Guest-Blogger Marissa Gold, Editorial Director for www.spaweek.com and www.spaweekdaily.com

You know the feeling you get when you step into a spa treatment room? That whole-body “ahh” moment where every muscle relaxes? A trip to the spa is one of the best investments you can make in your overall wellness. Why not learn to bring the relaxation home?

As the Editorial Director for Spa Week, I’m constantly searching for fabulous spa deals and treatments. But I’m guilty of the same thing so many of us are – the second I leave the spa, I’m back to my daily grind of 8-hour days, stressful commutes, and tough workouts. Needless to say, that calmness I felt during my last massage is quickly canceled out. But I’ve learned how to bring the spa (not the stress) home at the end of a long day. Here’s how to give yourself a spa-like experience at home.

First, find one spot in your home that you feel totally relaxed in. Your bed? A window seat? The bathtub? Ensure this area is clean and free of clutter, which Feng Shui experts believe prevents you from relaxing. If you tend to keep a pile of books and mail on your bed, move it to your desk. If your bathtub is overloaded with products, find a cute basket or over-the-shower caddy to organize the space. Trust me, it will help!

First, find one spot in your home that you feel totally relaxed in.

Next, turn off or dim all lights, and silence your cell phone. It’s time for the most transformative step in the process: Picking a spa-like scent. The smell of Thymes Eucalyptus always reminds me of the spa; The lemongrass note is soothing and reminds me of faraway places like the Eastern countries where it grows. The bergamot note (one of my favorite essential oils) reminds me of the products used during spa facials. A reed diffuser is a good option that will keep the room scented 24/7, but if you’re a person who finds it hard to tune out mental noise, opt for a candle instead. Candles create ambiance only when you light them, and since our memories are so closely tied to scent, your body will learn to associate the smell with relaxation – and do just that.

Then, pick a treatment. If you’re going to be laying in bed, try wearing a face mask and a gel eye compress. You can keep both chilled in the refrigerator so they’re ready when you are (Bonus: The cool temperature helps temporarily tighten pores and relieve puffiness). If you’re taking a bath, use an aromatic bubble bath or bath salts to add a therapeutic quality to the water (not to mention a calming scent).

By taking 15 minutes for a quick home spa break 1-2 times a week, you’ll feel your stress level plummet. Get more help with picking your ideal home spa scent by clicking here.

See more tips from Marissa at www.spaweekdaily.com