When academics become too stressful, it's time to sit back, relax and pamper yourself. Looking great and feeling better doesn't have to mean an expensive day at the spa - students can indulge themselves with spa treatments without leaving their own comfortable homes.
Simple, inexpensive and relaxing at-home pedicures are good for those who are looking to make it into the Gym Class Heroes' entourage where it's important for your feet to look good- according to front man Travis McCoy, at least.
While salon pedicures are usually worth the price, the same treatment can be easily done at home. Cuticle clippers, nail and foot files, and pumice stones can leave skin smooth and nails looking healthy.
"I relax by giving myself a pedicure," said Robyn Stewart, a junior communications major. "It doesn't take long, but it's enough time for me to enjoy pampering myself."
Toenail polish can make toes look pretty in sandals or open-toed shoes, if kept looking nice and repaired when chipped. Choose classic colors that compliment your ensemble, and avoid colors like green and yellow - anything that looks dirty or like fungus on feet.
Jianna Nicholas, a sophomore communications major, said that she has never been to a real spa, but she indulges herself in her dorm room to relax and unwind.
"I like to pamper myself every once in a while," Nicholas said. "I always paint my nails because I makes me feel better about myself."
Aromatherapy oils or bath salts can be added to warm water to soften the skin on the foot and relax your nerves. Beware of what goes on your foot though; not all products are good for foot care and can cause rashes or athlete's foot, a skin disease caused by a fungus.
"I bought all the things I need at Sally's (Beauty Supply) and keep them in a bucket under my bed," Stewart said. "The best part about doing pedicures at home is that I can sit at my computer or even watch television while my feet soak."
As pedicures can help foot health, eye treatments can be used to reduce baggy or dark eyes for overtired students. Eye packs are easy to use - keep them in the freezer until you need them, and when you do, rest them over your eyes for about two minutes. The cool sensation over the eyelids is very relaxing. Eye packs can be found in most beauty stores and are relatively inexpensive. They can be made at home using a silk or satin cloth. Using the eye pack when you're overtired or have a lot of work to do can really take the edge off, the cool sensation allowing you to relax and unwind.
To take the puff out of your eyes after a long night of studying or partying, students can use chamomile tea bags to loosen up and give their eyes a break. Boil tea bags in hot water and then place them in the fridge to cool for about 10 minutes readies the bags for a spa treatment. Placing them over the eyes can reduce the look of puffiness and red eye. Cold cucumber slices work just as well, if kept refrigerated until you're ready for them.
Waxing is another spa treatment that can be done from the comforts of home. Generally, waxing lasts longer than shaving and is less expensive. At-home waxing kits usually range between $5 and $20.
"I use home waxing kits all the time," Stewart said. "I love being able to do it at home, it's cheap and easy. I'm able to store the kit in my closet because it's small, and there's not a lot of products that you need, so it keeps things simple."
Coloring or highlighting your hair can be quite expensive if done in a hair salon. For those who want to avoid breaking the bank when their roots start to show every three months, hair coloring kits can be done at home and are very inexpensive: most cost between $8 and $15.
"I've been coloring my hair at home for years," Stewart said. "(Doing it at home) cuts down on the price, and it only takes me about a half an hour."
At-home spa treatments are little stress relievers that can make a big difference. For students looking for even more pampering, they can go to the Student Wellness Center located at 114 Student Union.
"We have a relaxation suite in our office," said James Bowman, Special Populations Outreach Coordinator. "Within the suite we have free have free hot tea, massage chairs, couches and two quiet study areas. Students can borrow CDs with relaxation music, books on stress management and books that focus on yoga and Pilates."
In addition to these goodies, students can sign up for free massages on designated days when visiting the office.
"We have a massage therapist who comes in twice a week to provide free ten-minute neck and shoulder massages for students," Bowman said.
Shannon Haggerty, a sophomore nursing major, said she loves to read and listen to music in her room to relax.
"My friend and I have been wanting to do yoga and Pilates," Haggerty said. "Now that we know the Wellness Center offers free DVDs, we're definitely going to (take advantage of that). Many students don't know about the Wellness Center and what it has to offer."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
