If you’re juggling work, family, and the endless to-do lists that come with both, a spa day might feel like something you only dream about while scrolling through Instagram. Between soccer practices, work emails, and making sure there’s something in the fridge for dinner, who has time to spend half a day at the spa?
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to. You can recreate the feeling of a spa day right at home, on your own schedule, without the time commitment or the price tag. Think of it as pressing pause for a few hours so you can recharge and step back into your routine feeling refreshed.
Below are five simple yet powerful ways to bring the spa to you.
1. Light a Candle (or Make Your Own)
Scent is one of the fastest ways to shift your mood. A soft, calming fragrance can transport you from “laundry pile mode” to “serenity now” in just a few minutes. Choose scents that evoke peace—like lavender for relaxation, eucalyptus for clarity, or vanilla for warmth and comfort.
If you want to take this ritual a step further, try making your own candle. Our DIY Candle Making Kits make it easy (and fun) to create a scent that feels completely personal to you. Plus, the act of slowing down to craft something with your hands is a form of self-care all on its own. When you light that candle later, you’ll be reminded that you made something just for yourself—and that’s powerful.
2. Take a Long, Hot Bath
It’s the classic spa ritual for a reason. A warm bath relaxes muscles, lowers stress, and gives you a rare pocket of quiet. Add a handful of Epsom salts to ease tension, a few drops of essential oil for aromatherapy, and let the hot water do its work.
Set the mood by dimming the lights, queuing up a calming playlist, and (this one’s important) leaving your phone in another room. Even 20 minutes of uninterrupted soaking can feel like a full reset.
Pro Tip: Not a bath person? Try an extra-long shower with a eucalyptus bundle hanging from the showerhead for the same spa-worthy vibes.
3. Do a Face Mask & Hydration Ritual
Sometimes self-care is as simple as giving your skin a little TLC. A sheet mask, a clay mask, or even just a few extra minutes with your favorite moisturizer can make you feel cared for. The key is to treat it like a ritual—apply your mask, lie back, close your eyes, and let yourself just be for 10–15 minutes.
Afterward, finish with your favorite moisturizer or facial oil. Don’t rush through it; take your time and really massage it into your skin. You’ll be surprised how something so small can shift how you feel.
4. Journal or Meditate
Spa days aren’t only about pampering the body—they’re about calming the mind, too. Carve out 10 minutes to journal or meditate. Write down three things you’re grateful for, or do a quick brain dump of all the thoughts circling in your head.
Not a journaler? Try a short guided meditation. There are tons of free apps and YouTube videos that can walk you through breathing exercises designed to lower stress and re-center you.
Remember: Even just a few minutes of mindfulness can lower cortisol levels and improve your mood.
(Psst… want to build mindfulness into your weekly routine? Our Concrete Candle Club Subscription is a perfect way—each month you’ll receive an exclusive scent to spark new moments of calm.)
5. Set the Mood
Spa days are as much about the atmosphere as the treatments. Think cozy robe, warm socks, and soft lighting. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb,” close the door, and let yourself fully unplug.
This is where your candle comes in again—nothing sets the tone like a flickering flame and a soothing scent. Add in a warm drink, like herbal tea or even a fancy latte in your favorite mug, and suddenly your living room feels a lot more like a retreat.
Bonus Tip: Self-Care Doesn’t Have to Be Elaborate
When you take the time to light a candle you made yourself, or carve out 20 minutes for a bath, you’re reminding yourself that your needs matter. And that’s the heart of any spa day—making space for you.
✨ Ready to create your own at-home spa candle? Check out our DIY Candle Making Kits.