Relaxation techniques to try before the wedding

Keeping your calm in the build up to your wedding can be tough but little help from a friend, health spa or beauty salon could be just what you need to make “the final sprint” before the big day a little more bearable.

A full head to toe massage will rid you of accumulated stress through special muscle relaxing techniques that release endorphins and give you a feeling of wellbeing. It also serves to pump oxygen and nutrients into the tissues improving the appearance and condition of the skin.

If you don’t have the time or the funds to go to a professional massage centre, you could always recreate the environment of a spa in your own home. It’s easy! All you need is a few hours without interruptions.

Here is how you do it:

• Fill the bath with warm water and add a relaxing essential oil or bath salts such as lavender, particularly well known for its calming properties. Light some candles switch off the lights and play some relaxing music. Soak yourself in the tub and concentrate on clearing your mind completely as you breathe in the aromas of the aromatherapy oils.
• Use a gentle exfoliating cream, massage it into the skin and rinse away to leave it feeling soft and smooth.
• Put on a face mask and take the opportunity to deep condition your hair with an intensive conditioner that you can put on and leave for the duration of your bath.
• As a finishing touch to your already pampered skin, moisturise yourself from your feet to your neck with a good body cream (once you are out of the bath!). If your skin is extra dry, try using jojoba or almond oil which is especially good for rough patches. Alternatively, a few drops of orange oil, cinnamon or jasmine will leave you with a delicious smelling scent on your skin. For the face, use your normal face cream remembering not to miss the delicate contours of your eyes.
• The most important thing is to remember to take your time and really relax.

So there you have it, your very own home made spa!