Get ready for the best news all day: baths have benefits! A long soak in the bath can improve your mood, help you sleep better and relieve muscle pain. And even if all you really need is hot water, there are certainly ways to increase your bath time to maximize your relaxation. That being said, grab your favorite bubble bath and bath products! Here are 8 ways to enjoy bath time.
8 ways to enjoy bath time
#1: Bring a book
Today is, in fact, National Bathtub Reading Day! So, of course, you have to bring a book with you into the tub.
Try to pick a reading that matches the type of atmosphere you’re looking to create. Something uplifting and motivating can make a great addition to your morning bath. But if you’re creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere, you might want to indulge in something romantic. And then, of course, the less shy could spend their time with a gripping thriller.
But of course, if you already have a novel you’re invested in, bring it along! More than anything, it’s important to read something you’re passionate about.
#2: Invite an AI with you
Nothing creates a spa atmosphere like music, especially when you have an AI to better streamline it (and you can use voice commands!).
Whether you have an Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, invite an AI so you can enjoy your music safely. There are tons of spa playlists on Spotify or choose one of your own relaxing playlists. Soothing music and relaxing lavender bath products are the perfect combination!
#3: Choose your bath time
We often associate bath time strictly with relaxation. But believe it or not, a bath can be used to beautify any time of your day, especially in the morning and evening.
The baths are perfect for a good night’s sleep. This is not only because they are relaxing, but also because our body temperature tends to drop once we leave the bath and return to the fresh air, which can help improve the quality of the sleep.
And while that might make a morning bath counterintuitive, it might actually be the best way to unwind during the day. Too often our mornings are “go, go, go”. Although a bath may require a little more preparation than a quick shower, a bath will help you slow down and think about the day ahead. And that’s a good thing because when we wake up and get ready for the day with thoughts racing, we can end up carrying that anxiety into the rest of our day.
If you plan to use the time of day to your advantage, try using natural light for bath time. If you have good light in your bathroom, try taking a bath at dawn to ground yourself. While you’re at it, refresh your skin with a cooling sheet mask. And if you take a relaxing bath in the evening, try timing it around sunset to encourage a more restful evening.
#4: DIY a spa manicure
You’re already in the tub, so might as well keep the spa vibe. And what better than a DIY manicure to achieve this? If you prefer to keep busy while you bathe, bring your nail file and your favorite nail color to the tub. Check out our blog here for the safest nail polish brands.
Also, our next tip might make your manis at home a little easier.
#5: Invest in a side table or tub tray
Now this step actually applies to everything of these steps, as it can seriously improve your bathing experience. Try investing in a tub tray. Tub trays can perch on your tub so you essentially have a table hovering above your waist. They can hold all your bathing necessities like candles, a drink, a good book, or your supplies for a DIY manicure.
#6: Prepare a Bath Oil Treatment
You know you’ve had a good bath when your skin is soft. An oil treatment is the ideal setup for this. A hair oil treatment requires a bit of prep before your bath, but it’s totally worth it. Here is a basic recipe The Farmer’s Almanac:
½ tsp. Olive oil (Can reduce to ¼ tsp for short hair)
¼ t. Peppermint Oil
¼ t. Vegetal glycerine
Briefly heat the combined ingredients in a saucepan on the stove or in a bowl in the microwave until warm, but not searing. Standing with your head and hair hanging over the sink or tub, pour the hot oil over your hair and gently massage into the scalp and all hair.
Put the hair on top of the head and in a shower cap. Cover with the hot, dry towel. Leave on your head for 30 minutes while you relax. While your hair treatment is in progress, it’s the perfect time to grab another of our favorite bath products, the Lavender Body Scrub, and give your feet a nice polish.
Draw a hot bath and wash your hair in the tub. Your hair oil treatment will moisturize your dry skin while you bathe.
If you’re not in the mood to go through all the steps to complete a hot oil treatment, try adding essential oil to the bath for instant aromatherapy. You can hydrate your skin with a few nourishing oils to add to your bubble bath, like our gentle shower oil.
#7: Add a hair mask before entering
A good bubble bath can be good for the body. But why not treat the hair too? Adding a hair mask before you start your bath will give it time to work its magic on your hair. Plus, the steam from the bath can help your mask work even better. You can find a ton of hair masks on the market, or you can soak your locks in a good oil, like argan oil.
#8: Mist and Reset
Bath time can be a relaxing and revitalizing time. But the moments after the bath is just as important! After your bath, rehydrate your face with a face mist, or if you need cooling, a face oil.
