No matter who you are or what you do, like most of us, youāre probably dealing with more stress than youād like.
Whether itās work-related difficulties, family issues, or another of lifeās challenges, sometimes it can feel like problems are just piling up with no end in sight.
And if this is how youāre feeling, then youāre likely looking for the best ways to relieve stress.
Luckily, thereās no shortage of ways to reduce stress, so youāve got lots of options to choose from, but in my experience, one of the best ways to destress is by creating a blissful bath experience.
So, if youāre dealing with more stress than you can handle, and youāre desperately searching for ways to relieve that anxiety, pressure, and tension, then I hope you take the time to keep reading.
Because in this article, Iām going to explain why having a bath is one of the best ways to relieve stress, and offer some suggestions to help you create the best bath experience you possibly can.
Why Is Having a Bath One of the Best Ways to Relieve Stress?
When Iām feeling overwhelmed with stress, taking a relaxing bath is one of my all-time favourite self-care rituals, and thatās because it works!
But thatās not just my opinion, and thereās research out there that backs up what Iām saying.
For instance, a 20-year study, which followed over 30,000 people in Japan, found that those who took a hot bath daily (or close to it) were 28 per cent less likely to develop cardiovascular disease and 26 per cent less likely to have a stroke when compared with people who took hot baths less than twice per week.
As you probably already know, stress is linked to heart problems, including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, so this just goes to show that a blissful bath experience is one of the best ways to relieve stress.
So, now that weāve explored some of the science backing up the benefits of having a hot bath, letās look at some other reasons why this is one of the best ways to destress.
Warmth and Comfort
A warm bath provides comfort and relaxation by soothing tense muscles and joints. The warmth also helps to increase circulation and reduce tension, promoting physical relaxation.
Sensory Experience
Bathing involves sensory experiences such as the feeling of warm water on the skin, the scent of bath products like essential oils or bath bombs, and the sound of running water or calming music. These sensory inputs can help to distract from stressors and induce a sense of calm.
Mindfulness
Bath time can be a form of mindfulness, allowing you to focus on the present moment and cultivate relaxation. Taking the time to breathe deeply and pay attention to the sensations of your bath can help to quiet the mind and reduce stress.
Alone Time
For many people, bath time provides an opportunity for solitude and reflection away from the demands of daily life. This time alone can be rejuvenating, helping you to unwind and recharge.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, which refers to the therapeutic use of water, has been shown to have stress-relieving effects. Immersing yourself in water can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are your body’s natural feel-good chemicals, and this can help alleviate stress and improve mood.
Better Sleep
Taking a warm bath before bedtime can promote better sleep, as the relaxation induced by your bath can help prepare your body and mind for bedtime, leading to a more restful night. This can help reduce stress levels and improve your overall health.
How to Create a Blissful Bath Experience
Now that you understand why a relaxing bath is one of the best ways to relieve stress, I want to give you some suggestions on how you can enhance your bathing experience.
These tips will help you create a soothing oasis of calming waters, well-deserved indulgence, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that will help you melt your stress away in no time.
Set the Scene
You should start by creating a serene atmosphere in your bathroom.
For instance, you can dim the lights for more soothing lighting, and consider playing gentle music or nature sounds in the background to further set the mood.
And if you want your bath to be even fancier, you can throw some flower petals in with your bathwater for a more extravagant experience.
Choose the Right Temperature
The temperature of your bath can greatly impact its stress-relieving effects.
That being said, you should aim for a comfortably warm temperature, around 92-100Ā°F (33-38Ā°C), to help relax your muscles and promote circulation.
But make sure to avoid water thatās too hot, as it can dry out your skin and may be uncomfortable.
Consider Using Candles
Using candles for your bath helps to enhance your relaxation by providing soft, calming light and aromatic scents, which promote stress relief through aromatherapy.
The gentle flicker of candlelight and soothing scents engage multiple senses, aiding mindfulness and creating a serene atmosphere.
Moreover, lighting candles can be a key aspect of your self-care routine, signaling the start of relaxation time and adding a sense of ceremony to your bath experience.
Add Bath Salts or Oils
You can also enhance your bath water using bath salts or oils to nourish your skin and elevate your bathing experience even further.
For instance, Epsom salts, which are rich in magnesium, can help to relax muscles and reduce tension.
Alternatively, adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender, rosemary, or ylang-ylang can provide aromatherapy benefits, promoting relaxation and stress relief.
Incorporate Soothing Herbs and Botanicals
Another thing you might want to consider is adding dried herbs or botanicals to your bath for added therapeutic benefits.
Calming herbs like chamomile, rose petals, or calendula can soothe the senses and promote relaxation.
You can either steep these ingredients in hot water and strain them before adding them to your bath, or use a muslin bag to contain them directly in the water.
Indulge in Bath Bombs or Bubble Bath
Adding luxurious bath bombs or bubble bath to your tub is another great way to make your bath even more relaxing.
These products not only add fragrance and colour to your bath but also create a fizzy or foamy texture that can be delightfully indulgent.
And you can look for bath bombs or bubble baths infused with calming ingredients like lavender or chamomile for even greater relaxation.
Practice Mindfulness
Another great way to promote relaxation and relieve stress during your bath time is by trying to practice mindfulness and be fully present in the moment.
For the best results, try focusing on the sensation of the warm water against your skin, the scent of the bath products, and the sound of the water as you soak, while taking slow, deep breaths and allowing yourself to let go of any tension or stress you may be holding onto.
Use Relaxing Skincare Products
Pampering your skin with gentle, nourishing skincare products designed specifically for bath time can also help to take your relaxation to another level.
But keep in mind that you should try to choose products that are free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, as they may irritate your skin.
In any case, you should opt for things like moisturizing body wash, bath oil, and creamy bath milk to keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Bring a Good Book or Podcast
If you enjoy reading or listening to podcasts, you might want to consider bringing along your favourite book or podcast to enjoy during your bath.
Immersing yourself in a captivating story or listening to something uplifting and inspiring can help to further enhance your relaxation and stress relief.
Stay Hydrated
Another way to ensure a blissful bath experience is by sipping on your favourite drink.
But whether you prefer wine, coffee, tea, or something else altogether, you should also keep a glass of water nearby to ensure you stay hydrated during your bath.
Soaking in warm water can cause you to sweat, so it’s important to replenish fluids to prevent dehydration. Sipping on water will also help to flush out toxins and keep your body feeling refreshed.
Extend the Experience
After you’ve finished your bath, you should take some time to continue your self-care routine.
Try wrapping yourself in a soft, cozy towel or robe and indulging in some self-care activities like moisturizing your skin, practicing gentle stretching or yoga, or simply taking a few moments to savour the lingering sense of tranquility.
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