Relax with Alexa this weekend

I don’t know about you, but I definitely need a little rest and relaxation right about now!

The 4 steps to a home spa day with Alexa:

#1. Whip up a good-for-you smoothie

Just ask “Alexa, what’s a smoothie recipe?” and you’ll get a lot of tasty (and healthy) options to try.

#2. Set the scene

If you have smart lights, choose a lighting scheme that makes you feel calm (A 2017 study said blue light increases relaxation, but other experts point to lavender as a great chill-out color).

#3. Get the right soundtrack

Just say “Alexa, play spa music.”

I also like the Zen Spa skill, which features mellow music with a babbling brook water sound in the background. You’ll need to tap/click here to enable it before you ask Alexa to get started.

#4. Time to relax!

Now that you’re hydrated and fed and you’ve set the mood with lighting and music, it’s time to sit down and relax — whether it’s reading a book, stretching it out with your favorite Alexa yoga skill or just sitting quietly for a few minutes of peace.

Pro Tips

Pro Tip #1: Want a yoga skill rec?

We like the Easy Yoga skill, which offers three different practices: morning, energizing and evening. If you have an Echo Show, you’ll be able to watch videos to help you along (but it’s pretty easy to follow with just audio). You’ll need to tap/click here to enable the skill to try it out.

Pro Tip #2: Create a “relaxing” Alexa routine

Create a “relaxing” Alexa routine that features your preferred light and sound combination. So next time you need to unwind, you’ll just have to say “Alexa, relax” to set the mood. 

Tap/click here for the step-by-step to create a simple Alexa routine.

Pro Tip #3: Order some spa stuff!

Ask Alexa for whatever you’d like to make your home more spa-like, from scented candles and essential oils to fancy Korean face masks. (If you haven’t set up voice ordering yet, here’s how to do it.)

Pro Tip #4: Don’t have smart lights yet?

Even if creating a spa-like atmosphere isn’t your thing, you’ll love having smart lights.

Smart lights are the perfect addition to any home because you’ll use them every day, and turning the lights on and off (and even changing their color!) with your voice and via Alexa routines is magical. Plus, they’re extremely easy to set up. 

Which ones should I get?

My favorite bulbs are the Philips Hue Bluetooth smart light bulbs, which are plug and play. Once you screw them into your light fixture and follow a few simple set-up steps, you’ll be set — no need for a fancy hub or wiring work to get started.