March 30, 2021, 1:23 pm
Sponsored by Marks and Spencer
Pandora explains how to have a spa experience at home.
Image: Marks and Spencer
There’s nothing like falling into bed after a long day, but what if you could recreate the zen of a posh spa from the comfort of your home? The Pandora of the Heart explains how it is possible …
There are a few days when I count down the hours to get home to bed – and not necessarily because I’m tired.
I’ve spent a long time mastering my bedtime, and I’d even say it’s almost perfect.
My dog Henry is an important part of my relaxation strategy.
There’s nothing like sitting on the sofa and getting lost with him next to me in a box or a reality show. When I hear him breathing and sniffing next to me, I feel so satisfied!
But when it’s time for bed I have to leave him to his own devices while I jump in the shower and start relaxing.
I usually love a trip to the sauna to give myself time to think about my day and let tension go out of my body.
Now I am mimicking that by closing the bathroom door and windows and letting the shower run hot for a few minutes, which makes the room really steamy and humid.
In the shower, I like to use really aromatic products with soothing essential oils like neroli and patchouli.
After showering, I put on a terrycloth coat and slippers before putting on my pajamas.
I make sure to leave them on the cooler so they are nice and firm and ready to go.
I love having a cup of herbal tea before bed and while waiting for the kettle to boil I finish checking my social media and messages before charging my phone in the kitchen.
I’ve found that banning electrical devices from my bedroom worked wonders for my sleep, and another plus is that I don’t accidentally stay awake until I mindlessly scrolling at 1am!
As soon as I’m comfortable and Henry has decided to end the bed for the night, I turn off all the lights at 10 p.m.
I then spend a bit of time reading a chapter of my book by candlelight and choosing a soothing scent so that when I blow out the room becomes scented when I doze off.
Reading a horror novel by Dean Koontz isn’t everyone’s idea of a perfect bedtime story, but he’s my favorite author and sometimes I have to force myself to put my book down until tomorrow!
Another surprise bonus when I don’t have my phone in the bedroom is that when I wake up in the morning I have another opportunity to read and try to read another chapter or two.
Pandora recommends …
Fluffy robe
This bathrobe is so luscious.
Image: Marks and Spencer
Buy now: Terrycloth, £ 30, M & S.
Scented candle
The Neom Tranquility ™ fragrance is a complex blend of 19 purest essential oils, including English lavender, sweet basil and jasmine.
Image: Marks and Spencer
Buy now: Tranquility Candle by Neom, £ 32, M & S.
Fragrant room fragrance
A squirt of it over your pillow instantly increases the zen values of your bedroom.
Image: Marks and Spencer
Buy now: Bedroom spray, £ 6, M & S.
Cozy pajamas
These are the coziest pajamas you will ever wear!
Image: Marks and Spencer
Buy now: Cozy lounge Ribbed sweatshirt and jogger, £ 15 each, M & S.
Beautifully scented bath salts
The salts are lavender, jasmine, vetiver and eucalyptus.
Image: Marks and Spencer
Buy now: Sleeping bath salts, £ 6.50, M&S.