When most people hear the phrase pamper day, the image that comes to mind is someone lazing the day away at a spa, with all the time (and money) in the world for luxurious pampering treatments. In reality, pampering does not only have to be about paying lots of money to have someone rub out all of your tension knots from your back.
Although there is certainly nothing wrong with a day of massage and traditional self-pampering, a pamper day can mean many things to different people. My idea of a day of pampering includes having no work to worry about, time to sit in my garden, time to do a longer length yin yoga practice, a kombucha or two, and some pampering at-home treatments enjoyed in the privacy of my own bathroom. It could be a DIY pedicure and time to see or chat with a good friend. It could be going for lunch and plant shopping or indulging in something sweet.
When you start seeing this type of day as more of a day to nurture your mind, body and soul, you will soon start to see how important it is to include a pamper day or two in your month.
How to Plan a Pamper Day
There is no reason that your pamper day should not include a long, leisurely bath with all of your favourite bath goodies, of course. True pampering is not only on the surface, however. It is also about nurturing yourself on other levels, dealing with stress, reducing anxiety, calming the mind, and rewarding yourself for getting through a busy week. To get the full effect of pampering days, here are some tips to keep in mind…
Schedule.
If life is currently hectic and you are wondering where you will ever find time for yourself, let alone time to enjoy the things that make you feel relaxed and content, try thinking of pampering as an appointment to make with yourself. Schedule a few hours – on a weekend or whenever – and add it to your calendar. When other conflicting events threaten to get in the way, stay firm and do not move your pamper session from your calendar.
Prepare.
You can also prepare for your pamper day by choosing a day of the week or month that is more likely to stay clear. If you have kids, arrange to keep them occupied on your chosen day. Plan in advance so that you have everything you need to make your day fully your own. See if you need any products or if you need to make any homemade scrubs or bath treats. Do whatever you can to make the day itself easier, basically.
Indulge.
When the day arrives, make sure that you enjoy it properly. Try very hard to stay off social media if you can help it and keep your phone away as much as possible. There is no point in planning a day for yourself if you are only going to waste it by stressing or worrying. This is why planning in advance is so important. It gives you more breathing room to relax and fully unwind.
Repeat.
Last, but not least, no pamper day is truly effective in isolation. It’s easier said than done, I know. This is where scheduling comes in handy. Try and choose just one a day a month that is just for you and no one else. You could spend this day getting your hair done, lying in the bath, taking a long nap, reading in bed for hours or doing whatever else you need to recharge and reconnect. Repeating this day makes it a ritual and rituals make it part of your lifestyle.
It sounds cheesy, I know. Making time for yourself might be something that has been touted by every wellness magazine and guru since forever. It really is one of the most important elements of self care, though. When you make time for yourself and plan a pamper day that is just for you, you will start to see how much good it can do on every level.
