Thanksgiving is over, the metric ton of food we’ve all consumed has settled, and Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are here! I don’t partake in Black Friday shopping, but I will be out and about tomorrow for Small Business Saturday with some girlfriends to do some Christmas shopping and lunching. As much fun as shopping and exploring our beautiful downtown can be, it’s also exhausting and calls for a healthy dose of R&R afterwards. Let’s face it — fun or not, spending money and keeping to a budget is always a little stressful!

One of my favorite ways to unwind, de-stress and keep my happiness high is a long soak in the tub. I have an ottoman in my living room with a removable top that flips over into a tray. I take that into the bathroom and sit it next to the tub. On it I place the Bath & Body Works scented candle my step-sister got me for Christmas last year, my wireless speaker, either a glass of wine or a cup of peppermint tea (depending on what mood I’m in), a hand towel, and either a book or my phone with an e-book.

I have an extra-deep soaker tub, which is honestly one of the things that sold me on my house. You know that feeling of having to choose whether you submerge your boobs or your knees, because you can’t get both under the water at the same time? I never have to make that decision again! I turn the water up as hot as I can stand it, sprinkle in two cups of Epsom salt ($4.99 per 8lb bag at Target), sometimes a little Dr Teal’s Lavender Foaming Bath too ($4.89 per bottle at Target), and slide in.

Cue the do not disturb for at least the next half an hour. If I get lost in a good book, it’ll take the water getting cold to force me out! If you’ve never had an Epsom salt bath, it is a life-changer. The magnesium not only draws toxins out of your body, it has a noticeable calming effect. The first time I did an Epsom salt bath, luckily shortly before bed time, it made me so sleepy I could hardly keep my eyes open. It’s proven to be a great weapon in my arsenal to battle my occasional insomnia. The trick is to make sure you have the water as deep as you can get it so you can submerge as much of your skin in the water as possible. Then stay put and soak away your toxins for at least 20 minutes.

This is also a perfect time to give yourself a facial. I love all of the single-use masks in the Yes To brand at Target. Like this Yes to Tomatoes Charcoal Mask  for $2.50, or this Yes to Cucumbers Calming Mask, also $2.50. Coincidentally, these would also be great additions to a spa/pamper-yourself basket for a holiday gift!

I will definitely be partaking in some bath time therapy on Sunday night, after a day full of shopping on Saturday and traveling for another family Thanksgiving on Sunday! How will you unwind after your holiday? I’m always looking for new ways to de-stress and relax, so please share!