Have you ever hopped in the bathtub only to find you couldn’t relax, or it just wasn’t all you hoped it would be? Soaking in a bath sounds luxurious, and it can be if you plan ahead. There’s much to consider, including the temperature, the ambience, and other special touches. If you just run some water and step in, you’ll likely be disappointed.
If you’d like to add bathing to your self-care routine, follow along as we discuss some tips for creating an enjoyable bath experience.
Why Baths Are Good for You
Soaking in the tub is a form of self-care and one of the best ways to relieve and manage anxiety and stress from the day. It may offer even more benefits than you realize. A few reasons to run the water for a bath are as follows:
- Stress relief
- Relief from aches and pains
- Improved mood
- Better sleep
- Reduced depression symptoms
If you have the time, a bath is worth a try. Let’s look at how to get the most out of your bathing experience.
Shower First
It seems silly to take a shower before taking a bath; after all, the bath can clean you as well. However, as you sit in a bath, the water doesn’t go anywhere, leaving you in dirty bath water. Shower first, and then you can sit and relax in a clean bath.
Set the Right Temperature
Most people want a hot bath rather than a cold one. Still, you can make it too hot, and that leads to nausea and exhaustion. The ideal temperature is anywhere from 90 degrees Fahrenheit to 105 degrees Fahrenheit for a warm bath that doesn’t leave you needing a glass of ice water.
Add Some Extras to the Water
A bath that is all-natural with only water is fine; however, if you’d prefer some yummy aromas and skin softening, try one of the following:
- Bath bombs
- Bath oil
- Bath salts
- Essential oils
Avoid bath bubbles since they’re full of detergents that dry your skin. As you soak in a tub, you don’t want your skin absorbing unhealthy things. Consider creating your own bath bombs with mica powder and other ingredients you likely have in your pantry, such as baking soda and cornstarch. You can also make homemade bath oils using natural jojoba oil and essential oils instead of buying ones that are full of fragrances that may irritate your skin.
Set the Mood
One of the most important steps in creating the perfect bath experience is setting the mood. The water is running at the perfect temperature, the room is full of wonderful aromas, and now it’s time to add some ambience to the bathroom. No matter what kind of shape the bathroom is in, at bath time, it’s your oasis from the outside world. Try these ideas for a relaxing bathing atmosphere:
- Candles
- A glass of wine
- Soft music
- Dim lights
As a bonus, leave your cell phone outside the bathroom. If anyone needs you, they’ll have to wait.
