Activities to relax, find peace, and create more peace

DIY Spa Day and Other Spa Tips by Karen Whiting

Set the Scene

Find a peaceful spot with less clutter.

Add what you like for a peaceful atmosphere

            *Music

            *Candlelight

            * Aromatherapy/essential oils if you are not allergic

Wear something comfy like a sweat suit or bathrobe

Items to gather

Bible, journal, paper, pen or colored pencils

Jar of Bubbles

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Frozen bottle of water

Fill a pitcher with fruit infused water (use your favorites: mint, slices of cucumbers, strawberries, oranges, limes)

Soft bristle brush for brushing your skin.

The Spa Time

Relax your muscles

1. Give yourself a hand massage as that calms the heart. Then open and close your fists and wave your hands gently.

2. Sit, place a foot on the frozen water bottle and roll it back and forth. Repeat with other foot.
3. Stand and do several shoulder shrugs up and down and then roll shoulders back a few times.

4. Sit and bend your back forward with your head down. Then arch your back and lift your head. 

5. Drop a little cold water on your wrists and dab some behind your earlobes. This stretches and relaxes those muscles. This cools major arteries to help you relax.

Relax your mind

Turn off electronics and drink water.

Sit in the sun or look outside at nature, or look at a healthy plant inside.
Go outside or head to the bathroom sink and blow some bubbles. Watch them float. Read 1 Peter 5:7, and then. Think of a worry and stress and blow a bubble as you ask God to take that worry.
Read a Psalm, such as  91, 23, or 62. Then pray. Write about the worry and then tear up the paper and toss it out as a symbol of giving it to God.

Pamper yourself in minutes

Use an eye mask while listening to relaxing music
Give yourself a facial scrub or foot scrub
Use a hair mask: Use warm coconut oil or warm olive oil to make it shine and stronger. Use whipped cream to make hair soft and moisturize it.
Use a soft bristled brush and gently dry brush your skin (always toward your heart) before you bathe or shower. It detoxifies/exfoliates the skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Self-care check list

Have I prayed and read the Bible or a devotion?
Am I rested from sleep
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Have I eaten veggies, fruits, grains, and proteins?
Am I hydrated?
Have I stretched and relaxed my body?
Have I thanked God for at least three blessings?
Have I taken a walk or exercised?
Cuddle up with someone or a stuffed animal.
Try some refrigerator spa ingredients (below) for beauty or to improve a problem.

Minute Self-care Ideas

Tighten your muscles and then relax them.
Shake gently from head to toe.
Do a few neck rolls.
Sip tea.
Nipple a square of dark chocolate or have a cup of dark hot coca.
Have a teaspoon of honey.
Read a favorite Psalm and draw an image from the words.
Take ten slow breathes.
Close your eyes for a few minutes.
Do any muscle relaxation of tightening and loosening muscles.
Stretch your legs behind you and then to the front.
Take a ten-minute power nap.
Thank God for three blessings and write them down or journal about them.

Refrigerator Spa Ingredients

• Mix about ¼ teaspoon each Brown Sugar and Olive Oil in palm of hand, then gently rub a dab on your kisser to Exfoliate Lips.
• Spread some Banana Baby Food directly out of the jar under your eyes. Leave on for about 10 minutes and wash off. This helps Rid Dark Under-eye Circles.
• Rub Minced Garlic on your nails and then put on some disposable gloves and leave gloves on for about 30 minutes to help Strengthen Nails.
• Pour 1/3 cup of Oatmeal into the foot part of a used nylon knee-high, and tie in a knot. Toss into warm bath water to Soothe Sensitive Skin.
• To Relieve Aching Feet after a lot of walking or standing, dissolve ½ a cup of Epsom Salt into ankle deep water in a tub and soak your tootsies for 20 minutes.
• Rub 1/8 teaspoon each of Cocoa Butter and Honey in your palm and rub it on your lips for a yummy Lip Balm.
• Want to Tighten Pores and Cleanse Skin? Spread Plain Yogurt on your face, and wash it off after 10 minutes.
• Don’t put up with puffiness when you can Relieve Swollen Eyes! Slice a raw Potato into a couple of thin slices, then shut your eyes and place the potato slices on them for about 10 minutes.
• Nourish Hair by applying a mixture of ½ cup of Mayonnaise and 3 tablespoons of Honey. Start at the end of hair, work toward the roots. Leave in for 15 to 30 minutes before shampooing.
• Use a weekly Avocado and Yogurt facial mask to Relieve Dry Skin (see recipe earlier in the chapter).
• Get a Healthy Glow by mixing used Coffee Grounds with a little warm water and rubbing in light circular motions on your face. Rinse off after about a minute.
• Heat some fresh Rosemary in a pan of Water (use rainwater if possible), just enough to cover the herb, and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain so you end up with just scented water. Use as a Hair Rinse after you shampoo and condition to give it a healthy shine.
• Soften Eyebrows by using a cotton swab to dab on a little Caster Oil.
• Soak a cotton ball with Apple Cider Vinegar, then swipe on clean face for a refreshing Skin Toner.
• Mix ½ a cup of Sea Salt with ¼ cup of Baby Oil. Put it into a covered container to sit for 24 hours. Massage this homemade Skin Softener onto rough skin areas, then shower off.

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Beat the Heat with Tea Scented Spritz

What you need: 

• 2 green tea bags
• 2 chamomile tea bags Medium pot of warm water 

What to do: 

1. Steep tea bags in warm water three minutes. 
2. Pour some of the water into a spritz bottle. Spray as needed to feel refreshed.

Brown Sugar Foot Scrub

• 2 T. brown sugar
• 2 T. ground oatmeal
• 2 T. aloe vera gel (or squeeze gel from a fresh plant)
• 1 tsp. fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 T. honey
• 1 tsp. olive oil 

What to do:                                         

1. Mix ingredients together in a large bowl until mixture has a pasty texture.
2. Use a gentle circular motion to rub the paste onto heels, arches, soles, and toes. 
3. Rinse feet with warm water.