5 top tips for bathing like a Queen

We are a family of bathers. I know showering is better for the environment and I do mostly shower, but there’s nothing quite as delicious as lowering your weary bones into warm water at the end of a long day. To me a bath is a treat, an act of self-indulgence. A self-care day almost always ends in a soak. So if you’re going to splash out on a bath, here’s to making it the best bath you’ve ever had!

Lighting – Our bathroom is just big enough for one person to use at a time. Compact is an understatement! There is just room for a bath thank goodness, but the down side is that it fills with steam within minutes of running the hot tap. So, sensibly, we have an extractor fan which starts automatically as soon as you turn the lights on. Great for practicality, bad for relaxing. Its so loud, and can be horribly distracting when trying to unwind. Solution? Candles. I run the bath with the light on or a window open during the day, then once I’m ready to get in I light a few candles along the windowsill. Instant relaxation!

Bath Products – Whatever your preference, make sure you load up! Bubbles, bath bombs, soaks… there are a lot of options!  My favourite is a cup of Epsom Salts to detoxify and a spoon full of coconut oil for silky smooth skin. If your planning an extra long soak then hold off from adding the salts until about 20 minutes before you’re ready to get out as their detoxifying effects can begin to reverse after that.

Scent – At the risk of sounding like Manny in the episode of Black Books where he acidentally swallows the Little Book of Calm, adding a few drops of essential oils to a bath can send you to another level of blissful. Obviously a lot of products are already scented, but I prefer to add in a few drops each of lavender and geranium essential oils to the salts and coconut oil combination. You could even add in some dried flowers for added decadence!

Music – Switching off your thoughts is paramount to being present in the moment of a good self-care act. I like to play some relaxing singer-songwriters or instrumental music to help me forget about the day’s issues. Chosing something slow paced can help regulate breathing and exhale your worries away.

Reads – I really intended to go to bed earlier this year and read before sleeping, but 10 minutes in I’m out cold!  For me, bath time is the perfect opportunity to adventure with Sal Paradise without the heady temptation of sleep interrupting. If you’re hooked on a real page turner then make sure to top up with some warm water too!

So the next time you draw a bath, follow these tips to emerge a calmer and more serene version of your marvelous self!