Lately, I've been feeling quite stressed as we all sometimes do. I finally forced myself to take the time to pamper myself coz, let's face it, who else is gonna do it for me. I drew myself a hot bath for the first time in ages (I'm a shower person) and drizzled it with a serving of Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil (I have a little mini set and I decided the 'Deep Relax' was one I really needed the most at that moment. I had an awful day and a long week - I'd gotten very cranky and stressed out!) Then, I took the opportunity to pop my 'Neom' cherry and lit up the 'Tranquillity' candle. Yes, please, I need tranquillity. RIGHT. NOW. As I'd done in the past, the water was too hot - not very calming when you stick your foot in and it makes you scream several profanities. After a little adjustment (thank goodness for the cold water tap), I hopped in. Still...I lay there - thinking it's still too hot, feeling restless and then dripping with sweat as if I were in a sauna. Great. Then guilt came over me for taking time out when I have so many things to do and I should be spending time with my husband instead. I thought it'd be better than this?! Why don't I feel better?! This stressed me out even more the fact that here I was attempting to do something relaxing and it wasn't. It took a good twenty minutes before the aroma of the candle and the bath oil started to kick in. I even decided to take advantage of the hot steam from the bath and apply a face mask. I figured all that sweating (albeit disgusting) must be opening up my pores and therefore, makes an opportune time to let the mask do its work. For this, I used the last of my L'Occitane Olive Express Radiance Mask, which I'd only been using recently even though I've had it for a few years (tsk, tsk. I'd forgotten about it!). I believe it's long been discontinued. :( Anyhoo, I like this coz it doesn't dry out my face too much and leaves my skin feeling clean, soft and smooth.
Finally, I found my body, mind and spirit settle down and get into the much anticipated zen I'd been needing. I didn't want to get out of the bath after that. :) Most importantly, all it took was an hour and I was a renewed, rejuvenated and better (more approachable) person. Hubby was glad of that, too, so I needn't have felt sorry I took time out to myself after all.
Overall, I highly recommend doing this. It's a cheaper, more accessible way to treat and relax yourself and you can do it as often as you like compared with going away on holiday. (Though, I recommend the latter once in a while, too if you can. ;) Good way to get out of your usual environment and see what the rest of the world is like). Both Neom and Aromatherapy Associates are worth splurging on, too. I thoroughly enjoy these!
For those poor souls like myself not deemed as morning people, I also recommend using aromatherapy to help wake you up. But, this alone won't help me personally (I'm practically nocturnal) - I need caffeine to get me started. ;) I've been enjoying the whiff of the Neom 'Refresh' candle' throughout the early morning. 'Refresh' is a Sicilian lemon and fresh basil fragrance and helps clear my mind and start focusing for the day a little earlier than the usual noon-time for non-morning persons. It's very fresh, lemony and juicy, and the clean smell of basil is meant to help energise.
Here's how Neom describe it:
"A clean and cheerful blend that enlivens the body and recharges the soul. The perfect morning or pre-night out 'pick me up'. Also perfect for when you are over worked and over tired, feeling groggy or have a sore throat."
Sounds a bit of alright, dunnit? I'm sure we've probably been all of the above at the same time at some point in our lives even. Haha...
I hope this was interesting/useful.
Thanks for popping by, and do remember to take time out and pamper yourself! You deserve it! x
What are your favourite ways to unwind and help you wake up in the morning?