Parenting Pointers: Pampering Yourself

Here are some easy at-home ways to pamper yourself without going to the spa.

- Grate fresh ginger into boiling water and simmer 10 minutes. Soak a hand towel in the water, let it cool so it doesn't burn you, and wrap your lower legs.
- If you use a mask, microwave it 15 seconds to help penetrate the skin. Warm lotion or body cream also is absorbed better than cold. To really improve your skin texture, mix a cup of milk with a few tablespoons of honey, microwave for 30 seconds, and soak your hands in it for 10-15 minutes.
- Exfoliate your facial skin in the shower, since the moist heat helps loosen the skin.
- Give yourself a foot rub (if you don't have someone else who will). You can try just running the soles of your feet along a tennis ball on the floor. A slow, methodical scalp massage will work wonders as well.