What low-cost or DIY suggestions do you have for relaxation, mental and physical wellness, and beauty? What do you do to feel good? Most of my suggestions deal with muscle relaxation, but feel free to expand!
Bathing - Hot water with epsom salts and some essential oils (peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender are my favorites for muscle relaxation and general atmosphere) is great for sore muscles. Some other ideas:
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-to-take-a-better-bath/#axzz3SydulVYE Light but frequent stretching can help reduce back and neck injuries from sitting all day. You can look to yoga for ideas if you are unsure what stretches to do, but in general try to warm up and lightly stretch every part of your body. Dynamic stretches are great.
Massage - It's hard to beat a massage or physical therapist, but you can get rid of a lot of pains on your own. My favorite tool is two tennis balls in a sock (then tie or fold the open end so they don't fall out.) To massage your back, you lie on your back with the tennis balls on either side of your spine, putting as much weight as is comfortable into that portion of your back. Roll the balls up and down your back (it'll look super weird to any observer, like a cat rolling around). Try this technique on any part that is sore, like calves or thighs. High density foam rollers are also a great tool for self massage. Or you can enlist a friend. Always avoid putting too much pressure on the spine and neck, and don't do anything that is excessively painful, but it's pretty hard to hurt yourself with tennis balls and a foam roller.
Topically, you can apply a salve such as Tiger Balm, or use hot/cold packs to help muscles (I have reusable chemical hot/cold packs, but you can also DIY a microwavable pack).
And there's always a nice cup of tea to sooth the day away.
So, what do you to, ahem, "treat yourself"?
