Take a Load Off: Creative Ways For You To Relax - Part 1

11:57 - 16 October 2013

Living in Lagos isn't child's play. The traffic, heat and lack of light sometimes seem to conspire against us in everything we do. What's worse, life often seems to be broken down into just two parts: about 80% spent daily at the office, and 19.5% at weddings or other functions we feel compelled by friends to attend. That leaves .5% for your social life if you have one at all. At some point, you take a step back and ask yourself, ala the 1997 American romantic comedy, «Is this as good as it g...

The good news is that work and play can successfully co-habitate and even complement each other. All you need to is to work out a plan to get outside of your stressful routine and focus on taking care of yourself once in a while…without breaking your schedule or your budget.

This is the first in a three-part series suggesting creative ways for you to relax. From trips to the spa or traveling to finding social gatherings where you can meet new people to socialize and network, options abound if you know where you look. Meanwhile, if your finances are tight and causing you worry, our relaxation series will also offer plenty of affordable ways for you to relax without feeling with pinch.

DIY faithfuls, this one is for you. You can create that spa experience at home and enjoy amazing results, too. You'd be surprised what a few kitchen ingredients can do! Here are few tips for relaxing your mind and body while giving your skin and body the care it needs.

1. Cleanse your skin to remove dirt and excess oils that clog your pores and give you pimples. Cleansing with just two tablespoons of vinegar and distilled water twice daily should refresh your skin beautifully.

2. Steaming is important simply because it opens your pores. Adding lavender oil to your bath ensures a soothing and rejuvenating feeling afterwards.

3. Remove deep-seated dirt and oils with a natural mask. Put honey on your face for about 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

4. Tone your face for tighter pores and a firm feeling all over your body. Green tea and half a cup of water should do the trick.

5. Replenish lost moisture with your moisturizer. Mix rose water and glycerin and apply for 15 minutes daily. Afterwards, you'll feel refreshed and ready to go!

Stay tuned for the second and third parts of our series on stress relief, including great tips on travel and social networking.