Self care is an important part of a balanced lifestyle and can help you feel supported, balanced and healthy. The next time you are looking for a great way to take care of yourself, consider these five ways to relax, recharge and grow. 

1. Relax With a Hot Stone Massage

For a truly pampering experience, make time for a relaxing massage. There are several types of therapeutic massage, so be sure to choose a modality that is appropriate for your needs and level of comfort. For an added level of luxury and increased relaxation, ask about adding hot stones or aromatherapy while in your session. 

2. Indulge in a Custom Facial

Relaxing at a medspa while a professional pampers your gentle facial skin is another true treat that many people forego. Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start. Take a look at some of the spa treatments Norfolk VA and find one that suits your skin-care needs. It’s a good idea to keep in mind that some treatments can cause extra sensitivity for a few days and plan your outing accordingly. 

3. Splurge on a Spa Manicure and Pedicure

If you want to feel pampered, but a full spa day is out of the question, consider splurging on a spa mani-pedi. Many local nail salons offer these services, and you’ll have a chance to relax and unwind for an hour while they massage and refresh your tired legs, feet and hands. 

4. Sign Up for Continuing Education Classes

Learning a new skill is a great way to take care of yourself. There are plenty of opportunities for personal growth, and many are available free or for a very small cost. For example, community colleges and recreation centers often offer continuing education programs. If you prefer to learn online, platforms like Udemy and edX are excellent places to find almost any type of class you can imagine. 

5. Schedule Downtime for Self Care

Sometimes the biggest thing standing between you and a relaxing afternoon of pampering is time — or rather a lack of it. Get past that roadblock by actively scheduling your downtime. That’s right, add it to your planner or calendar app. Whatever helps you feel recharged counts as self care. So, go ahead and carve out the time for your favorite activities, whether that’s taking a nap in a hammock, curling up with a book or spending an afternoon working in the garden.

From a spa pedicure to a professional facial, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and feel pampered while you practice self care. Be sure to add your activities to your schedule so they don’t get pushed off.