Have you ever thought of setting aside a “home spa day” dedicated to relaxation and pampering yourself? We all deserve (and need) to be spoiled every once and a while to escape from the daily rat race and de-stress. However going to a day spa for even one treatment can be expensive – and often completely out of budget.

A home spa day does not have to be expensive or time consuming. In fact it doesn’t even need to take the whole day. Even reserving a few hours just for you can help you relax, de-stress and can improve your overall physical and mental health.

Prepare any homemade spa treatments such as bath salts, exfoliants, lotions, and facial scrubs in advance. Tidy up your bathroom and home in advance. (this is especially important if you are someone who can not relax with even a little disorganization or mess.) When you are about to start your home spa day, make sure to cut off all the distractions – turn off your cell phone, your answering machine, computer and television. Turn on the radio to your favorite station or put in your favorite CD, and light some candles or burn some essential oils.

For those who like to work out, missing a day at the gym can be torture. However, this is your home spa day, not the “day to sweat at the gym.” Instead of going for a full workout; go for a walk, do Pilates, or Yoga. The goal is to focus your energy on yourself, decrease yourself and increase your well-being.

Prepare your favorite meal or enjoy your favorite foods, regardless of what they are. This isn’t the time to be counting calories or obsessing about fat content. And don’t forget to take the time and savor every bite!

Prepare a bath with Epsom salts and bubble bath. Light some candles, burn some essential oils, and turn on some relaxing music you enjoy. After all, what would a home day spa experience be like without a relaxing soak?

Use a homemade exfoliating scrub you created in advance or a purchased exfoliant and follow-up with your favorite lotion. The exfoliating scrub will remove dead skin cells revealing the healthy, soft skin underneath. Be careful when using a facial exfoliant if you have sensitive or damaged skin. Finally, finish off your spa experience with an at home manicure or pedicure.