It’s the middle of April and instead of laying on a beach letting the sun inject me with an extra dose of melanin while being serenaded by waves, I am stuck in the house in PJ’s, dreaming of basic luxuries like dining in and getting a long, long hug from a friend. Definitely not the most supreme way to start a decade. Something tells me you can relate to these frustrations. (Thank you COVID-19)
You know what might help? A bomb self care-day, quarantine style. It will help us mentally detox, and renew ourselves; mind, body, and spirit. Certainly, not as cool as laying on the beach but we will have to make do for now. What do you say?
SETTING THE MOOD
Meal Prep. Have all your meals accounted for the night before because who wants to cook on a spa-day.
Clean up. Do this the night before also. Trust me, there’s no way your mind will let you fully enjoy this rendezvous knowing that you have a sink full of dishes and a clutter waiting for you in your room.
Fragrance. Get out your favorite scented candles or an essential oil diffuser for the ultimate spa ambiance. Essential oils can play a huge role in stress relief.
Music. Find a smooth and relaxing playlist that suits your taste. Emphasis on the word relaxing (read: no music that will have you in your feelings crying over your ex or angry at the world). Lo-fi, jazz, or instrumental worship music, are all great options.
Media Cleanse. If you really want to care for yourself, do yourself this one favor. No news and definitely no social media… yes, for the entire day!
Easing In
1. Center your mind by opening up with a few minutes of prayer.
2. Have a nutritious breakfast. Preferably one that you prepped the night before.
3. Boil some hot water to make your favorite cup of tea.
4. Practice gratitude as you sip your tea by taking a few minutes to write down all the things you are thankful for.
4. Let breakfast digest as you soak in a bubble or even a milk bath. For a milk bath, add just a few cups of milk and some essential oils. Rose petals, honey, and oatmeal are all viable options to add to your bath as well.
5. After you bathe, lather yourself with your favorite lotion.
The Get Down
Mani’s and Pedis– Now that you’re fed and fresh, time to get to the nitty-gritty. Give yourself a fresh pedicure then manicure. You can get a foot spa from Amazon to soak and clean your feet. Follow by shaping, massaging, then painting. No half-stepping here ladies, you deserve the best tender love and care you can give yourself.
Facial- Once your mani dries, give yourself a facial. First, start by steaming your face. Either order a face steamer online or make one on your own by filling a bowl with boiled water and adding a few drops of essential oils like tea-tree or lavender. Let your face set above the water so that the steam can hit your face directly. Follow with a clay mask, toner, then moisturizer. P.S don’t forget the cucumbers for your eyes while you have on the clay mask.
Snack Time- Speaking of cucumbers, now is a perfect time to snack as you wait for your mask to do whatever it is that masks are supposed to do. For your snacks, I’m giving you full permission to go in; no holding back. I’m thinking: grapes, chocolate, cheese, and shrimp cocktail. Anything less extravagant just won’t cut it, Capeesh?
Lip Scrubs– As you wash off your mask, exfoliate your lips with a gentle DIY lip scrub. Just mix a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of brown sugar, and a few drops of lavender essential oil(optional). Rub onto lips in a circular motion then wash off.
Unwind
Treat yourself to your favorite meal. This will be either something you prepared the night before or you can have it delivered to you using something like UberEats or DoorDash.
As you prepare to eat, realign yourself with another time of prayer and gratitude.
From there, you are free to cozy up on your couch, or bed to read your favorite book or binge-watch your new favorite Netflix series for the rest of the night.
There you have it, a way to escape quarantine, without actually escaping. Remember life is what you make it; if it gives you lemons take out the water and sugar! We’ll get through this uncomfortable season soon!
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