Taking a bath can be an effective way to relax, calm down, and set your mind and body at ease. If you want to try a nice, hot bath as a relaxation technique when life gets stressful, keep reading to discover seven tips for an effective de-stress bath.
1. Give Up the Guilt
Never feel guilty about taking time for yourself to take a relaxing bath. Relaxation time is important for remaining calm and at peace with yourself and your life. You won’t be able to fully relax in the bathtub if you’re constantly feeling guilty about the time you’re spending there.
Let go of your guilt and remind yourself that your de-stress is important for your mental health.
2. Get the Water Temperature Right
Make sure that the water temperature you use for your de-stress bath is comfortable and safe. Bathing in water that is too cold can prevent you from feeling relaxed and calm. Cool baths are also less effective at relieving muscle tension and soreness.
However, bathing in water that is excessively hot can dry out your skin as well as make you feel uncomfortable after more than ten to fifteen minutes. Make sure the water that you use for your de-stress bath is warm enough for relaxation but not hot enough for discomfort.
3. Use Oils
When they are blended with hot water and the small, steamy environment that a hot bath creates, essential oils can produce aromatherapy that can help you feel less stressed and more relaxed and at peace. Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil into your bathwater to reap the benefits of calming aromatherapy.
Essential oils that stimulate stress relief and relaxation are lavender, ylang ylang, rose, chamomile, bergamot, and frankincense.
4. Light a Candle
Lighting candles around your bathtub can produce aromatherapy like essential oils. Plus, lighted candles create a warm, inviting environment that can increase the relaxation and peace you feel while taking your bath.
You can light candles in any scent you prefer. However, using a candle in a calming scent such as rose, lavender, or vanilla can help further increase your feelings of relaxation and decrease anxiety and stress more effectively.
5. Bring Some Wine
Does anything sound better than soaking in a hot tub with a glass of your favorite wine in your hand? Drinking a glass of wine has stress-relieving benefits as well that can maximize your relaxation while in the bathtub.
Just remember to keep the alcohol you consume to a safe amount. Taking a bath while drunk or tipsy can be dangerous.
6. Add Salts
Adding bath salts or dead sea salt to your bath water can help alleviate muscle tension, skin conditions, and more. Salts have effective detoxification principles that promote healing, relaxation, and stress relief.
Epsom salt decreases inflammation and muscle pain. Dead sea salt promotes relaxation and detoxification. Other types of bath salts are effective at healing skin conditions like dry, flaky, or itchy skin.
7. Isolate Yourself
Your bath is supposed to be your time for yourself to relax and relieve your stress. Before you get into the bathtub, make sure that you don’t have to worry about being interrupted. Warn your roommates or your family members that you’re taking some time for yourself and would like to be left alone. Then, lock your bathroom door, turn off your cell phone, and let yourself enjoy time by yourself.
Taking a bath that can maximize your stress relief can be fun and relaxing. Use the seven tips for an effective de-stress bath in this post and make a habit of carving out time regularly for yourself to relieve stress through a hot, calming bath.
