When you're trying to relax, bath time can be just the thing you need. When you know how to create a calming environment, it can be a form of self-care you look forward to on a regular basis. However, you may not know how to create the perfect atmosphere.
Bathing has come a long way since it was a public social activity in Ancient Rome. It evolved into something done in the privacy of someone’s home as a way to stay clean. Now bathing is often a way to unwind, release toxins, bring comfort, and relieve tension and sore muscles. Plus, it’s just way more relaxing than a shower!
The next time you decide to soak in the tub, consider following a few simple steps to elevate the experience. We are going to go over how you can create the most relaxing bath.
Benefits of Bathing
While a bath is simple enough, it can positively impact your mental and physical health. In fact, the benefits of having a bath have been scientifically proven. Here are some health benefits from bathing.
Improve Your Heart Health
When you take a bath, your heart will beat faster from being in warm water. One study showed that people who took a daily hot bath had a 28% lower risk of heart disease and a 26% lower risk of stroke. When hotter water was used, there was a 35% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
It is important to note that water temperature that is too high can cause strain on your heart, especially if you have a pre-existing heart condition. It can also cause irritation to your skin.
Bathing Can Make It Easier To Breathe
You may be able to positively impact your lung capacity and oxygen intake when taking a bath with your chest underwater. This benefit is the result of the water temperature and the slight pressure of the water on your chest.
As previously mentioned, warm water makes your heart beat faster, which increases oxygen intake. The steam from the water also helps clear your sinuses and chest. Add some aromatherapy fragrance (such as eucalyptus) to help you breathe more easily.
Bathing Can Help Your Brain and Nervous System
When your body is in water, you can experience less pain and inflammation. By reducing your stress levels, you can also help your nervous system. It can also help relieve headaches. Play some relaxing music from your favorite playlist for an even better ambiance.
Bathing Can Help Your Muscles, Joints, and Bones
You can stretch in the bath since it has a low impact on your joints, muscles, and bones when you're underwater. This benefit is ideal for the elderly who are at a high risk of injury. Aquatic exercise is great for older adults.
Add a few cups of Epsom salt to help soothe muscles. You can also use bath salts or body scrub with magnesium, minerals, and sea salt for a good detox.
Bathing Can Benefit Your Blood and Immunity
A warm bath can also help your blood flow easier. Try taking slow and deep breaths the next time you're bathing. Taking a bath can also improve your immunity because it can kill certain bacteria.
Help Balance Your Hormones by Bathing
We've gone over the benefits of a hot bath, but cold baths can also be beneficial. People with conditions like chronic fatigue may benefit from a cold bath. When in cool water, hormones released by the pituitary gland can become more balanced. Drink some lemon water to top it off.
If a cold bath isn't for you, a warm bath can still benefit your hormones. Warm water can help increase levels of serotonin, which is associated with happiness. If it’s warm enough to make you sweat, it can help the detox process even more.
Tips for Creating a Relaxing Bath
Now that you know the benefits of taking a bath let's go over how to create the best experience.
Lighting Candles
The ambiance is everything, and turning your bathroom into a spa-like environment can help boost those serotonin levels. Overhead lighting is just not as relaxing as the warm glow of candlelight.
Try Spongellé's Botanica Candle in Lavender. It is hand-poured in Los Angeles and made with a luxe, smoldering wooden wick that flickers with light and sound similar to a wood-burning fire. The lavender scent will bathe your room with notes of fresh rosemary, cardamom, and lavender for a spa-like experience at home.
Scented Bath Water
If you don't have a bath bomb, you can add a bubble bath or body wash to the water. This tip is a great way to relax with calming scents, and it will also help clean your body. You can add jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil to improve your soak.
Spongellé's new Honey Blossom Body Wash can provide a moisturizing cleanse. The formulation is a combination of amino acids, glycerin, and pro-vitamin B5 to soothe and nurture your skin's natural barrier.
Apply Face Masks
When you're soaking in the tub, you can multitask by applying a face mask. The steam from the water will open up your pores, making it the perfect opportunity for skincare. A face mask can help draw out impurities in your skin. Other maks can provide hydration if you struggle with dry skin.
Listen To a Meditation App or Music
If you really want the full spa experience, play a meditation app or listen to soothing music. This step can help you fully relax and unwind.
Music has also been shown to reduce your stress levels and elevate someone’s mood. Research has also shown that music can decrease the perceived intensity of pain. So play your favorite music, sit back, and relax!
The Perfect Bath Water Temperature
The temperature of your bath is important. You want it to be warm enough to receive the benefits, but not so hot that it causes problems. There isn't a perfect temperature for everyone, so you may need to test it out.
If you have a heart condition, you should consult a doctor on a safe temperature for you. However, most people are comfortable in bathwater around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Your bathtub probably doesn't come with a thermometer, so you have to measure it on your own.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to water temperature.
To Get Clean
If you're taking a bath to get clean, a bath temperature of 112 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. This temperature is perfect for washing away dirt and bacteria.
Reduce Moisture Loss
Your skin has a protective layer that keeps dirt and germs out and also prevents moisture loss. As you age, this protective layer takes longer to regenerate if it's stripped. When you soak in a hot bath, it can break down your skin's protective layer.
If you don't moisturize properly after a bath, you can end up with red or itchy skin. You can also keep your bath a little cooler to prevent skin irritation.
A Comfortable Bath
If the sole purpose of your bath is to relax, the right water temperature is unique to you. You want to adjust the temperature until it feels right to you. If you were just outside on a cold winter day, you might want a hotter bath than normal to help regulate your body temperature. However, if it's a summer day, you may want a warm bath instead of a hot one.
A Good Night's Sleep
When you take a bath before bedtime, you can help yourself get a good night's sleep. The ideal body temperature is around 94-98 degrees Fahrenheit. So sitting in a bath around this temperature can be beneficial before bed.
Steps of Taking a Bath
When you go to take your next bath, there are some simple steps you can take to create the most relaxing experience.
Step 1: Set the Ambiance
Create a calming and serene environment by lighting candles around your bathroom. You can also turn your overhead lights off since they can take away from the ambiance.
Next, turn on your music or meditation app. You can also ask for people in your household to give you some privacy so they don't interrupt your relaxation time. Lastly, bring your favorite beverage with you to the tub to enjoy while you soak.
Step 2: Set Bath Temperature
Run your bath, filling up your tub. This is the step where you select your bath temperature according to your needs. If you want a bath on the warmer side, you may need to add hot water as you soak since the bath will cool down over time.
Step 3: Add Your Favorite Product to the Water
Add your favorite bubble bath, salts, essential oils, or body wash to the water. This step can nourish your skin as you soak. If you want bubbles, add your bubble bath or body wash as the water is running.
Step 4: Get Out
After soaking for 10 to 20 minutes, or your desired amount of time, you can get out of the tub. Use a soft fluffy towel or put on a luxurious robe to dry off.
Step 5: Apply Moisturizer
Once you've dried off, slather on moisturizer on your entire body. Since hot water can dehydrate your skin, this step is important. Spongellé's Coconut Verbena Body Lotion has the perfect combination of shea butter, argan oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E to hydrate your skin. It offers a unique and pampering feeling day and night.
Time To Relax
A bath can be very beneficial to your physical and mental health. By following a few simple steps, you can create the most relaxing experience. Spongellé can enhance any bath by providing products with beneficial ingredients and soothing scents.
Sources:
10 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Taking a Bath | PMA Online
Hot Baths May Reduce Your Risk for Heart Disease, Stroke | Healthline
