A spa retreat at home for your peace of mind!

Learning to manage the ever increasing stress of modern living creates challenges for all of us today. To reduce stress is one of the top ten New Years resolutions of 2009. Economic burdens lead us to a new kind of resourcefulness and make us take a new look how to re-group and get away from worries around  work and how to multi-task all our life's demands.
You can create a relaxing oasis to retreat and rejuvenate out of the comfort of your own home. This doesn't require any major changes or remodeling expenses.
Start by designating one area of your home as a personal retreat space; it can be a room, bathroom or that extra room in the basement. To make this special room relaxing, the design and layout should be very simple. Very little furniture is required; the space may be as empty and clutter-free as possible. The goal for this home spa retreat is to calm the mind and inspire the senses.
I have created my own home spa oasis that I spend time in first thing in the morning and right after getting home from work. I use it to meditate, read, write my journal, stretch, exercise, dance and listen to music.

Here are my top 10 home spa items I need to surround myself with in order to have balance in my busy life:

1.         I-Pod
The iPod touch is easily my most important home spa item, because I use it for so many purposes: for guided meditations, to listen to calming spa music, for dancing and as background music when I stretch and exercise. The touch screen controls are intuitive and easy to use.

2.         Guided Meditation
These guided meditation downloads with music promote emotional wellness and help me to relax deeply. I love to use these, because they really offer me so many different ways of connecting to my being. It's like my own music retreat! For those of us, who do not have meditation skills, guided meditations might be very helpful to get started. Check out the FREE Secret Garden Guided Meditation Sample.

3.         Meditation Cushion
This round cotton meditation cushion is a must for anyone who enjoys quiet time and meditation. Keep in mind that meditation is about one's inner self, without the ego and personality. It's important to nurture that part of our selves. To relax and meditate, you need to sit comfortably, with a straight back, with eyes closed and enjoy the search for the journey within.

4.         Aromatherapy Diffuser
Calming essential oils infuse the air with this small device. The combination of water and essential oils release plenty of moisture and oxygen into the air. It improves the air quality and can be stimulating for a calmer mood. I use it in my quiet zone, in the bathroom and also in the bedroom. Essential Oil Diffusers are quiet and easy to use.

5.         Essential Oil Blends
I love the Jurlique tranquil blend of essential oils made from organically grown herbs and flowers. You can use a few drops either in a hot bath or in the aromatherapy diffuser. The calming nature of essential oils promotes harmony and wellness. The effect is felt instantly.

6.         Massage Chair
You can relax at home in a reclining massage chair and get your entire back massaged. What better way to arrive at home after a busy day and unwind.

7.         Inspirational Picture
An inspiring design element is needed in any Home Spa to inspire tranquility and wellness. Just one photograph or inmage can transform an entire room. You can even choose one from your own photograph library and have your photos put on canvas, for example. The carefully selected picture can become the expression of a quiet ambience and professionalism when creating a home spa environment.

8.         Small Water Fountain
The calming effect of flowing waters always inspire me to unwind and relax. This copper and slate water fountain can be placed on a side table and also in a corner of the room.

9.         Towel Warmer
After my weekly hot bath with soothing essential oils this way of pampering my body with warm towels never fails to work it's magic. The towel warmer resides in the bathroom and doesn't need to take up much space at all.

10.       A Journal
At any given period of my life I have written in a journal. It is precious in many ways. You can use journal writing as a therapeutic means to express your innermost thoughts or utilize it as a personal autobiography or even story telling and poetry writing. I have used my journal for all of the above.

Hope these suggestions resonate with you and inspire you to make your home spa zone as enjoyable as possible!