Valentine's Day falls on a Wednesday this year, making it the perfect opportunity to indulge in a mid-week treat. In this blog post, we'll explore how you can create a luxurious spa experience in the comfort of your own home, using Scentered products or your own. Get ready to unwind, relax, and pamper yourself this Valentine's Day with some well-deserved love.
Preparing for Your Self-Care Session:
To begin, find a calming space to sit or lie down. Create a soothing spa-like atmosphere by dimming the lights, playing relaxing or ambient music, and lighting a candle. The Scentered range offers five candle blends, available in two sizes. You can explore them here. Take some time now to practice a form of meditation, such as repeating a mantra, finding peace in the present moment, or focusing on your breathing. Feel free to stay in this state as long as you need. Once you have achieved a state of tranquillity, integrating a self-massage into this routine can further elevate the relaxation of your at-home spa experience.
The Power of Geranium and Lavender:
Geranium and lavender essential oils are often used in spas for their therapeutic properties. Geranium can be noted for its balancing and toning effects on the skin, while lavender is widely known for its calming and soothing effects. The Scentered Sleep Well Body Oil, rich in vitamin E and jojoba and blended with geranium, lavender, and ylang ylang, is the perfect combination. Massaging these oils into the skin may help release tension in the body and promote a sense of physical and mental relaxation.
Massage Time:
You’ll want to begin by pouring a dime size amount into your hands. Warm the oil between your palms, raise your hands to your nose and inhale deeply.
The following steps will establish the foundation for your self-massage session.
- Find a comfortable seated or standing position. Ensure your back is straight and your shoulders are relaxed.
- Start by gently warming up your neck muscles. Use your fingertips to apply light pressure and make circular motions on the sides and back of your neck. Gradually increase the pressure as your muscles begin to loosen up. Should you wish to include the scalp in your massage, feel free to do so at this time. Beginning at the base of the skull, massage your scalp with the same technique as your neck, using circular motions with your fingertips and moving your way towards the front. Pay attention to areas of tension, like the temples and jaw.
- When you’re ready, begin to slowly work your way back to the neck and down towards your shoulders. Apply firm but comfortable pressure and use a kneading motion with your fingers and palms. Continue massaging both the neck and shoulder, paying attention to any areas that feel particularly tight or sore. Remember to breathe deeply and relax as you massage. If you feel any knots or tight areas, you can focus on them by applying deeper pressure.
- End the neck and shoulder portion by gently stretching your neck muscles. Tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder, and hold for a few seconds. Repeat on the other side. You can also gently tilt your head forward and backward to stretch the front and back of your neck. This would be a good time to replenish your oil as you will now start working on the torso, arms, and legs.
- On the torso, begin in the lower right side of your abdomen and use gentle circular motions of the hand. Move up towards the ribs, to the left side, and back down. Next, shift your hands around to your lower back and apply light to moderate pressure. To the best of your ability, work your way up and down the back, using your hands to knead the muscles on either side of your spine. Adjust the pressure depending on your comfort level.
- To warm up the muscles in the legs and arms, you will want to start with long sweeping motions. It is important to go slow and opt for gentle, controlled movements. Once the muscles are warmed up, use the tips of your fingers to knead specific muscle groups – calves, thighs, and hamstrings in the legs, and biceps and triceps in the arms. The fingers and toes can also benefit from gentle stretching.
*Tip: Consider experimenting with massage tools to effectively target specific areas.
- To conclude your self-massage session, sit or lie down for a whole-body stretch. Close your eyes and reach your arms overhead, lengthening your spine and extending your legs. Engage in a few deep, controlled breaths, focusing on inhaling and exhaling slowly. Allow yourself time to reflect on how you feel in this moment. When you’re ready, slowly begin to open your eyes and prop yourself up.
Embrace the Spa Vibes with a Cosy Robe:
Now that you’ve cleared your mind and massaged and stretched your body from head to toe, find the ultimate comfort by wrapping yourself in the Scentered Soft-Touch Luxury Spa Bathrobe. Our luxurious bathrobe is designed with a double layer of the absolute softest microfiber and a plush combed cotton terry lining. A hug in every thread. Finish your night with a warm cup of tea or pop a heated wheat bag over your neck and shoulders for a final embrace of your senses. The Scentered lavender-scented wheat bag, found in both our Love and our De-stress Relaxation Sets, is a great all-natural option.
Valentine's Day doesn't have to be limited to romantic gestures. Take this opportunity to prioritize self-care and treat yourself to a mid-week pick-me-up at home. Remember, self-love is just as important as any other kind of love, so indulge in some well-deserved pampering this Valentine's Day.
*Remember, self-massage is a personal experience, so always listen to your body and feel free to adjust the techniques and pressure to suit your preferences and comfort level. If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting self-massage.
**Please note, it's always recommended to perform a patch test and consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially if you have any allergies or sensitivities.