If relaxing baths aren’t already part of your self-care routine, they should be. Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Mitchell, a wellness enthusiast and self-care advocate, about her tried-and-true methods for enjoying the perfect, stress-melting bath at home. Sarah’s approach is simple, effective, and designed to create a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own bathroom. Here’s how she does it.
Set the Mood with Candles
Sarah begins her bath ritual by transforming her bathroom into a serene sanctuary. “The harsh, bright lighting from my bathroom ceiling just doesn’t cut it,” she explains. “I light a few candles and immediately feel more at ease.” The soft glow from the candles not only creates a relaxing atmosphere but also helps to calm the mind. Sarah recommends using a mix of scented and unscented candles. “Lavender and eucalyptus are my favourites because they’re naturally soothing,” she says. For an added touch, she uses an essential oil diffuser to fill the room with calming scents.
Run the Bath with Warm Water
“The right water temperature is crucial,” Sarah advises. “If it’s too hot, you’ll feel uncomfortable, and if it’s too cold, your muscles won’t relax properly.” She suggests running the bath with warm water, checking the temperature frequently to ensure it’s just right. “I like to aim for a temperature that’s around 37-38 degrees Celsius. It’s warm enough to relax your muscles but not so hot that you’ll feel overheated.”
Add Epsom Salts
One of Sarah’s key ingredients for a relaxing bath is Epsom salts. “I always add about 1-2 cups of Epsom salts to my bath water,” she shares. “Epsom salts are fantastic for soothing sore muscles, and they can even help reduce bloating.” The magnesium in the salts is absorbed through the skin, helping to relieve tension and promote relaxation. “Plus, my skin always feels so much softer afterwards,” Sarah adds. “I often use lavender-scented Epsom salts for an extra layer of relaxation.”
Consider a Bathtub Pillow
“Comfort is essential when you’re trying to unwind,” Sarah tells me. She swears by her bathtub pillow, which she purchased online. “It has suction cups that stick to the bath, and it makes such a difference,” she explains. If you don’t want to buy a pillow, Sarah suggests rolling up a towel and placing it at the base of your head. “It’s a simple trick, but it really helps you to relax and enjoy the experience.”
Create a Spa Playlist
While it might be tempting to catch up on your favourite podcast, Sarah recommends opting for calming music instead. “I have a spa playlist that I always turn to,” she says. “It’s full of gentle, soothing tracks that help me to unwind.” She encourages taking deep breaths and practising stress-reducing breathing exercises while listening to the calming music. “It’s a great way to clear your mind and fully relax.”
Pour Yourself a Glass of Wine or a Cup of Tea
Finally, Sarah likes to treat herself to a glass of red wine or a cup of chamomile tea while she’s in the bath. “This is your downtime, your moment to indulge,” she reminds us. “I have a bath caddy that I use to hold my drink, and sometimes I’ll even bring a piece of dark chocolate.” The idea is to make the experience as enjoyable and relaxing as possible.
The Benefits of Epsom Salts
During our conversation, Sarah emphasised the benefits of Epsom salts. “They’re a game-changer,” she insists. “Not only do they help with muscle soreness and bloating, but they’re also great for your skin.” Epsom salts are natural exfoliants, helping to soften dry or rough skin. “After a bath with Epsom salts, my skin feels rejuvenated and smooth,” Sarah says. “It’s like having a mini spa treatment at home.”
Are You Still Feeling Stressed After Your Bath?
At the end of our chat, Sarah shared some final thoughts on the importance of self-care. “If you’re still feeling stressed after your bath, it might be worth exploring other ways to manage your anxiety,” she suggests. “Sometimes, a relaxing bath is just one piece of the puzzle.” She recommends looking into mindfulness practices, yoga, or speaking with a mental health professional if you’re struggling to manage stress.
In conclusion, Sarah’s approach to a relaxing bath at home is both simple and effective. By setting the right mood, using warm water, and incorporating key ingredients like Epsom salts, you can create a spa-like experience that helps to melt away stress and tension. So, light some candles, run a warm bath, and treat yourself to a relaxing soak. Your mind and body will thank you.
Emily Thompson
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