4 fantastic tips to help you relax

You’d love to hit up a luxury resort
in Sweden, pile on a facemask, listen to Enya in a darkened hotel
suite and enjoy a massage from some buff Scandinavian dreamboat. You
want to be pampered and preened in some exotic locale, buttressed by
the gentle scent of fir trees and the cool oxygen air. But instead, you’re stuck in Croydon
in a grey summer that’s about as relaxing as white noise.

That doesn’t, however, mean you can’t
set aside a few pamper days for yourself. With a little bit of
planning, you could find some relaxation time in your home while the
kids are away at school.

Don’t just take our word for it.
Follow a few of these tips and you’ll have a blast – albeit the
most relaxed blast ever.

The right kit

You need a veritable arsenal of beauty
and relaxation remedies if you want to enjoy your alone time to its
fullest extent.

Avoid that high street junk you can
pick up for your daily wash. Anyone can get those – for an
occasional chill out time, purchase items with a more exclusive feel.

For a fantastic facial, we’d
recommend a Proactiv mask, available from their
website. Coming in at under £20, it’ll remove dodgy skin
particles and allow you to sit back with your eyes shut, basking in
the cool relaxation of this wonderful lotion.

Add some cooling cucumber portions to
your eyelids and take a deep breath. You’ll be revitalised by the
time you’re out of your daydreams.

In the zone

We all need a little
space to ourselves – that area of a home where no one else is
allowed to venture.

So why not make yours a relaxation
chamber?

If you’re not a big driver, convert
your garage into a space where you can take a breather. Fit it with a
massage table, relaxing music and, if you’re feeling extravagant, a
hot tub.

You deserve this soothing space – so
lock the door and enjoy yourself.

Pick a partner

The great thing about a loving
relationship is that you can always persuade your partner to lavish
you with a back rub or massage.

Make your relaxation time a couple’s
pursuit by having your partner soothe you with their finest
techniques. Just be sure you repay the favour!

Relax cram

You’ve got kids. You’ve got the
washing to do. You’ve got work to go to and the little ‘uns to
pick up from school. Your alone time is limited – so you’ve got
to make the most of it.

So try five
minute yoga exercises to alleviate the stresses of your day.
They’ll help you feel more chilled than the Fonzie in an ambient
diner.