Let’s be honest—by the time Saturday rolls around, most of us are hanging on by a thread. The week has been a whirlwind of appointments, deadlines, emotional juggling, and maybe a few too many skipped lunches or unfinished coffees. That’s exactly why I started my tradition of Self-Care Saturdays—and let me tell you, it has been a wonderful boost for my mood, my energy, and my sanity.
Now, before you imagine a high-end, cucumber-water-and-harp-music situation, let me assure you—my version of a weekend home spa is cozy, affordable, and gloriously real. It’s not about being fancy; it’s about being intentional. It’s taking a moment (or a few hours, if I’m lucky) to pour back into myself so I’m not pouring from an empty cup come Monday. So, if you’re ready to turn your Saturday into a soul-soothing, tension-melting, spa-like escape—right at home—let me show you how.
Step 1: Set the Mood (and Don’t Skip This!)
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the atmosphere totally changes the experience. I don’t care how amazing your massage tool is or how luxurious your body butter feels—if you’re sitting under fluorescent lights in a messy room with laundry staring at you, it’s not going to feel like a spa. Trust me.
So here’s what I do:
- Dim the lights or use soft lamps.
- Light a candle or two (lavender or sandalwood are my go-to scents).
- Play calming music—something instrumental or nature-inspired.
- Tidy the space just enough so you’re not distracted.
- And if possible, let the household know this is your uninterrupted spa time.
It doesn’t take much. But the mood you create sets the stage for the entire experience. Think cozy, calm, and completely “off-duty.”
Step 2: Start With a Warm Soak or Steam
There is something incredibly grounding about water. It’s where I begin every Self-Care Saturday. If you have a bathtub, that’s your golden ticket—add Epsom salts, a few drops of essential oil, and just soak the week away.
No tub? No problem. I’ve had equally magical spa mornings just doing a warm foot soak while sipping tea. You can also hop in a steamy shower with eucalyptus hanging from the shower head and pretend you’re at a rainforest retreat.
Either way, the warmth helps your muscles relax, softens the skin, and—most importantly—it gives you a reason to sit still for a few quiet minutes. I always feel my shoulders drop (both literally and figuratively) after this step.
Step 3: Bring Out the Massage Magic
Now we’re getting to my favorite part. After your soak or shower, your body is warm and relaxed—aka, the perfect state for massage. Whether you’re working with a massage gun, a simple roller, or just your hands, this is where the tension melts away.
Here’s what I love to do:
- Use a bit of massage oil or body balm (lavender or chamomile are divine)
- Start with the shoulders and neck—those trouble spots where stress loves to hide
- Work your way down to the arms and hands, especially if you spend a lot of time at a computer
- Finish with a foot massage—because grounding yourself through your feet feels like hitting reset on your entire body
Even just 15 minutes of this makes a massive difference in how I feel. It’s like telling my nervous system, “Hey, you’re safe. We can relax now.”
Step 4: Treat Your Skin With Kindness
I’m not talking about a 10-step skincare routine here (unless you love that—go for it!). But after the massage, I like to do something simple and nurturing for my skin. Usually, that means applying a rich face mask, doing a gentle exfoliation, or simply giving my skin a little extra hydration.
Pro tip: while the mask is on, lie down and place a cool washcloth or eye mask over your eyes. Five minutes of stillness like this? Pure magic.
Step 5: Nourish Your Body (and Mind)
After all the external pampering, I like to nourish from the inside out. I’ll sip on herbal tea, blend up a green smoothie, or make something simple and healthy for lunch. The point isn’t to be perfect—it’s to be kind to myself.
Sometimes, I’ll journal for a few minutes. Other times, I just sit in silence and breathe. The goal is to finish my Self-Care Saturday spa session feeling centered and calm—not rushed, not distracted, not jumping into housework.
And if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll slide into fresh pajamas or a robe, light another candle, and curl up with a book or movie to really seal the deal.
Why This Routine Changed Everything for Me
Here’s the truth: I didn’t always make time for myself. I used to believe rest was something you “earned” after productivity. But life doesn’t work that way, especially if you’re managing a busy household, work, relationships, and your own health. You don’t earn rest—you need it so you can keep showing up fully.
My Self-Care Saturdays aren’t extravagant, and they don’t require a big budget. But the impact? Huge. I feel more grounded. My anxiety levels drop. My body feels lighter. And I notice I’m more patient, more present, and way more pleasant to be around.
So if you’ve been running on empty or haven’t checked in with yourself in a while, this is your sign. Pick a Saturday (or whatever day works best for you), and try it out. Give yourself that home spa experience—not because you have time, but because you’re worth making time for.
Ready to Make It Happen?
If you’re new to the home spa scene and not sure where to start, I’ve got you! Visit the site to check out some of my favorite massage tools and wellness must-haves to help you create your own Self-Care Saturday ritual.
Discover My Favorite Home Spa Essentials »
Browse Massage Oils That Melt Away Stress »
Because trust me—when you take time to care for your body, your mind follows. And a more relaxed, recharged version of you is the best gift you can give to yourself (and everyone around you).