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Turn your Bathroom into a Personal Spa

This visit will inspire you to take time outóa breatherófor self. You've done enough for everyone else at home, at work, and in the community. Now take some time for yourself and do whatever it takes to renew your spirit and "ease on away" from the day's stresses.

Spring is a time for renewal and restoration. It is also a good time to think about ways to renew and refresh you after long months of confinement. I like to call this an "emotional exhale," you probably know what I mean: shaking off the cobwebs and dust of winter, pulling back the curtains, throwing open the windows, and just breathing it all in.

One escape is to turn your bathroom into a personal spa. Put candles all around the bathroom; turn off the lights; pour some wine (leave the bottle thank you very much); then drop a Santana CD into the sound system and turn it down low. (I lean more toward romance and the soft sounds of Smokey, but candles and wine are definitely IT!) Hey, toss in a little bubble bath, a bath pillow, or rolled up towel to rest your head, and time doesn't exist until the bath water gets cold or the wine is gone!

You won't need to spend a bundle on candles, either. Save some money: Pick up some candles at a local dollar store. Safety first, though: be sure to place the candles in a holder. It doesn't need to be extravagant, a tray, a leftover dish, or even a mayonnaise jar lid would work. And never leave candles unattended–EVER!

Believe me, aromatherapy in your own "personal spa" will change the mood, relax the spirit, and soothe headache. Try some of these tips:

To relieve stress, tension, and mental fatigue try sandalwood, spearmint, or lavender.

Lavender will also help get you to sleep at night if you're suffering from insomnia.

For a personal "renewal" in the tub, try one of these aromatherapy recipes:

On a hot summer day, try 3 drops juniper and 3 drops patchouli oils in a cool bath.

If you're suffering from jet lag, try 3 drops rosemary, 2 drops lemon, and 2 drops frankincense oils.

PMS? Use 3 drops lavender and 3 drops clary sage oils.

Want to feel sensuous? Try 3 drops each of jasmine, sandalwood, and ylang ylang oils or 2 drops cedarwood, 2 drops frankincense, and 2 drops lime oils.

And if you're just plain glad it's the weekend, try 2 drops each of geranium and neroli oils, and 5 drops of lavender oil.

(Caution: I've heard that certain oils (spearmint, juniper, and rosemary) should be avoided if you're pregnant. For more information on aromatherapy, check one of many websites, key in "aromatherapy" in a search engine.)