Transform Your Home Into a Spa Oasis: Relax, Unwind, and Rejuvenate

by Marian Hearne January 17, 2025

Feeling overwhelmed as the new year ramps up? It’s more important than ever to carve out moments for yourself. As menopausal women the hustle and bustle can feel more taxing. This guide is here to remind you that you deserve care, calm, and rejuvenation. Let’s create a haven of peace and luxury right at home.

Why Your Home Should Be Your Sanctuary

In our busy lives, we often neglect the need to recharge, well if you’re like I used to be then yes it the answer! Creating a spa-like environment at home is more than an indulgence; it’s an essential act of self-care or even self love. One of my most favourite ways to recharge is to create my own spa day at home. One that engages all five senses and helps me reset my mind and body when I want, or need, to. With just a few intentional touches, you can transform your home into a place of retreat—no reservations required and no exorbitant bill to kill the mood later!

7 Tips for the Perfect At-Home Spa Day

I usually do this when I know my husband will be out at work or watching a couple of rugby matches in a row in the local pub. I buy all I need beforehand so I can begin as soon as I wake up.

1. Start the day with herbal teas or flavoured water

I trade my usual organic decaf coffee for a calming herbal tea or a pint glass of water. Lemon water invigorates your body and stimulates digestion, while herbal teas offer targeted benefits. For menopausal women, consider:

Sage tea, rooibos, mint, lemon and ginger
Lemon and ginger in water with cucumber, mint and frozen berries. I make a large jug of this so I can sip on it during the morning

Brands I like are Pukka or Teapigs offer a good selection, and my new favourite and excellent addition to my collection for spa days is the Irish brand, Solaris teas. Choose teas that suit you and your budget.

2. Treat your body with real, whole foods

At a spa, meals are both nourishing and delicious. Recreate this experience at home by planning a menu of whole, hormone-supporting foods:

Avoid processed foods or those that make you feel bloated. For recipes, check out resources from Donal Skehan, Deliciously Ella, Jamie Oliver, or Hemsley + Hemsley.

3. Light scented candles

Scent is a powerful trigger for relaxation. Choose candles with calming fragrances such as lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, or ylang-ylang. Some of my favourite brands include Neal’s Yard Remedies, Rathbornes and Max Benjamin.

4. Create mood with music and meditation

Choose instrumental music or nature sounds to set the mood. Lyrics can sometimes trigger subconscious stress, so stick to calming melodies. The Calm app for example offers music, meditations, and even sleep stories. For an added layer of relaxation, explore guided meditations focused on self-compassion or self care. I listen to my favourite songs too on YouTube, the ones that inspired me in my teens and 20s. The time when I was full of hope.

5. Take a long, luxurious bath

Few things are as soothing as a bath. I add magnesium salt flakes to relax my muscles, and I use a lavender bubble bath gel to enhance the experience. After your bath, wrap yourself in a fluffy towel, sip herbal tea, and write in a gratitude journal or recall a happy memory.

6. Pamper yourself with beauty products

Elevate your routine with luxurious skincare. For my menopausal skin I have sessions with The Skin Nerd company. I will buy pamper products too e.g. gentle face masks, lip masks, glossy hair mask and use body products from Triology and Dr Hauschka. Use products that don’t break the bank but are more indulgent that normal.

7. Read a life-affirming book

Taking time to read can be a powerful act of self-care. For a true spa day, swap thrillers for inspiring, life-affirming reads. Favourites include “Things Will Get as Good as You Can Stand” by Laura Doyle and “Thank and Grow Rich” by Pam Grout. This month I’m reading ‘Women who work too much: Break Free from Toxic Productivity and Find Your Joy’ by Tamu Thomas. It could even be a book of poems, something that takes you away out of your life for a few hours and that makes you feel good afterwards. What’s your go-to feel-good book?

Step up your self-care

I spent years thinking self-care was an indulgence that I couldn’t afford both money and time wise. It took menopause for me to realise that I no longer could run on all cylinders and expect to keep on top of everything and keep going. My body soon told me otherwise when I tried to ignore its pleas for rest. Remember making space for you is not selfish but a necessity in this crazy world of ours. It’s an essential skill that should be taught earlier on in life. As we navigate the changes of menopause, prioritising our happiness and well-being become even more important. Here’s how to make self-care a daily habit, in between the spa ritual times out;

Create a happiness jar: Each time something wonderful or make you happy happens, write it on a piece of paper and put in a jar. Then when you need a boost of joy pick one out and remember that joyful experience.
Dedicate time every day: Whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour, set aside time just for you. It could be simply grab a warming herbal brew and sit with your headphones on and just bring more calm into your breathing. Then get up and carry on with your day.

By embracing self-care practices, you’ll replenish your energy and I find I’m more authentically me when I do and, have more patience when my buttons get pressed.

Nourish your body, mind, and spirit

Creating a spa oasis at home is more than a treat; it’s an investment in your well-being. As the new year begins, give yourself the gift of self-care, balance, and joy with a consistent home spa, I’m planning once a month at least. And remember to include regular pockets or moments of time out just for you in your day. Remember, you deserve it.

That’s it for now. I’m finding my feet on Substack. Over time I’ll add in paid content. For now I’m enjoying learning how this works and creating content on the stuff I love as I heal from serious illness over the last few years. This is my year of rejuvenation and my pockets of self love and my home spa sessions will help keep me on track.

Just to let you know, I’m a nutritional therapist and coach with a focus on nutrition and lifestyle hacks to empower menopausal women to thrive boldly. You’ll find more about me on my website and also how you can work with me. I’d love to help you; marianhearne.ie

Til next time, here’s to lots of inspiring and healthy endeavours and a home spa indulgence just for you.

Marian