Enjoy a Shower

Showers can be relaxing, energizing, and anywhere in between. Perhaps you prefer to shower in the morning, and perhaps you like to shower at night. Treat yourself, and create an experience that will leave you in a positive head-space. There are many ways to enjoy a shower!

Steps

Setting the Scene

  1. Set the mood. Start an oil burner to make the room smell nice. Light some candles and dim the lights. Put on a soundtrack. Do whatever you need to do to create a relaxing environment.
  2. Gather everything you'll need. Put your towel or dressing gown out ready so you don't get too cold when you turn off the water. Gather all of the shampoo, soap, conditioner, and other shower products that you will need. This way, you won't have to get out of the shower once you have started.
  3. Put on some music. Add a soundtrack to spice up your shower experience. Consider installing a shower radio or just keeping a set of speakers in the bathroom beyond the splash of the water. Play upbeat music for an energetic shower, or relaxing music for a calming shower[1].
    • Getting permanently fitted waterproof speakers could be quite expensive. However, a small set of waterproof, Bluetooth-enabled speakers can come quite cheap and could be a worthwhile investment!
    • Try playing white noise or ambient music to block out surrounding noise. Lose yourself in the shower experience.
    • Try playing something that will make you want to sing along. Put on your favorite song or your mix of the week. If you put on something upbeat, then you might feel more inspired to shower quickly and get moving.[2]
  4. Give yourself time (just not so much time you waste water). It is certainly possible to enjoy a quick shower. However: if you are trying to unwind, then it may be easier to relax if you aren't worrying about the time. Choose a time when you have no place to be, and when nobody is likely to disturb you.
    • Don't worry about the clock. Let the shower be a timeless, peaceful space.
  5. Work out beforehand. You may enjoy the shower even more if you are hot, sweaty, tired, or some combination thereof. Exert yourself. Spend some time in a sauna, or go for a run, or spend a day outside getting dirty. The more you need it, the more relieved you will be.[3]

Showering Smoothly

  1. Get the temperature right. Before you get into the shower, make sure to adjust the temperature to how you like it. Some people like their showers hot; some warm; some cold. Remember that you can always adjust the temperature!
    • Consider using cold water (at least to start) if you are showering after a hard workout. Cold water is thought to help speed muscle recovery and reduce soreness.[4]
    • Make sure that there will be plenty of hot water for your shower. If someone else has recently used the shower, then it may be worth your while to wait a few minutes for your water heater to replenish the supply.
  2. Do the tedious bits first. Wash your hair immediately so that you can get it out of the way. If you need to shave, then do this early in the shower. Don't put it off. Once you get the "tasks" over, you can take a few minutes to just enjoy the water.
    • Many people consider hair care to be the most laborious part of having a shower – especially if you have long locks.
    • Use a shower cap. If you have chosen not to wash your hair, then cover your hair with a shower cap so that you don't need to worry about getting it wet.
  3. Wash your body. This is relaxing and luxurious, especially if you have the right products. Ensure you aren't allergic to any of the products you use because this will ruin your shower.
  4. Get out of the shower. When you Feel Great, get out of the shower carefully and wrap yourself up warm immediately. Drink a hot beverage if you prepared one beforehand. Rub your skin with lotion or moisturizer so that you feel pampered for even longer!
    • If you have long or thick hair, then you may want to comb it with a wide-toothed comb to prevent tangles later. Tangles can be a pain!

Having Fun in the Shower

  1. Sing. The shower is a great time to let loose and belt out a song. Sing whatever's in your head. Practice your favorite song, or just make something up. Don't force it. Just enjoy yourself!
    • Whistle or hum, if you aren't comfortable singing. Just make some noise! Try not to focus too much on sounding "perfect." Let yourself get swept up in the music.
  2. Consider drinking a "shower beer" if you are 21.[5] This can be a great way to unwind after a long day. The concept is simple: crack open a cold one just before you step into the water. Then, sip on your beer as the shower soothes you. Let the warmth of the shower stream wrap around your body and interplay with the refreshing chill of the beverage.
    • Try not to get any shower water in the beer! Set the beer down inside the shower, but out of the range of the stream. For this purpose, a bottle or a can is better than a glass.
  3. Think. Use this time alone to think through the things that are on your mind. Collect your thoughts or let your mind wander, as needed. Many people claim to get their best ideas in the shower! Plan your day, or work on a project, or just give yourself time to daydream.[6]
    • The mind is most creatively stimulated when you are distracted, relaxed, and happy – when your brain is releasing dopamine. There is science behind the "shower thoughts" phenomenon![7]
    • Consider preparing a way to record your thoughts. Purchase a waterproof notepad, put a voice recorder in a waterproof bag, or just be prepared to leap out of the shower when you need to jot something down.[8]
  4. Invite someone else. It can be a fun and intimate experience to shower together. Make sure that you are comfortable with this person seeing you in the buff! This is best if your shower is large enough for two people to stand comfortably.

Tips

  • Body oils are also nice. Lavender or vanilla are especially relaxing fragrances. Rub some of this all over your body at the end of your shower. Rinse off, and voila! You're clean and moisturized. You smell like a dream!
  • Make sure your shampoo bottles are safe and sturdy on a shelf. Otherwise, they might fall on your foot and ruin the shower.
  • Use lavender soap or body gel for a relaxing and refreshing shower experience. Mint body gel can also do a fantastic job!
  • Play relaxing music
  • Consider having a robe (for after the shower), to make for extra comfort.
  • If you have multiple lights in your bathroom: switch off the overhead lights, and then turn on the ones in the shower. It will be calm and relaxing!
  • Make sure that everything you'll need is within reach so that you can enjoy your shower.

Warnings

  • Don't have the shower radio close to the water or you may risk getting electrocuted.
  • Be careful not to slip in the shower. If you have slipped before, then it is wise to buy an anti-slip mat for the shower.

Things You'll Need

  • A shower
  • Candles, incense
  • A drink you like
  • A towel
  • Soap/body wash
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Bathrobe [optional]

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.xovain.com/how-to/how-to-enjoy-showering
  2. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/5-ways-to-make-your-showers-more-productive-1476031557
  3. ↑ http://www.organicauthority.com/health/how-to-take-a-better-shower.html
  4. ↑ http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2012/04/13/cold-water-immersion-for-muscle-soreness.aspx
  5. ↑ http://www.puckermob.com/lifestyle/10-reasons-you-should-try-having-a-shower-beer-today
  6. ↑ http://mentalfloss.com/article/52586/why-do-our-best-ideas-come-us-shower
  7. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/5987858/the-science-behind-creative-ideas
  8. ↑ http://www.wired.com/2014/08/shower-thoughts/
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