How to Pamper Yourself at Home

Co-authored by Courtney Nawara and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: January 20, 2023 References Approved

You don't have to leave your home to relax and reward yourself. If you're trying to save money or just don't feel like going out, there are lots of little things you can do to treat yourself. Set aside time for pampering to ensure that you'll actually do it. A lot of people enjoy creating a spa-like experience at home, but you could do anything that makes you happy and improves your mood.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Enjoying a Spa Day

1
Light candles and put on music to create a calming environment. You don't need to spend a lot of money going to a spa when you can easily make your home luxurious. Light several candles and turn off glaring overhead lights. Then, turn on peaceful music that helps you relax.^{[1]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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- Choose whatever music helps you unwind. Try classical music, smooth jazz, nature sounds, or soft pop, for instance.
2
Make a pitcher of spa water for you to sip while you relax. A fancy spa might offer you refreshing, cool herbal water to drink, but you can easily make it at home! Fill a pitcher 3/4 full with ice water. Then, add any of these flavorful ingredients to make unique spa water:^{[2]
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- Orange, lime, or lemon slices
- A handful of fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or sage
- Slices of peaches or nectarines
- Chopped strawberries or whole blackberries and raspberries
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3
Soak in a bath with bubbles or Epsom salts. It doesn't take much to turn your bathroom into a soothing space. Run a hot bath and dissolve a bath bomb, Epsom salts, or bubble bath in the water. Then, soak in the fragrant water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This gives your muscles a chance to relax and gives you a mental break.^{[3]
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- If you don't have a bathtub, run a steamy shower. You can buy shower bombs that release essential oils for an aromatherapy experience.
4
Wrap yourself in a thick, comfy robe. Your spa time doesn't have to end when you get out of the tub. Once you've dried off, reach for a soft, fluffy robe instead of putting on jeans and a shirt. An oversized robe can make you feel like you should slow down and relax.
- If you don't have a robe, put on whatever clothes or pajamas make you feel the most comfortable. You could put on sweatpants and a cozy sweater, for instance.
5
Warm soft hand towels and washcloths in a slow cooker with essential oils. If you plan to give yourself a facial, pour 1 ¹⁄₂ cups (350 ml) of water into a slow cooker and add 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil with 5 drops of lavender essential oil. Roll up your towels and put them into the cooker. Then, pour in another 1 ¹⁄₂ cups (350 ml) of water. Put the lid on and turn the cooker to medium so the towels warm up.^{[4]
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- Feel free to swap the 10 drops of eucalyptus and lavender essential oil with the same amount of your favorite essential oil.
6
Give yourself a facial using masks or things you have at home. The beauty aisles at most drug stores are packed with face masks, scrubs, and exfoliating peels. Buy a product that matches your skin type or whip up a face mask with items in your kitchen.
- For example, mix ingredients like honey, coffee grounds, and lemon juice to make a brightening facial scrub.
- Do the facial after you get out of the bath. Soaking in the tub lets the steam open your pores so the facial is more effective.
7
Trim your nails and paint them for an at-home manicure. You might not be able to create the same detailed nail art as a salon, but it's still fun to get out the polish and paint your own nails. If you have time, give yourself a pedicure too!^{[5]
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- For an extra treat, buy yourself a fun, new color of nail polish.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Recharging with Some Quiet Time

