We could all use a spa day.
But if your schedule — or wallet — is stopping you from getting some professional pampering, you can at least turn your own home into a spa for an hour or two.
Michele Sabia, the massage director at Oasis Day Spa, shared an easy self-massage technique with The Post — plus her very own bathtub recipe for peak relaxation and pain relief.
Bath time upgrade
Sabia said that one of her favorite ways to unwind is by creating a spa-like bath experience at home.
“I love lighting candles in the bathroom and filling the tub with just the right amount of hot water,” she said.
Rather than using bubble bath, she whips up a salty, scented mix that promotes healing.
“I add 1 ½ cups of Epsom salts — the magnesium helps relax muscles and provides pain relief — along with 1 cup of baking soda, which leaves the skin silky smooth and has a grounding effect,” she said. “A few drops of lavender essential oil complete the experience, as its calming fragrance soothes the mind.”
To fully absorb the benefits, she recommends laying back and relaxing for at least 20 minutes.
Take care of your feet
“For those without a bathtub, a foot soak can be just as effective,” Sabia said. “Simply find a container big enough to soak both feet in hot water, then add Epsom salts and lavender essential oil.
“While you soak, set a calming atmosphere with candles, soft lighting and spa or meditation music.”
Whether you’re bathing or just giving your feet a rest, a little self-massage is her next step to total relaxation — especially if you’re on your feet for much of the day.
“After the soak, treat your feet to a self-massage with a little virgin olive oil and a few drops of your favorite essential oil,” she said. “Massage from the heel to the toes, using circular motions around the heel and ankle bones.”
De-puff and breathe
For the “ultimate relaxation,” Sabia recommends wearing a face mask and putting cucumber slices over your eyes — a known de-puffing trick — while doing a deep breathing exercise.
“Deep breathing stimulates the body’s ‘rest and digest’ system, promoting relaxation and a greater sense of peace,” she said. “A little daily breathwork can do wonders for both the body and mind.”
Her method includes three steps:
- Focus on your third eye (center of the forehead) for three deep breaths, imagining it filling with golden light.
- Move the light to your heart chakra (center of your chest) and take five deep breaths.
- Bring the light down just past your belly button, taking 10 deep breaths to fill this space with golden light.
