Jackson Free Press

Between traveling for work, phone calls, emails and a personal life, my day usually ends with me sitting in bed with a laptop attempting to catch up. The most relaxing thing to me is going to the spa and having a massage and pedicure. My sister is an esthetician, so her specialty is spa services such as facials, manicures and pedicures. I don't bother her to perform any of her services on me, and my busy schedule sometimes doesn't allow the time to let someone else pamper me. So I have created a spa atmosphere in my home.

It is possible to transform your bathroom into an oasis of peace and tranquility. Some people feel that between work, family obligations, after-school projects and life in general, there is no way to squeeze in a spa moment at home, especially if you have children or spouses eagerly waiting for you outside the door every time you go into the bathroom.

It starts with blocking at least 30 minutes or an hour in your week to have a "spa day."

After you've selected your spa day, decorate your bathroom with scented candles that will help make a relaxing setting. I usually turn the lights off in the bathroom, close the door and soak in the tub by candlelight. Lavender, jasmine or clean linen are soothing scents, as well as citrus-scented candles such as pink grapefruit. Pick scented shower gels that will blend well with your scented candles.

If you don't have a radio in your bathroom, legally download some soft music to your phone and listen to relaxing music while you soak. If you don't have a garden tub with jets, invest in a jetted bath mat that goes in the bottom of your tub and provides massaging bubbles.

Also, golfball-sized bath balls produce a nice fizz in your bathwater and release a light scent. Purchase a manicure/pedicure set and pumice stones to do a mani-pedi while you're in the tub. You can buff your feet and heels while they are softened from soaking in the water.

If you don't have time to dedicate 30 to 60 minutes to yourself once a week, then use your bath time as a mini-spa time. Even in 10 minutes, you can bathe by candlelight. A flickering candle flame and calming aroma will relax you whether you're hopping in the shower to start your day, or unwinding after you come home.

During that small window of time, you can enjoy the hot water hitting your body, the smell of your candle and a mind free from clutter and stress.