Upgrade Your Bath Time for An Epic EOD Soak
Soothing “lockdown baths” are everywhere on Instagram. Everyone from Miley Cyrus to Kylie Jenner is sharing bubble bath snaps – and it’s giving us major FOMO.
Soaking in a warm bath has got to be one of the best things ever at the end of a tiring, looooooong day. It’s a simple act of self-care, with a host of benefits – both for your mind and body. Besides feeling great, a bath can tackle sore muscles, chaotic thoughts, and plain old meh days.
Since the pandemic started, we’ve been spending more time in the tub and guess what? We’ve given them a massive upgrade. Think luxurious, art-like, healing oasis.
BATHS EASE STRESS – AND BURN FAT
Sure, showers are quick and efficient. They get the job done much like a to-do list or swift jog. Baths, on the other hand, are blissfully long and reflective, an escape from the stressful outside world. They’re the indulgence we really should be making time for.
According to research, baths can elevate your mood, improve your sleep, relieve muscle pain, and even make your heart healthy.
“Research shows that baths lower blood pressure and increase circulation and blood flow, which is great for keeping your heart and skin healthy,” says Tim Hollinger, co-founder of Bathing Culture. “You can actually burn the same number of calories by taking an hour-long bath as you can a 30-minute walk.” Impressive!
Now that we’re spending more time indoors, more of us are enjoying bath time like never before. Scroll through Instagram #bubblebath posts and you’ll see the most beautiful, creative tubs imaginable. Replete with candles, bath bombs, and citrus fruit slices, fancy baths are the latest social media frenzy inspiring the world to slide down into suds.
HOW TO CREATE A LUXURIOUS LOCKDOWN BATH
Follow these steps for the best bath of your life…
Bath Before Bed
To reap the most benefits from your bath, draw it right before you go to sleep.
“Your body does intense regeneration while you’re sleeping,” says Michelle Rogers, a naturopathic practitioner in Portland. “A detox bath fuels the process by loosening up your muscles, boosting circulation, and raising your body temperature, which helps the immune system fight bugs.”
Heat Things Up
Everybody knows the best baths are hot but did you know they’re incredibly detoxing too?
When you draw your bath, remember to close your bathroom door to keep the warmth and steam in, and make the water hot – like jacuzzi-level hot. That’s around 100 degrees.
“Research has shown that sweating can help regulate the skin’s microbiome,” Rogers explains. “This prevents harmful bacteria from entering the pores.”
Set the Mood
Light some scented candles, switch on some calming music, and prep the bevs. Soaking in suds is way better when the mood is just right. We recommend spraying a few spritzes of Truly’s Moon Shower Adaptogen Spa Mist into your bathroom for a spa-like experience.
Made with adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and soothing natural oils like lavender and eucalyptus, this formula creates a zen environment and promotes a restful night of beauty sleep.
Drop in a Blend of Oils
According to The Dorchester’s Spa director, Sally Pedder, there’s no better blend for the bath than rose, lavender, and peppermint.
“This glorious combination smells amazing and helps to soothe any skin irritations, relieve tension and improve energy levels – it’s a really great all-rounder,” says Peddar. “Bath infusions are a great way to relax, and you always feel wonderful afterwards. Simply add to your bath water to release all those wonderful aromas.”
Of course, you can create your own blend of oils for your bath. Whatever works for you. Just make sure you like the scents of the oils you add in. You don’t want to be stuck with a bath infusion aroma you can’t stand.
Sprinkle in Some Bath Rocks
Who knew running a bath could be so much fun? If you’re the kind of person who loves getting creative, you get to be as imaginative as you like with your bath.
Try sprinkling Truly’s Space Candy R&R Bath Rocks into your tub. Formulated with natural healing salts, essential oils, and botanical infusions, these vegan bath rocks are there to soak your stress away. They’ll also turn your bath water blue – you know, just in case you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy bath snap.
Or Toss in Some Flowers
People on Instagram are putting all kinds of wonderful things in their tub – flower petals, plant stalks, orange slices.
“Get a fistful of flowers from the garden and toss ‘em in your bath,” says Hollinger. “Or, peel and eat an orange in the tub and let a small amount of the juice dribble in for a nice smell.”
Enjoy!
Now it’s time to sink into that bath and chill for the next 20 or 30 minutes. Really enjoy the moment. Feel the sensations of the bubbly water and of your soothing muscles. Breathe in the scent of the essential oils and let them calm your mind.
Once you’re ready to get out, drink 20 ounces of liquid to rehydrate and follow up with a nourishing moisturizer like Truly’s Coco Rose Fudge Whipped Body Butter to hydrate and replenish your skin.
So we guess the moral of the story here is: if you want to be healthier (both mentally and physically), take more baths!
It may sound like an indulgence you don’t have time for or deserve even, but that’s absolutely untrue. With the year we’ve had, we could all do with upping our bath sessions. You’ve already seen how beneficial they can be for our health, and we already know how amazing they feel after a long day at work.
All you need is a tub and a few nice bath products to enjoy a glorious, luxurious soak. If you feel like going the extra mile with your self-care Saturday, Sunday, or whatever day of the week it is, slap on a face mask too. It’s your time to relax and unwind, ready for a peaceful slumber. Make a habit of it!
