The prospect of having a quick and refreshing shower has taken on a new appeal in the summer heat, and when you consider that it’s the quickest and most convenient way to get clean and ready for the day, it’s perhaps little wonder that showers have eclipsed baths, with an estimated 57 per cent of the British population opting for the former on a day to day basis.
But make no mistake; the long, hot bath is the original luxury indulgence, providing an opportunity to relax, unwind, and soak away the stresses and strains of the day – and while we might not have time for one every day, they remain a sumptuous treat that many continue to look forward to once or twice a week. Just add a glass of wine, some decadent bath products and a good book, and it’s you-time at its finest.
It might be a little warm at the moment to contemplate the idea, but implementing a regular bath into your routine brings with it a host of benefits. Not only does it feel incredible, but it can help improve aches and pains, keep skin soft and smooth, and give you some much-needed respite after a busy and trying day.
Baths help you relax
Taking the plunge and immersing yourself in a steaming tub of hot, bubbly water is undoubtedly a comforting experience, and shutting yourself away from the world for 30 minutes to an hour to simply allow yourself to unwind can be a powerful tool when it comes to maintaining mental balance. Adding some soft, atmospheric music can further enhance the effects and allow your mind to feel at ease – make it a mindful experience and pay attention to the feeling and the sound of the soap suds on your skin for an even greater boost.
They’re great for your skin
A good soak in the bath isn’t just good for the mind, but for the body, too – and you can level up the benefits even further by choosing some truly decadent products to accompany the experience and give your skin a nourishing hit of hydration when it needs it the most. Look out for exfoliating ingredients like oats, and experiment with bath salts and essential oils to see which you like best. There are a variety of different products you can add to your bath water, according to your skin’s specific needs. We love the Blue Lagoon revitalising bath salt, which soothes and revitalises the skin and simultaneously helps to boost feelings of relaxation.
Relieves muscle soreness
Suffering from aches and pains after a tough workout or sitting in your office chair all day? Then a soak in the bath could be just what the doctor ordered. Warm water is an excellent remedy for sore muscles, and helps the body to gently release any tension it may be holding, increasing blood flow and boosting the process of toxin removal to give you some much-needed respite. Try adding an extra kick to your bath water with some magnesium-rich Epsom salts – your new secret weapon for easing stiffness, soreness and pain.
A good bath can improve sleep
Numerous studies have shown that taking a warm bath around 90 minutes before going to bed could help you to fall asleep more quickly. Because the water helps to change your body’s core temperature so that you go to bed feeling cooler, your brain takes this drop in temperature as a signal that it’s time to wind down for the night.
With stress levels also falling as a result of a relaxing soak, a nightly bath can help to create a great sensation of peace and wellbeing that is conducive to getting a quality eight hours or more of shut-eye – and you’ll likely wake the following morning feeling full of energy, too.
Regulates blood pressure
Because warming the body with a soak in the bath opens the blood vessels and promotes blood flow, people with blood pressure-related health problems can benefit greatly from taking baths. Besides the warmth of the water, the associated relaxation also contributes to regulating blood pressure. To fully enjoy the benefits of having a luxurious hour in the bath, creating the right ambience and setting the mood is key. So, grab yourself a good book, put on some relaxing music, sip some wine and fill your bath tub with bath bombs, bubbles and essential oils for a truly decadent experience.
