I love a good bath. Rainy evening? Take a bath. Sour mood? Take a bath. Sore from yoga? Take a bath. For me, baths are the ultimate way to relax at home, and they feel so indulgent (yet are so simple).
Today's Blog Every Day in May prompt is this: Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at. I thought I would take a light-hearted approach and share my tips and secrets to the perfect bath.
Epsom Salt
I recently discovered that epsom salt is just as good--if not better--than bath salts you can purchase. First of all, it's just salt--no chemicals or additives--and it's inexpensive. Bathing in salt helps to soften and moisturize the skin. Epsom salt, specifically, has a high level of magnesium sulfate (which most of us are deficient in, and which is very good for us) and our skin easily absorbs it while soaking. Finally, epsom salt baths apparently help the body to detoxify--I'm no scientist so I won't begin to explain this. You can read more about this here.
Lavender Oil
I love the smell of lavender. I find it to be incredibly calming. Just a few drops of lavender essential oil will perfume your bath water, calm your senses, and leave your skin smelling heavenly. I also prefer the combination of epsom salt and lavender oil over traditional bath soap that bubbles (like in the photo) because it's hard to rinse all of the suds off when you get out of the bath.
Ice Water
There is nothing more satisfying than taking a sip of cool water as you soak in a hot bath. That's all there is to it.
Candlelight
I only use candles if I'm not reading in the tub--if I'm reading, I need more light. But if I'm just soaking and trying to rest my mind, a candle makes me feel peaceful and relaxed. An unscented one is better than scented if you're already using lavender oil.
Those are my tips and tricks! Simple, inexpensive, and easy--but highly rewarding. What do you do to make your bath more relaxing?
After the week I have had, I feel like taking the night off and just taking a long hot bath. Thanks for sharing these tips!
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Oh no, sorry to hear you haven't had a great week. Do take a bath, I promise it will help at least a little bit!
ReplyDeleteOh I love this! I'm definitely soaking in a hot tub tonight!
ReplyDeleteMe too, after writing about it I'm very much in the mood for a bath! :)
ReplyDeleteI actually found you through yesterdays link-up but my internet went out right when I went to comment. It must have been timing because I am LOVING this post and think it is fitting for my first comment :) I am a lover of baths myself! I have never tried epsom salts or lavender oil and am now looking forward to it. I can spend hours upon hours in a warm tub with a good book. Can't wait to follow along through and after the challenge! Have a wonderful evening :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a thoughtful comment, Melanie, thank you! You're so sweet.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to try the epsom salt and lavender oil soon! You will love it! Off to check out your blog now :)
wait, I never knew that about the salts! I always wondered.
ReplyDeletewhen I was little, my mother would put a drop of lavender oil in the water in my humidifier every night in winter - I swear it made me sleep better!
What a lovely childhood memory! I'm not surprised the lavender helped you sleep. It's known as a calming scent--I spray homemade lavender water on freshly cleaned sheets and pillowcases for the same reason :)
ReplyDeleteAhh this sounds so relaxing! Thanks for the helpful tips, I also love lavender oil =) It's so calming and relaxing. I will have to try and add it to my next bath, let's hope I remember to!
ReplyDeleteI hope you remember too! It will help you de-stress as you accomplish all that needs to be done for your wedding :)
ReplyDeletePerfection! You know I'm a huge proponent of bath taking :-). Good for the soul!
ReplyDeleteIndeed! I loved your cute bath post a few weeks ago :)
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