Prepare a Relaxing Bath

Taking your time to relax and reduce stress can make you feel good about yourself. A warm bath can help tensed muscles and improve your health and potentially your mental well-being too! These steps will help you to relax and feel great.

Steps

Preparation for the Bath

  1. Make sure your bathroom is clean and warm, so that you feel comfortable when you bathe. Also put your nightwear on the radiator so they're nice and toasty for when you get out.
  2. Plan a themed bath, have a sleep inducing bath-all lavender products. Try to avoid artificial perfumes and fragrances as they do not provide the same relaxing qualities as pure essential oils do and can also cause irritation.
  3. Add about 8 drops of your favorite essential oil. Lavender oil is well known for its sleep inducing qualities and rose oil has a lovely sweet relaxing fragrance. Geranium is another comforting fragrance and vanilla is always a good idea too and it is cheap and relaxing.
    • Add in all of your favorite bath products, and make sure they are all natural. Try bath salts, essences, bubble-baths (you can also turn shampoo and conditioner into bubble bath and save time washing your hair), etc. This suggestion is definitely optional.
    • Add bath salts in the bath while the water is running, to dissolve the salts in the water.
    • Epsom salts are inexpensive and a terrific aid for soothing sore muscles.
  4. Make sure that the bath is not too hot, yet not too cold. If its too hot, it may cause dizziness, yet too cold it will be uncomfortable and you might get sick. Remember that using your wrist rather than digits will yield a better idea of how it will feel when your full body is submerged.
    • When filling the bathtub, get in when it's filled about halfway. That way you can feel the temperature and adjust it so it's comfortable for you!

Preparing Some Indulgences

  1. Prepare your favorite food or beverage and place it within easy reach, but far enough away that it will not fall in the bathtub. This step is optional, for some people find this is not relaxing but a hassle or even a cause for cramps.
    • Take a cool glass of water, because you might become thirsty.
    • If you enjoy a glass of wine take one into the bathroom with you, as it can help you relax.
  2. Arrange some candles in the bathroom for a soft relaxing light and a nice comfortable glow. Candles are relaxing, turning off the lights is less strain for the eyes, and candles (especially scented ones) are wonderful for light and relaxation.
    • You may prefer to avoid scented candles.
    • Be sure to place the candles in a place that will not start a fire, so you won't have to worry during your relaxation time, or use battery powered stimulated candles.
  3. Find some of your favorite music to play. Playing relaxing music while you soak is a great way to help your bath feel even more spa-like. Just make sure that no electrical devices like radios are close enough that they could fall into the tub.
  4. Bring something to do. If you wish, you can bring a book you enjoy or are currently reading. This will add to the relaxation, by keeping your mind in one place, which will relax you.
  5. Use an inflatable bath or soft fabric pillow to rest your neck while you are bathing. You can normally find them in any bath/bed/linen shop. If the pillow does not stick, just use a cotton bath towel, all folded up. That will work too.
    • Make a bath pillow by taking a small pillow and putting a kitchen trash bag over it to keep it dry.

Preparing Yourself for the Bath

  1. Consider taking a shower beforehand. This can help to feel that you're not bathing in your accrued grime.
  2. Tie up your hair. This will help prevent it from getting wet or soaked in bath products.(This is if you don't want to get it wet)
  3. Collect together some fluffy towels, preferably 100 percent cotton. As well as soft fluffy towels, having PJs, slippers or a warm robe ready for when you hop out the bath saves you the trouble of trying to find clothes just when you're relaxed.
  4. Lock the door for privacy. Or, add bubble bath to save your modesty.

Enjoying the Bath

  1. Climb into the bath with care. Relax in the warm water. Cotton pads soaked in ice cold water can be placed over the eyes while you rest, to remove puffiness, or chilled slices of cucumber.
  2. Wet your face and apply a facial mask, then lie back and relax for as long as you want. Remember to wash the mask off thoroughly and cleanse.
  3. Wash yourself. When you have finished relaxing, use a 100% cotton flannel to wash yourself all over.
    • If you need to rinse your hair in the bath, lay back in the bath and massage your scalp until you feel like all the soap is out. Or, use a handheld shower tool to do so.

