew, and went out and bought some fresh new ones. I bought myself some rose and neroli shower gel with matching body cream – one of my favourite scents. I looked at my handiwork and decided that all was in order. Later that day it was time to use the bathroom.
I decided to have a bath in my new ‘Spa Retreat’. Giving myself time to just stop, and re-connect with myself in the soothing, warm fragrant water would be deeply nurturing.
I lit a couple of tea lights in holders and placed them at the end of the bath. They gently flickered and cast a soft light, which was so much kinder than the bright lights I had used before. I ran the bath getting the exact temperature of the water right – not too hot, and not too cold. I added Epsom salts, rich in magnesium, which help the body to cleanse and revitalise. I also added a few drops of Ravensara essential oils as a support for my immune system as I was getting over a cough.
Other oils that are great to use in the bath include Lavender or Chamomile for relaxation, and Rosemary or Pine for aching limbs or sore muscles. Another favourite of mine is Ylang Ylang, which is very aromatic. You can use five to ten drops of your chosen oil into the water after the bath is ready.
The bathroom felt amazing – a new space for me to be me, and to enjoy!
I felt that I was honouring my body by providing this lovely fresh environment and this was a truly self-nurturing experience, which I shall continue to enjoy and develop as part of my self-care program.
Sue G. UK