1. Make your bathroom a sanctuary.
The bathroom is not the place for harsh lighting or loud noises. Forgo the fluorescent lights and soften your space with candles, silence your phone, and keep only what’s necessary out on the counters and shelves… So it feels like a true retreat.
2. Have a fresh and cold drink by your bath.
Like lemon water or this tropical drink. A hot bath calls for a light, hydrating beverage, and no alcohol, although wine does sound nice! Alcohol can tax the digestive system, and be too dehydrating.
3. Give your skin a little R&R.
You’ll often find the word “detox” in many a self care routine, and dry brushing is the ultimate way to do it. The process involves using firm, small strokes to gently exfoliate and invigorate the skin. We are also major face mask aficionados over here and recommend a gentle cleanse before hopping in the tub to soak up a mask and allow your skin to settle. While you’re there, add some aromatherapy oil to your bath and gently massage your feet’s pressure points. Here, everything is at your fingertips with a big antiqued brass tray, and you can choose the accessories that best fit your space when building out the bathroom section of your Registry.
4. Calm your mind and muscles.
Burn incense (our favorites are Breu Resin and Palo Santo) and fill your bathroom with other relaxing scents (a few fresh eucalyptus sprigs are another fave). Calm the mind with a guided meditation from your favorite app or podcast, and sprinkle epsom salts in your bath to relieve aches and pains, soothe muscles, and put your mind at ease.
5. Lastly, make sure you’ve added some new fluffy towels to your Registry so you can wrap yourself in warmth.
These Turkish Cotton bath and hand towels are probably the fastest way to take your bathroom from basic to spa status. They’re made of durable double-ply cotton threads and woven with a looped rather than tight construction to dry quickly. Not to mention, they only get better as you wash, and come in an array of beautiful, soft colors (our towel of choice being blush). Dry off, then gently massage a body oil into your skin before you head to sanctuary #2: your bedroom.
Self care doesn’t end here: Pop on over to 100 Layer Cake to see how to refresh your bedroom for the new year. (photos: Marisa Vitale)
View more ideas from 100 Layer Cake