After the Bath

  1. Blot yourself dry upon getting out of the bath. Finish by applying body lotion or moisturizer. Cocoa butter is affordable, widely available and is nourishing, or use your preferred product of choice.
  2. Keep relaxing and pour yourself a warm cup of tea. If tea isn't for you, have a hot drink that has no caffeine in it, such as warm lemon drink.
  3. Hop into bed for an early night. Or, just read a book or watch a film. Do anything that is relaxing to you.

Tips

  • Try to bathe at night after all your work is completed so you can relax better and be able to sleep. Try doing this on a Friday or Saturday when you are most likely to be relaxed. Alternately, do it on a tensed day to relax more.
  • If you cannot get essential oils, try using a bubble bath,which are widely available in all price ranges. Many of these have moisturizing or relaxing properties.
  • If you want to, putting rose petals in water can replace the oils.
  • Using deep breathing techniques in the bath can help relax the body. To make sure you are breathing deeply place one hand on your chest and one on your stomach. Breathe in slowly through your nose for the count of five, then out through your mouth. If you are breathing effectively, the hand on your chest should not move.
  • If you don't have any bubble bath material try using shampoo but not too much. Inexpensive hair conditioner and baby oil also works well, but make sure you spray down the tub with Windex thereafter to avoid slipping accidents in the future.
  • Try to use a bathtub with sufficient lighting over it. Don't draw the curtains. Adding in light will relax you more.
  • Choose an essential oil that suits you. If it's too strong feel free to try a bubble bath instead.
  • Try not to move around much while in the tub as you may start to feel a little queasy.
  • If you have a waterproof phone case then you can watch videos during your bath!

Warnings

  • If you have a tub with jets, make sure to only add a little bubble bath because the jets will make the bubbles multiply rapidly!
  • Very hot water can cause dizziness particularly if you have low or high blood pressure.
  • If you use oils in your bath be careful as it may make the bathtub slippery.
  • If you are very relaxed or tired you may get sleepy in the bath. Make sure you get out of the bath if you feel drowsy so there is no risk you will fall asleep.
  • If you are under 13 years of age, ask for your parent or caretaker's permission before lighting candles. Make sure you are very careful and under supervision. Even older teenagers can sometimes make a mistake!
  • Never lock the door of your bathroom if you are going to take a bath, in case you slip and need help. Besides, a "Do Not Disturb" sign can be very effective.
  • If you are afraid that you might fall asleep or drown in the bath, set a timer for 20 minutes or so or ask another person in the house to knock on the door every 10 minutes or so.
  • Try not to take too long in the bathroom if you have a roommate or other people sharing the same bathroom as you. Bathroom hogging is very irritating. A simple agreement with them on how long you will be in there could be effective.
  • Never take electrical equipment into the bathroom, unless you keep it far away from the tub in a dry place, perhaps on a shelf or something similar.
  • Women should be cautious of bath salts, oils, and other "bathwater additives" - some of these can contain ingredients that do not get along well with all females and could cause rashes, infections, or other illnesses[citation needed] Urinary tract Infections and other vaginal infections are extremely common among frequent bathers, due to the stagnant water, and chemicals that are in the bath soaps you are soaking in.[citation needed]

Things You'll Need

  • A clean towel
  • Candles (optional)
  • A bathtub
  • Body lotion (optional)
  • A "Do Not Disturb" sign (optional)
  • Running water of your preferred temperature.
  • Bubble bath mixture (optional)
  • Face mask (optional)
  • Body scrubs (optional)
  • Music (optional)
  • Snack and beverage (optional)
  • Fluffy pillow or a towel to comfort your head (optional)

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