Your nervous system needs a spa day: How to create a sacred at home retreat

Although a luxury spa retreat seems dreamy, you can totally create the same feelings right in your own home!

In today’s overstimulated world, your nervous system is burnt out and depleted. Humans were never meant to be glued to screens, we were never meant to have deadlines and be available 24/7 for everyone else’s needs. The stress of the modern world is taking its toll on our nervous system.

When our nervous system is not calm and regulated, we are operating in high stress. This causes us to get sick, find it hard to lose weight and we lose our glow.

What if in our very own homes we could create beauty rituals that could help you get back your glow? What if we didn't have to escape to a different country or wait until we finally get a day off to rest?

Enter: The sacred spa day. Designed to not only pamper your skin, but to soothe your nervous system, nourish your feminine energy and, help you slow all the way down.

Choose a day that you know you will be able to fully relax for a few hours.

Step one: Set the scene for soothing.

Before you bring out any products, focus on creating a sensory cocoon that signals safety to your body.

• Dim the light or light candles.

• Find a Playlist that makes you feel relaxed. I like to look on YouTube for spa music to get the full experience.

• Burn a stick of Palo santo or diffuse some essential oils like lavender for relaxation.

Step two: Begin with a nervous system reset.

Connect to your breath with some simple breathing exercises.

I suggest the box method. Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 and exhale for 4. Repeat 3 times. Feel the stress melt away. Place your hand on your heart for better connection to your body.

You can also try EFT tapping or gently tap on your chest. A warm compress on the back of your neck will also help calm the vagus nerve.

Step three: Cleanse and release.

Cleansing your body isn’t just for your skin. It symbolizes washing away the day.

Use your favorite cleansers and body products during and after.

Whether you take a bath or shower, make it the best one yet. Use all of your favorite things. That body oil that you use only on special occasions, use it.

If you are taking a warm bath, slip in some magnesium flakes or epsom salts for a detox and reset.

You can also enhance your shower by using eucalyptus stems tied to your shower head or, a shower steamer that smells amazing.

Step four: Gua sha or lymphatic drainage massage.

Facial massage calms the nervous system while boosting circulation and sculpting your skin.

• Use a gua sha stone or your fingertips.

• Apply facial oil and begin with soft strokes from the center of your face outward.

• Move slowly, with presence.

Tip: Soft touch sends calming signals to your parasympathetic nervous system.

Step five: Slip into a something comfy.

Think soft robe or loose fitting pajamas. Pour yourself a cup of warm tea.

Warm drinks are like a hug to our nervous systems. According to Chinese medicine, warm drinks nourish you from within.

Bonus tips: Try a deeply relaxing meditation or visualization.

Final thoughts: By turning your beauty rituals into nervous system care, you’re not only softening your skin—you’re softening your whole state of being.

You don’t need a reason, just a reminder: You’re worthy of peace.