1
Schedule time for pampering without interruptions. If you're taking care of others, it's easy to put aside your own needs until you find that you don't have time or energy for yourself. Pencil in some time just for you, even if it's only half an hour while your child naps. If you have more time, plan on giving yourself a pampering afternoon or day.^{[6]
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- Setting aside time for pampering ensures that you'll actually do it. Don't make excuses for putting off self-care.
- Remind yourself that you deserve time to relax and focus on your needs. This is especially important if you spend a lot of your time looking after others.
2
Call up a friend if you're feeling social. Make a phone or video date and get in touch with a friend that you haven't talked with in a while. Set aside enough time so you can have a real in-depth conversation. This might mean that you set up a time in advance so you know your friend is available.^{[7]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- Make it fun! If you can't meet up for drinks or coffee, have a virtual date complete with drinks or dessert.
3
Watch a movie or read a book that you've been meaning to. If you're short on time most days, sitting down to watch a show or read a magazine can feel like an indulgence. Instead of feeling guilty about getting some me-time, enjoy watching something or reading a new book.^{[8]
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- If you don't have a few hours to devote to watching a movie, tell yourself that you can watch a show or read for 20 minutes before bed.
4
Take a nap so you can catch up on sleep. One of the easiest things you can do to feel great is getting some rest. If you only have a little time to pamper yourself, get comfortable and take a nap. If you're setting aside a day of pampering, plan on going to bed early or sleeping in so you can get 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.^{[9]
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- To help you fall asleep, dim the lights in your room and stay away from bright screens. Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol before going to bed.
5
Get moving with a walk, yoga, or a run. This is a great way to pamper yourself if you don't get the chance to move around much during the day. Spend a few minutes stretching, meditating, or doing yoga poses. If you have more time and feel up to it, take a walk around your neighborhood or go for a quick run.^{[10]
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- Getting your blood pumping can make you feel more energized so it's a great way to pamper yourself in the afternoon when your energy levels begin to slump.
6
Put together a beautiful bouquet. Don't wait for a special occasion to get flowers. Buy your favorite blossoms and arrange them in a nice vase. Looking at the blooms can brighten your mood and make your space cheerier.^{[11]
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- If you don't want to spend a lot on a fancy bouquet, buy individual blossoms that you can arrange yourself.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Indulging with Food or Beverages

1
Eat an indulgent treat or dessert. Think about what motivates you or what would be an extra indulgence. For example, you might buy yourself something that you usually save for special events like cupcakes or a fancy cheese spread.^{[12]
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- If you're worried that someone in your house might eat your treat, label it so they know to leave it alone or hide it!
2
Make a nice meal for yourself or get your favorite food delivered. If cooking helps you unwind, pick up the ingredients to make a meal you've always wanted to try. Pair the meal with a nice beverage and set the table to make a nice mealtime atmosphere. If you don't like to cook or you just want to relax, call your favorite restaurant and get a meal delivered.^{[13]
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- If you're cooking, make it fun! Turn on your favorite music and enjoy the process.
3
Unwind with a favorite beverage for a few minutes of peace. Make a cup of tea, brew some coffee, or pour a dram of whiskey and give yourself a chance to enjoy it. If you're like many people, you probably feel rushed through your day, so taking a pause can feel luxurious.
- You don't have to limit yourself to a beverage. If you've gotten through a long day and want to pamper yourself, treat yourself to a dessert or your favorite snack.

Expert Q&A

Question

What to buy myself for self-care?

Courtney Nawara
Makeup Artist & Gothic Blogger
Courtney Nawara is a Makeup Artist and Gothic Blogger. With over a decade of experience, Courtney specializes in cruelty-free and vegan beauty, hooded eye makeup and tutorials, gothic fashion, and skincare. She wrote and published “Hooded Eyes Makeup Manual” available on Amazon. Courtney is the creator of Phyrra.net and PhyrraNyx, where she shares beauty and fashion tips and tricks.

Courtney Nawara

Makeup Artist & Gothic Blogger

Expert Answer

For self-care on a budget, buy yourself items like bath bombs, along with some candles to help you create a really relaxing ambience.
Question

If I’m sick, how should I pamper myself?

Community Answer

Warm baths work wonders for most maladies. The steam from the bath helps clear your sinuses -- just make sure the water temperature suits you.
Question

If it is a hot day, what can I do to pamper myself?

Dhriti

Community Answer

You can take a cool shower or bath, cold enough so it satisfies you. Wear short sleeves and shorts or no sleeves and shorts on a hot day. If there is a local pool or if you have one, or even a beach, go there and get refreshed.