When I sat down with Emma Wallace, a wellness enthusiast and full-time mum, I was immediately struck by her calm presence. Emma’s serene demeanour is something she attributes to her frequent self-care rituals, one of which is her deeply cherished bath time. “It’s my sanctuary,” she says with a soft smile. She generously shared her detailed process for crafting the most relaxing bath experience at home, emphasising the transformative power of Epsom salts.
Setting the Mood
Emma starts by setting the mood: “Creating the right ambience is essential,” she insists. Bright bathroom lights are a no-go for her. Instead, she lights a few scented candles and dims the room, casting a gentle glow that instantly calms the senses. “Candles make a world of difference,” she says, “they’re not just for romance; they can turn your bathroom into a personal spa.”
To further enhance the spa-like atmosphere, she uses a diffuser to fill the room with soothing essential oils. “Lavender is my go-to,” Emma reveals, “it’s incredibly relaxing and helps set the perfect mood.”
The Perfect Temperature
Running the bath water is a delicate task for Emma. “The water temperature has to be just right,” she explains. “If it’s too hot, you’ll be uncomfortable. Too cold, and your muscles won’t relax.” She advises checking the water frequently as it runs, aiming for a warm but not scorching temperature. “It’s like Goldilocks – it has to be just right,” she laughs.
The Magic of Epsom Salts
Emma’s secret ingredient for the ultimate relaxing bath? Epsom salts. “I always add about 1-2 cups of Epsom salts to my bath water,” she says. “They’re brilliant for soothing sore muscles and can even help reduce bloating.” Epsom salts are rich in magnesium, which is absorbed through the skin during the bath, helping to relax muscles and alleviate tension.
“I remember the first time I used Epsom salts,” Emma recounts. “I had just started a new workout routine and was incredibly sore. After soaking in an Epsom salt bath, I felt like a new person.” She also points out that some Epsom salts come with added scents like lavender, which can enhance the relaxing experience further. “It’s like a double dose of relaxation,” she smiles.
Emma also mentions the additional skin benefits: “They’re natural exfoliants, so my skin always feels so much softer after a bath.”
Luxurious Add-ons
While Epsom salts are the star of her bath, Emma enjoys experimenting with other additions. “I sometimes add a bubble bath for some extra fun,” she says. “It’s not for everyone, but I love the foam.” She suggests trying different products to see what works best for you.
Comfort is Key
To make the bath even more comfortable, Emma recommends a bathtub pillow. “I have this one with suction cups that sticks to the bath. It’s a game-changer,” she enthuses. “If you don’t have one, rolling up a towel works just as well.”
The Sound of Relaxation
Music plays a significant role in Emma’s bath time ritual. “I have a spa playlist that I always play,” she says. “It’s filled with calming tunes that help me switch off.” Podcasts and audiobooks are off-limits during her bath time. “This is my time to relax my mind as well as my body,” she explains. “Listening to calming music and taking deep breaths can be incredibly stress-reducing.”
Sipping and Soaking
Emma’s final touch? A drink to sip on while soaking. “Sometimes it’s a glass of red wine, other times it’s a cup of chamomile tea,” she says. She uses a bath caddy to hold her drink and occasionally a bit of dark chocolate. “It’s the little luxuries that make it special,” she adds.
Beyond the Bath
After following Emma’s detailed guide, I was curious if there were times when she still felt stressed despite her relaxing bath. “Absolutely,” she admits. “Sometimes, a bath isn’t enough to melt away all the stress.” In such cases, Emma recommends looking into underlying causes, such as an anxiety disorder or genetic predispositions to stress. “Understanding yourself better can help you find more effective ways to manage your stress,” she advises.
Emma’s bath time ritual is a testament to the power of simple yet thoughtful self-care practices. By setting the right ambience, ensuring the perfect water temperature, and adding Epsom salts, you too can transform your bathroom into a personal sanctuary. As Emma beautifully puts it, “It’s not just about the bath; it’s about taking that time for yourself.”
Written by Maz Ali
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