If you are among the many (living the rat race) North Americans who view the time soaking in a bath as a waste of precious time, you may be scratching your head wondering "just when was the last time?". While a shower is quick and efficient to getting clean, there are many wonderful benefits to taking the extra few minutes to enjoy a bath.
The calming, relaxing, detoxifying, stimulation of circulation (just a few of the many benefits) of soaking, makes taking a bath the perfect solution after a long day at the office; running after children; gardening: or dealing with everyday stress in our day.
Ok, a nightly bath may not be possible with the faster and faster paced lifestyles North Americans are living, for everyone ~ but I'm challenging you to add a bath once a week to your routine. Remember You are worth at least 30 minutes in your busy day. So why not enjoy the benefits of a bath?
A study conducted in Osaka, Japan, confirmed the stress-relief effects of bathing. Two sensitive salivary stress markers, cortisol and chromogranin, were measured before and after subjects bathed for 60 minutes.The researchers found a marked reduction in these stress markers.
I find that 15-20 minutes of soaking works great for me. Regardless of the time you choose to soak in your bath, plan it so there are no interruption.
I hope these images will inspire you to start your weekly bath ritual ...
Just lay back and let your imagination take you away ...
Remember the thrill of a bubble bath as a child? Bring back that play time ...
Maybe add a little music a la Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman ...
Perhaps some fragrant candles will help you relax ...
Use this bath time to enjoy a cup of tea ...
Perhaps incorporate a few wonderful relaxing, calming and soothing things~ candle light, bubbles, music and a cup of tea. This is One of my favourite ways to enjoy my bath time.
High Heeled Life Detox Bath Ritual:
1 cup Himalayan salts, 1 cup of Epsonm salts, 2 cups baking soda, 10 drops of lavender essential oil (or other essential oil of your choice). Add into the bath while the tub is filling.
I like to take this bath either during a New Moon - when the body's ability for detoxification is at it's highest; or on the day of a Full Moon - when the healing process of the body is at its peak as is its absorption potential to absorb the most minerals from the salt bath, activating the body's own energy flow.
What bath rituals do you have?
This is the 3rd in a series of 6 ~ Are You worth 30 Minutes in your day .
Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...
I indulge in a Lavender bath almost every night. I don't use exactly your recipe, I just use the Epsom salts and organic Lavender oil drops. Candles are mandatory, lovely book and glass of wine or Champagne round out the experience.
ReplyDeleteSounds perfect! I have enjoyed those baths too ... for me it's always a great time to enjoy a relaxing bath... and a glass of bubbly has certainly graced my bath tray many a time... Xo C.
DeleteDearest Celia,
ReplyDeleteOh in wintertime when the house is clean, just lighting some fragrant candles in the guest bathroom (where the tub is) and soaking in a bubble bath. That is pure bliss. Than slipping into a clean night gown, putting on my robe, soft anti slip indoor socks and continue with a book or watching a favorite video near the fire place. Strange scenario for the summer but a great dream! In the summer I seldom take a bath though; other than for soothing some aching muscles.
Hugs to you,
Mariette
Oh yes, a winter time bath is amazing for getting the chill out of the bones (in winter I sometimes enjoy my baths in the afternoon).
DeleteI try to get at least one bath in a week ~ tear round ~ for me its great for my aching joints/muscles and clearing the mind before bed. Wishing you a fabulous week my friend. Hugs and Blessings, C.
Sounds lovely. A real question - What does Epsom do? Does just regale sa
ReplyDelete... Cut off .. Regular salt water work as well?
ReplyDeleteGreat question my friend! Regular salt would not provide the benefit of Epsom salt. Epsom salt actually contains no sodium.
DeleteEpsom salt is a hydrated crystal form of magnesium sulfate, which contains magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. Epsom salt crystals are larger than table salt crystals and more closely resemble kosher salt or sea salt. Adding it to bath water helps draw out impurities through the skin's pores and to relieve skin problems, muscle soreness and injury.
Side Note: Epsom salt gets its name from the mineral-rich waters in Epsom, England where it was originally extracted (by boiling the water down).
It truly is amazing how great you feel after a bath with Epsom salt. You can add just Epsom salt to your bath. Enjoy my friend... Hugs and Blessings, C.
Hi Celia, When I had a knee problem and was seeing an acupuncturist (4 yrs ago), she recommended soaking in the tub with Epsom salts. I also used to enjoy soaking in a hot tub (spa). Very relaxing. Thanks for your article, Celia. It was another really good one!
ReplyDeleteWow! I never knew about the bath in relation to the moon (altho' I have heard about the power of the moon). I haven't had a bath for years. When I was in Spain I only had a walk in shower (all newish properties don't have baths but walk-in showers because of the water shortages in the summer). My shower is gorgeous so didn't really miss a bath too much. Even in Spanish hotels there are notices everywhere about not taking a bath but a shower instead. I have had it so in-grained in me that I now feel too GUILTY to wallow in a luxurious bath. Maybe I will take the steps too when in the UK ;-)
ReplyDeleteCelia I love the luxury of a bath with bubbles or bath salts, so relaxing. I add a candle and glass of wine, perfection!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Giveaway from Splendid Sass
I am a bona fide bathing nut job! Every opportunity I get, which aren't many living on a boat, I take a bath. I don't care where, hotels, other people's houses, I'm in! There is something so womb like. I invariable end up falling asleep. For me, it's one of life's absolute pleasures :-)
ReplyDeleteDi
xxxxx
Oh girl, I can honestly say I don't remember the last ALONE bubble bath!!! And I used to love them so...especially when I was pregnant since it made me feel like I didn't weigh the ton that I actually did. LOL!!!
ReplyDelete