Looking for super easy but extra gratifying home spa ideas for nurses?
More than the huge pats on the back all nurses deserve, most of us are also longing for a good pampering. With all the body aches, strained muscles and cramps we endure shift after shift, who couldn’t resist a day at the spa?
However, as we’re all tired post-duty, leaving our home for the salon can sound like a difficult task. Instead of tiring yourself with traveling, we’ve listed down 5 of the easiest home spa ideas you can try on your next day off.
Avocado Hair Mask For Dull Hair
Ponytails and hair ties are your best friend when you’re a nurse. However, frequently tying your hair in a bun can pull your scalp and damage your roots. Aside from this problem, using hair ties, particularly those that are made from nylon, can also make your hair dry, dull and brittle over time.
As a solution, you can make your own hydrating hair mask at home by using your leftover avocado.
(Editor’s N0te: Avocados are uber delicious and healthy for you but they can also get overripe or half-bad when you’re not looking. Sneaky things! Instead of chucking them in the garbage disposal, try this hair spa!)
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Take all the ingredients and mix them together in a clear bowl. If you want a more homogenous texture, you can use a blender.
Once you’re able to get your desired consistency, spread the mixture from root to end. Cover your hair with your shower cap and let the mixture sit for around 30 minutes or more. For rinsing, make sure to use cold water.
Why it works:
Avocados are very rich in fats, proteins, and vitamins, and the oil from this fruit does wonders for our hair. It can make your hair look very shiny and lustrous. It’s also a great solution for those who want to grow their hair faster or are suffering from hair loss.
Also Read: Say Goodbye to Boring Ponytails: The 8 Best Hairstyles for Nursing Clinicals
Oatmeal And Honey For Dry Skin
With our work, committing to a complex skin care routine is almost impossible. But this doesn’t mean that there’s no way for you to treat your skin right. To combat dry and dull skin due to stress and lack of sleep, you can try this home spa idea.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of dry oats
- ½ cup of warm water
- ¼ cup of honey
Using a blender, mix the dry oats and water until the mixture becomes thin. Afterward, pour it into a clean container and add in your honey. Apply the mixture on your clean face and leave it on for around 15 minutes before rinsing.
Why it works:
Oatmeal contains a high amount of silica which makes it effective in restoring your skin’s natural moisture. Honey, on the other hand, works great as a natural skin moisturizer. It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which can help you manage your stress-related breakouts.
Also Read: 15 Most Popular Hand Cream Recipes in Pinterest – For Nurses’ Dry Hands
Lavender Foot Soak For Tired Feet
Feet pain is not new to nurses. And by spending 10 to 12 hours walking and running around from one patient to another, quick massages and simple stretching routines might not be enough. One good supplemental therapy is this foot soak.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup of Epsom salt
- Drops of lavender oil
- 4 to 5 liters of water
Boil the water first and allow it to cool down to a comfortable temperature. Make sure it’s not too hot or too cold. Once it’s warm enough, you can add your lavender oil. Soak your feet in for 15 minutes or until your desired time.
Why it works:
Epsom salt is helpful in flushing out toxins and reducing inflammation. It’s also good to use for your foot soak if you have frequent joint pains and muscle cramps. Lavender, meanwhile, is a natural pain reliever which is helpful for sore and tired muscles.
You can also try juniper berry oil and rosemary oil if you have arthritis or mild blisters. In case you’re looking for an essential oil with a cooling effect, wintergreen oil is one of your best options. It’s dubbed as a natural aspirin which means that it has a potent anti-inflammatory property.
Also Read: 9 Natural Remedies for Nurses’ Feet Pain
Being a nurse requires spending long hours at work. However, despite our busy schedule, keeping our body in top shape should still be a priority. Pain, stress and exhaustion can’t only affect us physically but they can also decrease the quality of care we give to our patients. By taking the time to relax and indulge in these home spa ideas, you can kickstart your way to a healthier you.
How do you manage stress? What DIY spa ideas have you tried?
