Self-care comes in various forms—eating healthy, working out, going to the salon, among others. Taking a long bath is another way to get that necessary “me” time at home. It isn’t only for cleansing. But it’s also good for relaxation, calming the mind, and even soothing sore muscles—a great way to end a tiring day.
Not everyone, however, has the time, patience, or the right ingredients to draw a perfect bath. Luckily, with these tips, you can up your bath game so that it will become less of a bore and more of a self-care ritual.
Use the right combination of essential oils
Whether dried or fresh, flowers and herbs can elevate your bath experience. But if you don’t have time to get these for your bath, you can always turn to essential oils. Make sure to use the right combination, though. One good example is to combine eucalyptus and peppermint to achieve clear breathing. For stress relief, mix lemon, cedarwood, clove bud, and orange essence or blend lemon with rosemary. If you find it difficult to sleep, a few drops of lavender can help relax your mind before bed.
Consider dropping a few teabags
You may never have time to add fresh flowers or even essential oils to your bath. Fortunately, the key to an amazing bath can only be a short trip to the pantry. Check your cupboards for teabags. Chamomile teas are perfect if you want a soothing bath before bed. Taking a bath in the morning? Add some tea bags to get that energy boost you need to get through your hustle-and-grind day.
Add a cup of finely-ground oats
Another pantry staple that can take your bath experience to the next level is oats. Adding a cup of finely-ground oats is a good way to ease itchy or irritated skin. These finely-ground oats, also called colloidal oatmeal, can easily dissolve in the bath. But if you don’t have these at home, grind your usual oats in the food processor. Keep in mind these regular oats won’t dissolve in the bath as easily as colloidal oats.
Buy a bath caddy
When showering, you cleanse your body with soap and your hair with natural shampoo for dandruff—you can be done in just a few minutes. But again, taking a long bath is more than about body cleansing. You can surely make this experience relaxing for about an hour with a simple item: a bath caddy.
Given you drew a healthy, rejuvenating bath, you can lengthen your stay in the bathtub by reading a book or magazine or having a glass of wine while listening to your favorite tracks on Spotify. But to do all this conveniently, you need a bath caddy to keep your books, gadgets, and glasses safe and easy to reach.
With the right ingredients and a few additions to your bath, you can make this experience a self-care ritual. You no longer have to make too much fuss about drawing the perfect bath. After an hour in the bathtub, you will find yourself feeling relaxed to have a restful sleep or energized to go about your day.