BATH TIME RELAXATION

Calm Your Senses with These Soothing Bathing Techniques

Among many different religious and ethnic groups, water is meant to hold many healing properties. Even you can attest to the fact that while water is physically cleansing for the body, if experienced in a particular way, water can no doubt be mentally and emotionally, even sometimes spiritually, cleansing as well. Maybe you experience it when you swim in the organic waters of an ocean or a lake. Maybe it’s that first dive into a cool pool on a hot day. And maybe you experience this inner cleansing with a hot shower or bath to start your day anew or end your day relaxed.

MAKE (BATH) TIME FOR YOURSELF

For most people, the most accessible, and these days affordable, way to use water as a way to cleanse and relax the body, mind, and soul is by taking a nice long bath at home.
Depending on your demanding schedule finding time to take a bath, let alone create a bath time experience, may pose as a challenge. If you find yourself with an extra hour to spare during your day and you don’t feel pressed for time to make an appointment then by all means, turn on the hot water and get the bubbles going. If you tend to have a tighter schedule throughout the week you may need to go so far as to mark it down in your day planner with a date and time of when you can fit in bath time just for you.

Once you have found or scheduled the time, creating an inviting space for a relaxing bath makes all the difference. You want to cover all the senses to really make this bath time an experience for your mind, body, and soul.

SIGHT

Lighting is the first thing to consider. You want to set the mood of relaxation with soft, dim lighting. The glow of candle flames will accomplish this perfectly. Arrange tea lights and any of your other favorite candles around the bathtub and any counter or floor space where it’s safe to do so. If you plan to submerge your mind in a particular book or magazine, dimming the ceiling lights should be sufficient. However, if you do not have a dimmer switch on those bright bathroom lights I would forgo the reading altogether and simply bask in the glow of the candles.

SMELL

Choose one or two complimentary and relaxing scents, do not overload your senses with a potpourri of aromas that are bound to give you a headache. Among their other healing benefits, lavender and eucalyptus are known to be incredibly relaxing. Add one of these essential oils to your bath. As well, the candles that you are using to set the mood with your lighting can also be scented, again, choosing subtle scents that compliment each other. Check out your local health food store such as Whole Foods and browse their array of organic and all natural bath products. You can choose different products with different smells for any bath experience; a milky bath, a bubble bath, an essential oil bath, or even a salt bath.

SOUND

Turn off the TV, unplug your phone and play your favorite relaxing music. Set up a radio or CD player, battery operated is preferred; remember no electric devices or cords near the tub. If you want something soft and sultry I recommend tuning into the jazz or classical station or playing a Norah Jones or Maxwell CD. If you are trying to create more of a spa experience then I recommend playing sounds from nature which you can find on-line at a music store or even your local Target. Keep the volume soft enough to sooth you but loud enough to drown out the chatter of your significant other and/or children in the other room.

TOUCH

Run your bath, checking the temperature of the water every couple minutes as it comes out of the faucet to be sure it is not too hot or too cold. Adding your salts, oils, bubbles, bath milk or even fresh flower petals will be comforting to both your sense of smell and touch. Before you get into the bath be sure to have a soft towel, robe and slippers within reach for you to use as soon as you step out of the bath tub. Once in the bath place a rolled up towel or bath pillow behind your head and neck for support. Let this be the time that you truly let go of everything else in life and embrace the relaxation of the present moment. Feel the way the warm water softens your muscles and melts away your tension. Let it cleanse you.

TASTE

As with all of the elements for a relaxing bath this one is a personal preference. I particularly love a nice cup of my favorite tea or maybe a delicious glass of wine while I immerse myself in my bath time. Sometimes a refreshing glass of cold water with lemon compliments the cleansing aspect of bath time. Whatever you choose, keep it light, simple, and soothing.

Remember, it’s about the experience so don’t rush through bath time. Invest in your well being by always keeping the essential bath items mentioned above stocked in your bathroom or linen closet and ready to use at a moments notice.