Mother's Day Issue
At-Home Master Class: Zen OutThere's no place like home, there's no place like home… There's no place like om.
First step to treating your Zooming, homeschooling, dinner-making, multitasking mom like a queen? Treat her to a spa experience—right at home. Here, our tips to transform your space into a relaxing oasis. Repeat after us: Serenity now…
Step 1: Declutter
Pick a spot and prep by clearing out the clutter. It's the first step in self-care. You will be surprised what a difference this makes on your stress levels.
Step 2: Indoor Plants
Bring the outdoors in. Plants such as English Ivy and Gerbera daisies can help improve the air quality in your home. Plus, according to a study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, getting your green on can actually reduce physiological and psychological stress. Don't have any flora at home? Some plant-delivery services—for instance, New York's The Sill—are still open for business online.
Step 3: Farewell, Phone
Put it on silent or, better yet, put it in a drawer in another room. Don't be tempted. Don't social, don't check the news, don't text. Give yourself some "me" time from the world.
Photo by @sarashakeel
Step 4: The Five-Sense Approach
In creating this sanctuary, you'll want to keep all five senses in mind.
Scent—don't underestimate the power of aromatherapy. Not only can essential oils improve your sleep, but clinical studies have shown that they help reduce anxiety and stress, too. Lavender, jasmine and vanilla are all unwinding favorites. Invest in a diffuser or buy the spray versions (or, if you have vodka on hand, here's a DIY mist you can make yourself).
Soundtrack—whether you prefer classical music or nature sounds, like a babbling brook, make sure to stick to something calming. Don't know where to begin? There's a whole genre called "spa and massage" on Spotify with plenty of playlist options.
Lighting—if you have harsh or fluorescent bulbs, switch them out, stat. Consider soft, warm bulbs—or simply dim the lights or opt for candles (but be careful and on the lookout for fire hazards).
Touch—wrap yourself in a luxe and fluffy terry robe, like our Goldie jacket, which is equal parts zen and chic.
Drink Up—slice cucumbers for some flavored water or brew chamomile or green tea to really go all in on the spa experience. And then, of course, there's always wine. Always.
Artwork by @sarashakeel
Beauty Treatments
1/3 cup oatmeal
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 tablespoons honey
1 egg
Heat the water—but do not bring to a boil—and combine with the oatmeal. After that settles, mix in the yogurt, honey and egg white.
Apply a thin layer of the mixture to your face and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Rinse with warm water.
1/4 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon coconut oil
Lip balm
Combine the remaining ingredients until the mixture is even. Coat the lower and upper lips with a thick layer and leave on for a few minutes.
Gently wipe with a warm, wet washcloth.
Finish with another swipe of the lip balm to hydrate and lock in moisture.
