Treat Yourself to a DIY Spa Day in Austin

Let’s face it, it’s been a pretty hectic year for all of us. We’ve had to deal with the stress of a global pandemic, economic uncertainty and worry for the health of our friends and family. We’ve had to change the way we work, the way we socialize, the way we learn and the way we do simple things like buying groceries. Maybe you’ve been working more shifts or have had to change the way you work in order to accommodate the craziness of the year, and we all know how mentally and physically exhausting that can be. 

We know that a spa day can’t make it all better, or even that it might change the way you see the world around you. But, if there’s one thing for certain, a few hours of intentional rest, relaxation and rewards are sure to be the best few hours of your day. And that makes it all worth it, doesn’t it?

If you live in our Austin apartments, then here’s how you can treat yourself to a relaxing DIY spa day at home while also supporting local businesses! It’s a win-win!

Elements of a spa day

Mindset

You could have all the massages, facials and mimosas you could ask for, but if you’re constantly stressing about your next item on your to-do list. At the same time, though, it’s certainly hard to distance ourselves from the stressors that exist in our homes, especially since our homes have also become our workplaces, schools and gyms these last few months.

Here are a few ways you can de-stress and get into a more relaxed mindset.

• Write down a list of all your to-dos and set it aside for later. That way, you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything. 
• Meditate! This could mean sitting quietly for a while until your mind feels less busy, or maybe it could be sitting outside for a few minutes and watching the birds. 
• Stretch out your back, legs, arms and chest. You’ll be surprised at how much the tension in your body can cause your mind to feel uncomfortable! 

Baths & showers 

A nice, warm bath or a hot, steamy shower can do wonders for a tired body and mind! Especially if you’re used to jumping in the shower before rushing off to work. Take the time to enjoy the warmth and nourish your skin and hair with healthy products made right here in Austin!

Visit Austin Natural Soap to find a huge variety of locally-made soaps and suds! From activated charcoal detox soap to Padre Island Breeze to a self-proclaimed cowboy soap, you’re sure to find something unique here at Austin’s most highly rated soap shop (according to Yelp, at least). And, located just south of the Colorado River, it’s just 14 minutes away from our luxury Mueller apartments in Austin!

Creams & lotions

Fun fact: your skin pores open up in warm water and close in cold water. So, it stands to reason that the best time to moisturize your skin is right after you get out of a shower while your skin is still damp. The warm water opens up your pores, and the dampness helps your skin absorb the moisturizer.

So, after you’ve scrubbed clean and feel as fresh as a daisy, try using some handmade lotions from a locally-owned Austin bath and body store. Elena’s Organic Products features clean, organic and beautifully-scented soaps and lotions which are guaranteed to leave you feeling loads better than before.  

Face masks

A face mask is a great item to keep handy because it’s good for so many occasions. Most of the time, all the prep you need to do is wash your face, and then you’re good to go!

Face masks are quick, easy and convenient ways to moisturize or exfoliate your skin. You can cook with one on, watch a movie, read a book, sip a glass of wine or do practically anything else with a face mask on. Plus, when you only have a few minutes of relaxation during a busy day, the coolness and smoothness of a face mask will do wonders for your mood and relaxation. 

Treat yourself

A spa day can definitely be more than just a warm bath and fancy soaps. If your goal is to feel rested, relaxed and happy, then find out what things can do that for you! Self care as a term is hard to define, and that’s because everyone finds happiness and peace in different ways.

Maybe you want to curl up on the couch with some of your favorite gelato, or maybe you want to devote some time to a hobby that you haven’t practiced in a while. Maybe your idea of a special meal is a complex recipe that you never have the time to cook for yourself, or maybe it’s take-out from the restaurant that no one else in your family likes. Bottom line: you do you.

If you’re looking for some great Austin restaurants, then we’ve got you covered! We’ve already found our favorite food trucks in Austin, some great Austin brunch spots and one-of-a-kind culinary gems. Check to see if they have a delivery or curbside pickup policy so that you don’t even have to remove your PJs to get your favorite dish. Like we said, you do you.

Finally, make sure to be intentional with your time! That doesn't mean that you must be physically doing something the entire time you’re relaxing, but you’re sure to feel truly better when your time has been well spent and looking after yourself has been a priority. Whether that’s an hour of reading on the balcony or a whole evening of intensive skincare routines, you’ll never regret spending that time on making yourself happy.

Enjoy!

Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/stevepb