I struggled with the idea of dedicating this issue to pampering when the world is in such turmoil, multiple wars and conflicts, affordability issues, a broken healthcare system, and misinformation.
So much ugliness in our beautiful world!
Politicians are calling their opponents names like we’re all back in middle school. What’s next, tripping people in hallways, knocking books out of hands, snapping bras, and looking up skirts, or the horrors of AI imaging?
Where does this childish behavior end?
When my rant was over, I decided we all need a break. Everyone deserves to be pampered even if we must pamper ourselves. Let’s also pamper the people we care about and appreciate the ways they pamper us.
This may be one of the years we can’t afford a spa weekend or even a spa day, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make our home feel like a spa. In her article, Scarlet Carter went over some thrifty, but luxurious spa treatments you can make instead of buy. I’ll be checking them out here in my home spa. I’ll also be treating myself to a few tea parties like Sheila Kirk.
There are many ways to pamper yourself. If online chatter is upsetting you, take a social media vacation for a day or three or four. Meditate, relax with cucumbers on your eyelids, sip lemon, or cucumber water.
FYI, cucumbers are a pampering goldmine. They are a low-calorie source of protein and fiber, Vitamins C and K, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. Besides keeping you hydrated, they contain antioxidants and micronutrients, help fight inflammation, keep your blood pressure in check, and aid in digestion. So, make cucumber sandwiches for teatime, put them in salads, or snack on slices of this green treasure during your spa day and every day.
The foods you select can be a way to pamper yourself and your family. I have friends who relax by thumbing through cookbooks and checking out cooking websites. You should try it. Make something colorful, nutritious, and delicious. If that’s your usual M.O. switch it up and make a decadent dessert or treat and have a cheat day. An occasional treat tastes so much better and feels more indulgent than a steady stream of rich, calorie laden foods. It’s much better for you, too.
I usually don’t treat myself to a manicure or pedicure because of the time it takes away from my writing schedule. Also, my cats seem to need my attention most when my nails are wet. But it’s one of my pampering goals for this month.
I don’t know what it says about me, but I consider reading, writing, doing puzzles, and exercising as ways to pamper myself. It might be because of my years as a caregiver when my attention was hyper focused on my son’s needs instead of hobbies or relaxing activities. Maybe I’m just a nerd, but that’s okay. I enjoy being low maintenance.
I grew up in a family of five with one bathroom. It was in constant use; leisurely baths were almost impossible. Before I had kids and now that they’re grown, baths were and are a guilty pleasure. When I remodeled the main floor bathroom of my forever home, I couldn’t enlarge it, but I worked with my contractor to make every inch feel special.
I enlarged my kitchen, and I’m so glad I did because I like to pamper my sons by making their favorite meals when they come over. They pamper me by helping in the kitchen like they did when they were younger. It brings back happy and bittersweet memories and keeps us connected.
What feels like pampering to you?