In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s crucial to carve out moments for some self-love. Sometimes it’s easy to deny yourself much needed pampering.
Truth is, we can’t all go to the spa or massage parlor every time life gets hectic. We can settle for the next best thing and not have to leave the comfort of home.
If your daily routine involves a monotonous routine of waking up, showering, getting ready for work, managing the kids, going to work, attending to household duties, and repeating the cycle, you need to find some time for some personal relaxation.
With having such a demanding schedule, making time for yourself seems like a luxury. One that you keep putting off. However, dedicating a brief period to unwind in a warm bath can have significant physical and mental health advantages.
At least once a week, you should find 20 minutes to relax and unwind in a nice warm refreshing bath. Do this right before bed for some of the best sleep you could ask for. Pair it with nice clean sheets when you’re done and there’s nothing like it.
There are so many benefits to adding a bath to your weekly bedtime routine. Taking a bath can offer various physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
The therapeutic effects of warm bathwater extend beyond just relaxation. The warm water has the power to dilate blood vessels, promoting healthy blood flow and contributing to heart health. Additionally, a warm bath can aid in lowering blood pressure, offering a natural remedy.
In contrast, cool water baths can lower heart rates and raise blood pressure.Cool water therapy has also proven to help treat sore muscles following a workout.
It’s also important to note that the bath water should not be too hot. Excessively hot water can strip the body of natural oils and leave your skin dry.
Maintaining a comfortable water temperature is essential to ensure the body receives the benefits without undesirable side effects.
Epsom Salt
Adding 1-2 cups of Epsom salts to a running warm bath can help you relax after a long day and improves concentration.
It’s not a good idea to add Epsom salt to your bath if you’re in a whirlpool or hot tub. Granules can get lodged in the jets and cause much bigger issues. Consult the user manuals before adding anything.
The major benefit from Epsom salt comes straight from the chemical name “magnesium sulfate”. The human body does not naturally produce magnesium but is important to your overall health.
The magic of Epsom salt happens when it is added to water, it breaks down into magnesium and sulfate and is said to be taken in through the body’s pores.
Epsom salt is believed to help relax muscles and ease tension. This is often recommended for individuals experiencing muscle soreness, stiffness, or cramps. The magnesium in Epsom salt is thought to play a role in this relaxation.
The act of taking a warm bath can be relaxing on its own, and the addition of Epsom salt is believed to enhance this effect. Magnesium is known to help regulate stress hormones, potentially contributing to an overall sense of calm.
Epsom salt is believed to improve heart health and improve blood circulation. This can reduce your risk of heart attack or disease.
For a great night’s sleep, pair with lavender essential oils. The two are fantastic in aiding sleep quality.
Baking Soda
Baking soda helps detoxify the body and eliminate odors when added to bath water. There doesn’t need to be much added, only ½ to 1 cup. If more than this is added, you run the risk of drying out your skin.
Some people use baking soda baths to help manage symptoms of yeast infections. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper treatment.
Baking soda baths may potentially help ease muscle soreness and fatigue after intense physical activity. The alkaline nature of baking soda might aid in restoring the pH balance of the skin.
If you’re suffering from sinus drainage or congestion, adding baking soda will help combat these symptoms by clearing up nasal passages.
Lavender
Enhance your bath experience by adding lavender. The anti-aging properties will leave your skin feeling silky smooth and bonus, it smells fantastic.
Add about 5 drops of your favorite lavender essential oils to your bath. Lavender contributes to stress and anxiety relief, making it an ideal choice for a calming bath experience.
Some individuals find that the calming effects of lavender can help alleviate headaches or migraines. The aroma may contribute to stress reduction, which can be a trigger for headaches.
As someone who suffers chronic headaches, I can attest that this does seem to help. Regardless of what I add, lavender is one of them.
Improved sleep and relief from menstrual cramps are among the additional benefits associated with lavender-infused baths. Who doesn’t love that?!
Lavender is often associated with mood improvement. A lavender bath can be a simple and enjoyable way to lift your spirits and promote a more positive mindset.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal has been being added to baths forever it seems. I remember my mom adding this to baths when I was little and battling chicken pox.
Oats contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate itching and irritation associated with various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Add oatmeal to retain your body’s moisture and for its anti-inflammatory properties.
I did not enjoy being in a bath with oats floating around. In my adult life however, I have learned this is much less unpleasant if you put oats in a blender or food processor prior to dumping them in the bathtub.
Personally, I like to use oatmeal lotion following a bath. Maybe it’s the past trauma or just the fact I don’t want to go through all the work beforehand.
Coconut oil
The gentle and moisturizing properties of natural coconut oil make it a popular addition to bath time.
Natural coconut oil is used in a lot of self-care rituals. It is gentle on the skin, moisturizes and detoxifies. Coconut oil contains vitamins and antioxidants that can nourish the skin. These nutrients may contribute to the overall health and appearance of your skin.
Be sure to be careful with this. Only add a few drops in as it will make the tub slippery. The liquid form of coconut oil will help it dissolve easier in the tub.
Milk
The warmth of the bathwater combined with the calming properties of milk can contribute to relaxation and stress reduction. This makes milk baths a popular choice for self-care and pampering.
The lactic acid in milk is a mild exfoliant that can help remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling softer and smoother.
Regular milk baths may contribute to a more even skin tone, as the lactic acid in milk can help lighten and brighten the skin.
Some believe that the proteins and vitamins in milk may have anti-aging benefits, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
That’s a handful of wonderful additions to make your alone time bath more relaxing and enjoyable.
When you’re done, always make sure to pat your skin dry. You should never rub your skin with a towel. This has shown to play a part in aging and sagging skin.
Follow up with lotion to help lock in that moisture.
Add to the treatment and apply a face mask just before getting in the bath.
Take this as a challenge. Once a week, for the next month, dedicate 20 minutes to the end of your day with a warm (or cold) bath. Spice it up, add something different each time, feel the differences. Mix and match. Observe the cumulative effects on your physical and mental well-being.
I’m willing to bet that at the end of the 30 days (that’s only 4 days) you’re going to feel the effects and all in good ways.
So grab a couple of your favorite candles, a nice glass of wine, turn some music on and let the world fade away for 20 minutes and start feeling the benefits.
Remember to test any new ingredients on a small patch of skin to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction. Additionally, be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities you may have to certain substances.