The month of April not only marks Easter (and copious amounts of chocolate!) but is also an important month for raising awareness for stress and it couldn’t have come at a better time. A shocking 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.
With the current news headlines leaving many individuals feeling stressed and anxious, there is not a better time to address the issue of stress and ways we can cope.
Here at The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel, we want all of our guests to banish the S word and leave our facility feeling completely tranquil and at ease. While our spa may be closed for the next few weeks, we’re here to help you with some stress reducing activities that you can easily do at home!
- Have a bath
A long, relaxing soak in the bath can do wonders, not only for physical health but can mentally recharge you after a long day. Add your chosen bath salts or bath oils for a luxurious experience.
If you don’t have these at home why not search online for a home delivery?
We would recommend Epsom Salts or Magnesium Flakes which both work to relax the muscles and reduce stress.
You could even bring in a new book you’ve been meaning to read or use a bath tray to pop up your laptop to watch your favourite film (paired with a beverage of choice, we recommend a glass of wine!).
- Take a breath of fresh air
Although we may be limited in how many outings we’re allowed, it’s important to get fresh air when we can. Make use of the sunny UK weather, either by simply sitting in your garden or going for a walk in the nearby park or any green area near you (keeping 2m apart from others of course). This will help to leave your mind feeling clearer and relieved of any stress, there’s also other fantastic health benefits including improving blood pressure and boosting mental health!
- Exercise
During this time, many personal trainers and other fitness outlets are providing free online classes which are simple to follow along. If you’re unable to get to your gym to work out but miss your classes, try following along at-home. With limited equipment needed, often you’ll just need a yoga mat and a space to move around comfortably!
We recommend searching on YouTube for Joe Wicks (for HIT work outs), or Yoga By Adrienne for a vast selection of great yoga workouts.
- Create a spa-like experience
We may not be able to venture out to enjoy a spa day but you can still bring a spa-like experience to your home. All you’ll need is products of choice, a relaxing setting and perhaps some candles or soothing music to help create the experience.
If you’ve got a set of polishes at home, you can easily re-create a salon manicure. We love using Jessica nail polishes at the spa to create a glossy, long-lasting look. Use this time to play around with nail colours and designs – who knows what look you can create!
With many of us giving our skin a rest from daily makeup, this is the perfect time to ensure skin is looking its best ahead of the Summer months. Re-create an at-home facial by gathering your favourite skincare products for the full experience.
For our facials at Bedford Lodge, we love using ESPA as a gentle, soothing solution to our guests skin concerns. The ESPA Optimal Skin ProCleanser is a great 3-in-1 cleanser, exfoliator and mask which leaves skin visibly radiant and covers the first three steps of our facial in one!
Once you’ve removed your face mask, follow up with a toner. Depending on your skin type, these can be targeted for oily, dry or sensitive skin so make sure you’re using the right option. One of my favourites is the ESPA Hydrating Floral Spafresh which soothes the skin and leaves me feeling refreshed. Finally, you’ll want to lock in the moisture by ending with an enriching moisturiser that will leave skin feeling hydrated.
If you don’t have any products, you can easily order some online. ESPA are still delivering home products and this a product we LOVE! Head to their website to shop the range. SHOP HERE.
If you’re trying to save money this month, why not just do a simple face mask and add some cucumber to your eyelids and put on some soothing music?
These are just some simple things you can do at-home to help reduce stress. What’s your top stress reducing tip?
Until next time…
Love,
Rebecca x