The best piece of fitness advice I have ever received was never make food your reward.
Don’t tell yourself you can have a chocolate bar if you run 5k. Of course, you can have a chocolate bar after running 5k but you should eat it because you want to, not because you are “allowed” to. Eating by rules creates an unhealthy attitude to food and is just something to be avoided.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t reward your exercise though. With the amount everyone does in January – treats are definitely needed! Rather than food, I reward myself in several ways. I’ll buy myself a magazine, light a new candle or, if I have enough time, have a pamper night. So today I’m going to tell you all of my pamper night essentials, to help you drag your achy body through the rest of the month!
*Bathtime treats: Lush is the obvious go-to here, but I’ve got some different goodies for you today. Bomb Cosmetics make beautiful, handmade bath bombs which use essential oils and natural butters to create amazing scents and leave your skin super soft. I also love the Oliver Bonas bath marble crackers, which I was lucky enough to find in my stocking on Christmas morning. These smell incredible and are brilliant for creating bath bomb cocktails. I love mixing and matching products to find the best bath time concoctions!
*Face masks: The ultimate skin treat, I always think there is nothing more pampering than a face mask. I love using packet ones that you can buy cheaply, as you can try all kinds of different ones rather than using the same over and over again. This particular one is a mud mask, which is my favourite kind. They leave your skin super clean, nourished and amazingly soft.
*Body scrub and cream: Even though it’s winter, having soft and nourished skin will always make you feel better, especially when you are hitting the gym. My current favourites are the body scrub and cream from Soap & Glory’s Sugarcrush line, the scent is a delicious mix of brown sugar and lime. The scrub particles are harsh enough to do their job but still feel nice on the skin, and the cream sinks in super quickly and is really nourishing. They are also pretty cheap, so you can’t do much better than these!
*Candles: An absolute must to create a calming and relaxing environment. My two favourites are Penhaligon’s and Diptique, both of which make the most luxurious candles. They are so strong you don’t even need to light them to scent a room! For slightly cheaper alternatives, The White Company make beautiful candles which don’t cost the earth, and Oliver Bonas make even cheaper ones which still look and smell amazing. If you don’t want to use a candle, then a room spray, pillow spray or reed diffuser are great alternatives.
*Go screen free: Switching off for an evening is the best way to relax, even if you get separation anxiety when you put your phone away. Instead of checking Instagram for the millionth time, read a book or a magazine. Or (my current favourite pastime), colour! I love the adult colouring books, especially the ones by Johanna Basford. I have her Lost Ocean book, and it’s such a satisfying, soothing and absorbing activity, it will keep you occupied all evening.
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Really Good post ! we all need to switch off sometimes !!!!
PS I would really appreciate it if you could check out my blog http://www.thelittlelifestyleblog.com
Thank you Xxxxx
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Yes we do! And of course, I’ll be sure to check yours out 🙂 x
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I love all of those things. Makes me feel like I’m in need of a bit of pampering…maybe tonight! Great post! 🙂
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Yes you should have one! Thanks for reading 🙂 x
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Love the idea of going screen free for a pamper night – I think I’ll treat myself to a good old pamper after my exam on monday 🙂
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Yes it’s definitely the best way to do a pamper night, and you should! Thanks so much for reading 🙂 x
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I’ve used that exact bath bomb the other day (bomb cosmetics?) it makes your skin feel so great 🙂
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Yes it is Bomb Cosmetics! Ooh I was saving it to take these photos but I’m so excited to use it! x
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Such a wonderful message, Sarah! We do need to pamper and take care of ourselves. How can we do a good job taking care of anyone else, if we ourselves are not healthy, rested, in a good place, etc?
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Thank you so much! And yes, you are completely right.. it’s so important to look after ourselves! x
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Oh my gosh, those bath bombs are gorgeous!
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Aren’t they?! I’m so excited to use them! Thanks so much for reading x
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I love this! It’s expensive to have a full day at the spa, but you can get the same relaxing experience right at home. I love having a spa night all to myself.
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So true! In a way I kind of prefer doing it at home, everything is better when you are in your own bed haha! Thanks for reading 🙂 x
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I can’t wait to try out some of these products for my own pamper night! Such a great post! 🙂
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Thanks, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! x
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Awesome post and tips!!:)
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Thank you so much! x
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