How to spend a day relaxing and pampering yourself at home

Everyone needs a day off every now and then. Sometimes, all you want to do is relax and recharge. All you need is a little preparation beforehand. From indulging in a spa experience to simply resting, choose the activities that will make you feel most comfortable.

Reschedule your appointments. Naturally, you wouldn't want to visit the dentist on your day off. Move any appointments you have that day to another time. This way, you'll have an entirely free day to relax.

Let others know you'll be unavailable. Take a day off if it falls on a weekday and set up an 'Out of Office' message in your email so others know you’ll be back the next day. You should also inform your friends and family that you’ll be offline for the day, unless you’d like to spend the day pampering yourself with a few friends—this can be fun too.

• How you use your day off is up to you. You can plan ahead a few weeks and use one of your paid leave days. Alternatively, you could consider using a sick day to focus on mental health, provided your boss agrees with the idea.

Switch your phone to emergency mode. Many smartphones offer a mode that only allows calls from certain contacts (such as family or close friends) or from people who have called multiple times (like in an emergency). Try setting your phone to this mode so that only essential calls can reach you.

Take time to clear your mind. At the start of your day off, make sure your mind is ready to relax. This means letting go of any worries. One way to relieve stress is by practicing deep breathing.

• Try closing your eyes and focus entirely on your breath. Inhale slowly, counting to 4 before exhaling. When you exhale, count to 4 as well, and remember to breathe deeply using your diaphragm. Keep focusing on your breath until you feel the tension melt away.

Turn off your electronic devices. While you can certainly watch TV or a movie on your day off, try to stay away from other tech devices like laptops and tablets. It's easy to check emails when connected to technology, and reading emails could cause unnecessary stress. Plus, browsing news can add pressure to your relaxation day. Take a break from the internet for just today.

Don't use a clock. If possible, turn off or cover all the clocks in your house. Take a day off from keeping track of time. Just enjoy a laid-back day, doing whatever you feel like at any moment.

• Don’t force yourself to stick to a schedule. If you planned to garden but find that you no longer feel like it on your day off, don’t worry about it. Simply do whatever feels right in the moment.

Select the right music. It doesn't matter what genre it is, as long as it helps you feel comfortable. Play some background music while you enjoy your day off.

Choose your main focus for the day off. You need to decide how you want to spend your day. You could opt for a spa experience, pampering yourself with luxurious treatments. Another option is to take it easy, watching your favorite movies and enjoying your favorite snacks. Choose the activities that will help you relax the most.

Take a bath. Warm water helps relax your muscles while letting your worries drift away with the water. You can even add a bath bomb or two to nourish your skin while you soak.

• Try lighting a few candles in the bathroom to create a calming atmosphere.

Apply a face mask. Not only does a face mask help you unwind, but it also takes care of your skin. The easiest solution is to use a store-bought product. However, you can also make a simple face mask at home with just a few ingredients. Mash a few strawberries, add a few drops of honey and plain yogurt, mix them together, and apply to your face. Rinse off after 15 minutes.

• For store-bought products, follow the instructions on the package to know how long to leave the mask on.

Try a hot oil hair treatment. This treatment can help you relax as it soothes your scalp. Additionally, it hydrates and restores your hair, leaving it softer and shinier.

• To make hot oil for hair, simply pour a little olive oil (about two tablespoons) into a small bowl. Add a few drops of coconut oil and one or two tablespoons of honey. Heat the mixture in the microwave for about 15 seconds, but be sure it doesn't get too hot. Mix the ingredients together.
• Use a brush to apply the mixture to your hair from roots to ends. Cover your hair with a shower cap or wrap it in plastic wrap. Leave it on for a few hours if possible, then rinse it off.
• You don’t need all three ingredients. You can use just olive oil (without honey) if that’s what you have on hand.

Make a homemade scrub. You can easily create an exfoliating scrub with ingredients you probably already have. Use this mixture to scrub away dry, dead skin cells. To make the scrub, simply mix one part oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil) with two parts brown sugar (you can substitute with white sugar if needed). Add a few drops of essential oil or a pinch of cinnamon for a lovely scent.

• If you’re using coconut oil, microwave it for about 1 or 2 minutes to melt it before adding the sugar.
• To exfoliate, simply rub the mixture onto your skin with your hands, then rinse off.

Use a foot care treatment. Apply foot cream to your feet. Wet a towel, wring out the excess water, and heat the towel in the microwave for about 60 seconds. Then, apply the cream to your feet and wrap them in the warm towel. Leave it on for about 15 minutes.

Paint your nails. Of course, one of the best parts of a spa day is getting your nails done, which you can easily do at home. Set aside some time at the end of your day to paint your nails and toenails. Don’t forget to add a base coat and a top coat for longer-lasting results.

Savor your favorite food. One of the most essential elements of a relaxing day is enjoying your favorite dish. Pick any food you love, from crispy fries to ice cream. If you like, treat yourself to a slice of pizza.

Enjoy a glass of wine. Many people associate drinking with relaxation, and certainly having one or two glasses of wine isn’t an issue. Open a bottle of white wine and sip on one or two glasses if you prefer.

• However, be mindful not to overindulge. You don’t want to spoil your relaxing day with a hangover the next morning.

Opt for a warm beverage. If wine isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Choose coffee, tea, or hot chocolate instead. This is simply a way to comfort yourself, especially when you indulge in a drink you don’t often have.

Pick a few movies or TV shows to watch. A great way to unwind at home is to watch your favorite films or shows. Choose them ahead of time before you begin your day of relaxation. You can use streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu.

• Don’t be afraid to watch a sad movie. Sometimes crying during a film can help you confront reality and deal with emotions.

Read a great book. If you’re not into movies, give yourself the gift of a new book that you know you’ll enjoy. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and read all day long.

• You don’t have to buy a new book. Borrow one from a friend or the library. In fact, you can even sign up to borrow eBooks from most libraries if you prefer to read online.

Do something you love. Perhaps you haven’t had enough time to paint as you would like, or maybe you love gardening but haven’t spent much time outdoors. Use your free day to indulge in a hobby. This not only makes you happier but also helps alleviate stress after a busy week.

Try yoga. If you're a fan of yoga, take a few minutes during your day to stretch and practice relaxation poses. It will help you unwind and feel rejuvenated.

Soak up the sunlight. Spend a bit of time outside in your garden or on your balcony. Sunlight can help reset your body’s internal clock, making you feel more comfortable and balanced throughout the week. Additionally, just being outdoors can help you relax.

Give yourself flowers. Flowers can bring relaxation and a sense of being cherished, and there's no need to wait for someone else to gift them to you. Order a bouquet to be delivered on your day of rest.

• A more budget-friendly option would be to buy flowers from a local store the day before.

Order food from a fancy restaurant. Many cities offer delivery services, even from upscale restaurants. Check out local services like GrubHub or Postmates to see which restaurants deliver to your area. Treat yourself by selecting one of your favorite places and enjoy a luxurious meal at home.

Enjoy quality time with your family. Sometimes, we realize we haven't spent enough time with our loved ones. Pampering yourself might mean focusing on the people you care about most. Consider family games, movies, or coloring books, and savor the moments spent at home with your family.

Spoil yourself with your partner. Perhaps, instead of spending time with the whole family, you prefer to be with your significant other. If that's the case, try taking a bath together, reading side by side, or simply cuddling up on the couch for a cozy movie night.