7 Tips for a Dreamy Bath Experience
Sylvia Plath once said, "There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them." Well...I guess it didn't work for her, ultimately, but I totally subscribe to this notion. I take hot baths when I'm anxious or stressed, if I'm feeling under the weather, need to unwind or am simply feeling defeated and want to "wash away" the day and start fresh. I think I got it from my mom--she could spend a whole morning in the bath tub, reading magazines or novels until her scalding hot water turned lukewarm. I saw the bathtub as a place to get away, a little retreat in the comfort of my own home, where I could relax into my own private, quiet, bubbly world.
Do you have some bath time rituals? If you're not totally sold on baths, here are some tips that might convert you!
1. Pencil it in. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or corporate climber - or both - creating time for relaxation and pampering is often at the bottom of your to-do list. Take out your calendar and carve out some time that’s specifically devoted to indulging yourself in a relaxing bath. If it’s once a week or once a month, putting it on the calendar is a great way to ensure that you follow through.
2. Set the mood with music. Personalize your at-home spa experience with your favorite music. Music can bring the following benefits:
- Elevate mood
- Alleviate stress
- Reduce blood pressure
- Boost immunity
So set up that song list, press play and let your favorite songs serenade you as you enjoy a long, soothing soak.
3. Lower the lights. Dim the lights and reach for your favorite candle. Available in dozens of scents, colors and sizes, candles are a simple way to set the mood.
4. Check the temperature. The perfect water temperature is essential for an optimal bath experience. For a soothing and stimulating soak, draw your water to a temperature that’s steaming hot. A water temperature of 102°F can reduce fatigue, stimulate circulation and bring deep relief to achy or tired muscles. Use caution, of course, and test the water before you get in to make sure it isn’t too hot. Heat tolerance varies from person to person and temperatures beyond 102°F may cause increased heart rate or burns.
A bath temperature between 95 and 101°F is the most relaxing for muscles, relieving aches, while cleansing. Some prefer a slightly cooler bath between 77 and 86°F for its refreshing effect.
5. Add aromatherapy. There’s plenty of evidence that links aromatherapy with alleviating stress and anxiety. Here are three simple ways to add aroma to your bath experience:
- Essential oils. Derived from plants, flowers and fruits, essential oils boast many beneficial properties including aromas that uplift and inspire.
- Bath salts. You don’t have to take a dip in the ocean to profit from the therapeutic properties of salt. Instead, throw a handful of bath salts into the tub to improve circulation, ease back pain and soothe sore muscles or stiff joints.
Luckily, making bath salts at home couldn't be easier. Simply add one or two drops of your favorite essential oil to Epsom salts, mix thoroughly and voila! Custom-made relaxation in the comfort of your own home.
Not up to all that mixing? Reach for Pevonia Nymphea Bath Salts with Essential Oils "Anti-Stress." Not only will all skin types benefit from this delicious blend of lavender, ylang ylang and tangerine, but you’ll also emerge from the bath with silky-soft skin.
- Room spray. Using room spray is another simple way to add your favorite scent to your bath experience. For a stress-reducing soak, spray a few squirts of L'Occitane Lavender Harvest Organic Sweet Dreams Mist into the air before slipping into your bath. Teeming with lavender essential oil, this organic mist helps to relieve stress and promotes a peaceful, restorative bath.
6. Multitask. Who says you can’t relax while you multitask? During your bath, you can meditate and relax while your skin gets healthier. Before slipping into your bath, smooth on a healing mask like Astara Green Papaya Nutrient Mask to your face and neck. In addition to a soothing scent, this nourishing mask also features aloe vera, algae extract and essential oils to gently exfoliate while cleansing pores.
While the mask does the dirty work of cleansing your skin, take this time to put your head back, close your eyes and enjoy the breather. To boost your relaxation and help loosen the impurities within your pores, cover your face with a hot, moist towel. After five minutes, use the towel to wipe away the mask and rinse your face.
7. Pamper post-soak with favorite formulas. Once out of the bath, your spa experience isn’t over. Reach for your favorite products to finish off your bath time beauty ritual. Here are a few ideas:
- Moisturize. After you towel off, take some time to pay special attention to your skin. Try warming up your lotion by placing it on top of a radiator or heating vent during your bath.
- Mist. Finish off your bath with a few spritzes of a body mist like Decleor Arome Tonic Tonifying Body Treatment Fragrance. This multitasking body mist energizes and tones skin while providing a fresh, uplifting fragrance.
Are you a bathing beauty or a shower girl? Do you have other ways to de-stress? I just bought a big container of Epsom salts last night to try adding some essential oil for DIY bath salts. Any recommendations for a soothing essential oil that doesn't smell too floral or perfumey?