When you have a busy schedule, you probably try to get in and out of the bathroom as quickly as possible. You step into the bath (or you probably prefer the shower) just to clean your body, and that’s it. However, in doing so, you are missing a wellspring of relaxation. Read on for all the tips you need to make the best stress-reducing bath rituals.
How To Carve Out Time For A Bath Ritual
Like exercise or any other habit, the key to successfully incorporating baths into your daily routine is by dedicating time to it. Don’t wait for your schedule to clear up before you take a well-deserved bath, make baths a part of your daily schedule instead. Since baths are a great way to reduce stress and body pain, it’s perfect when scheduled toward the end of your day. Dedicate a time when you will drop everything and isolate yourself for some me-time in the bath.
Baths are a lot simpler and quicker than you probably think. You only soak in a bath for about 15 minutes, and preparing it should not take more than 5 minutes. Blocking off 20 minutes once a day or once a week is a lot less daunting, doesn’t it?
Finally, get your whole family to cooperate with you. Inform them of the schedule of your bath ritual and that you should not be disturbed during this time (unless it’s an emergency). 20 minutes a day or once a week is not much to ask, and you certainly deserve such a break. Remind yourself that—you deserve a break—and don’t shy away from relaxing for 15 minutes.
Establishing A Stress-Relieving Bath Ritual
Your bath ritual is all about you and what you need. Consider these aspects that will help you make the best stress-reducing bath rituals.
The Ambiance
The bathroom is not the most relaxing space in any house, but with a few tweaks, you can turn your bathroom into a relaxation haven.
Clutter – before your bath, remove any visible clutter around your bath so that you don’t think about the need to clean up while you try to relax.
Lights – dim the lights or turn them off and light some candles. This will significantly change the ambiance of your bathroom.
Sounds – play relaxing music, or any music you want to relax to; or, you could set up a guided meditation video or podcast if you plan on meditating in the bath.
Plants – these are optional, but if you have any, bring in a plant with you. Having one nearby while you bathe adds to the relaxing ambiance.
The Bath
Here is the formula for the perfect bath:
The Water – bath water should be just a little bit warmer than your body temperature. Test the water’s temperature before stepping in to avoid scalding your skin.
The Bath Salt – Use ½ cup to 1 cup of bath salt for a standard-sized bathtub. Better Bath Better Body Stress Relief Bath Soak is a great option for those who want to de-stress and prepare for sleep. This bath soak contains Epsom salt and eucalyptus and spearmint essential oils to help your mind and body release stress and muscle tension.
Make It Special – Add in any other things you want, such as petals or even additional essential oils.
Bath Activities
Did you know that you could do other self-care activities as part of your bath ritual? You can put on a face mask or exfoliate, meditate, write in your journal, or read a book. The choices are endless, but it is best to choose activities that let your mind relax so you experience the full benefits of baths.
Keep Your Bath Essentials Organized
Establishing a bath ritual may seem like a lot of work, and it does involve a few accessories. Part of successfully establishing a stress-reducing bath ritual is maintaining a stress-free bathroom. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start With Good Storage. Invest in organizers and space-saving storage for your bathroom. You could even invest in a shower caddy for your bath ritual essentials.
- Organize. Categorize your bath essentials and label your storage accordingly. Put together everything that falls in the same category.
- Separate Your Stocks. If you like keeping stocks of your bath essentials, it’s better to keep them somewhere hidden, like under the sink, separate from the products you use daily. This will avoid confusion and clutter in your bath.
Check out Better Bath Better Body for more tips on relaxing baths.
