Going to the spa seems like such a luxury, but you can make it affordable by doing your own at home. Working hard at the job, home, taking care of kids, cooking, cleaning and all the running around can take a big toll on your physical, mental and emotional health. Taking a little "me time" is a great way to reset and recoup, but also helps you to be a better parent. "If mom ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" is no joke. Keep the family happy by making time for yourself to make YOU happy.

While the kids are away at a friend's house, school, out with dad or, if nothing else, when they're finally asleep, grab your robe and try these ideas to get you started.

Create a comfortable, peaceful atmosphere

Choose calming music to play. Dim the lights or use candles around your bathtub or on the counter. Get a fluffy towel, slippers and robe ready to use. This pampering atmosphere is worth the effort to help get your relaxing started. The ambience should be a clear contrast from the usual family chaos of being a mom.

Soak in a bubble bath or in bath salts

Every mom needs some time to take a bath without someone yelling at the door or trying to climb in with you. Choose a favorite fragrant bubble bath or scented bath salts and add to your bath water. There are many "recipes" for bath salts available on the Internet using Epsom or sea salt as a base and then adding essential oils of your choice. These vary, so try one that sounds relaxing to you. Lavender, chamomile or any other relaxing scents can calm your busy-mom mind and recharge your internal batteries.

Use a store-bought facial mask or create your own

You can apply this before you get in your bath or while you're in it. Find one at the store or create your own. There are mixtures available on the Internet based on your skin type that use ingredients such as honey, avocado, sugar (for exfoliation) and other things you may already have around your house. Apply to your face and allow it to sit while you're soaking. Since facial masks have been known to terrify young children when they hear mommy's voice coming from a monstrous-looking face, make sure they're not home or asleep.

Love your hair and scalp

Amid the countless hair products available to use, there are also scalp treatments and deep conditioners. Pick one that would benefit you and leave it working on your head while you relax in the tub.

Don't forget your eyes!

The phrase, "cool like a cucumber" comes to mind when you think about placing cucumber slices on your eyes. The cucumbers can help reduce puffiness around your tired eyes. Also, you can purchase an eye mask with gel, liquid or filled beads that you can place in the refrigerator or freezer to use again and again. Your eyes need pampering. After all, they are open and working all day and are tired from staring at the computer screen or staying focused on little ones all day.

Exfoliate to radiate

Using an exfoliator on your skin can remove the dead skin cells and reveal fresh, healthy skin underneath. Add this to your soaking and you will feel rejuvenated, smooth and soft. Pay special attention to your feet and hands. Hands and feet take a beating while chasing kids all day and the constant need to wash dishes, clean hands and use harsh cleaning products to keep the house sanitary. Exfoliating will leave your skin smooth and radiant.

Moisturize to seal the deal

After the soaking, exfoliating and facial are done, it's important to moisturize. There's a variety of moisturizers to choose from, including some that are more appropriate for your face and others for your body. Various scents and degrees of moisture are available. Find one that suits your needs and slather it on. Moisturizing is important especially because of the aforementioned tasks of cleaning and hand-washing which dry out mom's skin.

Manicure and pedicure

When the bathing is finished, you can complete the experience by tending to your toe and finger nails. Trim, file, buff and polish those nails in a color and/or design of your choice. Even if your go-to mom outfit is yoga pants and a comfy T-shirt, having fancy nails can make you feel like a million bucks - or at least more than the penny you just collected from your toddler's mouth! Grooming your nails can complete the experience and leave you feeling a little glamorous.

This spa-at-home can be done all at once, or in bits and pieces at a time. Do what fits in with your needs and time constraints. Taking time to care for yourself is important and shouldn't be overlooked. Make time for yourself. By doing so, you will be more able to perform all the motherly tasks required of you daily. Giving yourself time to relax, rejuvenate and be pampered can go a long way to boost your mood and keep you and, as a result, your family happy.