My husband, a big time psychology and philosophy buff, says that pampering yourself is more than a simple act of self-indulgence.  This isn't a new concept by a long shot.  People have long since discovered the wonders of artistic things, especially music, as being good for the soul.  Listening to good music can make a bad day a little better.  Treating yourself to a break from the usual grind, the routine, can do the same thing.  Take my husband Phil to a beach or to the mountains, and he's a different man.  According to him, things like this actually change what's going on inside us, especially in our brains.

Here's an example of how that works.  Phil started buying salt rock lamps a few years ago, and when I asked why he wanted them, he explained that they increased the negative ions in the air.  Then he went on to explain how having this change was good for you, how your brain was affected by this change in ions.   And I can remember him saying that water does the same thing, especially salt water.  That's why some people feel much better at the beach, or sitting beside a running stream in the mountains somewhere.

Using handmade soaps is better for your skin than using commercial detergents called soaps.  In fact, most so-called soaps are just detergents and do not contain the fine natural ingredients found in handmade soaps.  Anyone who has tried real soap can tell the difference in a shot time.  Later on I'll write some blogs about why that's true, but for now we're talking about why it's important to pamper ourselves. 

Most women know that a warm bath is a wonderful experience, something we look forward to.  I take showers only when I'm in a hurry, and even then I pamper myself with good natural products that are healthy for my skin.  It's like listening to good music, or going to the beach or the mountains.  Well, not quite as good, but it's still good, and it's something I can do for myself that doesn't take long.  And I can do it at home without having to go anywhere . . . and without spending a lot of money.

The pampering process can be taken past just a bath with good, soothing products.  Surrounding yourself with creams and lotions to use after you leave the bath is smart business, not so much because it's needed but because it makes you feel good.  Feeling good is healthy, not just on the outside but also on the inside.  And if you already pamper yourself (or think  you do) with products you buy at the store, you might try going natural with soaps that are really better for you. 

Is this a sales pitch?  Oh, you bet it is, but it's more than that.  It's good advice.  Don't feel guilty about pampering yourself.  It's good for you in several ways, and what's good for you is usually good for the people around you.

Evelyn, 1/23/08