Reset Your Day with a Great Bath!

Spilled coffee down your shirt, got yelled at by your boss, the kids driving you crazy, or just feeling like you’ve got the world on your shoulders?

Leave the worries of the day behind with a bath – and men, we aren’t just talking about women here!

We have a busy epidemic. Not enough time to check off the items on our check list much less the time to properly care for ourselves – body & soul.

We’ve lost the art of bathing but the good news, it doesn’t take that much time, resources or effort to reset your life with a therapeutic bath.

Let’s first take a look at the benefits of bathing.

Prevention Magazine quotes research journal Complimentary Therapies in Medicine for a study they did on bathing. They found, “soaking in warm water daily for 8 weeks is more effective at easing anxiety than a prescription drug.” That’s pretty powerful stuff.

Relaxation
The most obvious benefit is relaxation. When we allow our bodies to relax we are sending signals to the body it is time to heal and regenerate. This includes unloading a blast of painkilling endorphins into the brain that can ease physical and emotional pangs. The temperature can also increase the size of blood vessels, furthering the tranquil experience by lowering blood pressure.

The ideal time for a bath is anywhere from 10-20 minutes.

Sleep
Give yourself a natural dose of melatonin by taking a dip in the tub before bed. The bath will slightly increase your body temperature so when you crawl into cool sheets the effect signals the brain that it’s dream time. Using calming essential oils such as Lavender or Marjoram will help to increase the sedative qualities.

Skin Health
Bathing can offer significant benefits to the skin. Especially when you add in the therapeutic powers of 100% pure Dead Sea Salts and nourishing botanical oils. Warm baths open up the pores, allowing the skin to better take in moisture and nutrients.

Experiencing psoriasis or itchy skin? A warm/neutral temperature bath soothes discomfort. However hot baths or soaking too long can have a drying effect, particularly for those with psoriasis. Keep baths for sensitive, itchy skin to around 10 minutes.

Relieve Cold Symptoms
The steam from a warm soak helps to hydrate and soothe congested nasal passages. As mentioned above, the relaxing qualities can also relieve dizziness and the aches and pains that are associated with the flu, colds, allergies and other respiratory issues.

Boost the benefits with a few drops of Eucalyptus essential oil. The fresh, camphor-like aroma instantly makes you want to take a deep cleansing breath. Remember, when using essential oils, a little can go a long way. Start off using small amounts, it is easier to add more than take away!

Customize your Bath
Really, all you need is a tub, water and some bath salts (we suggest salts from the Dead Sea or even beautiful and nourishing Pink Himalayan salts) or oils. But you can make your bathing experience as simple or as elaborate as you want.

For a complete aromatherapy experience try out using different essential oils to fit your desired mood or state of mind. You can add them to the water and/or diffuse them in the air while you soak. Light a few candles for a spa-like environment.

It’s your time, do what you like whether it is putting on some music, reading a book or enjoying the peaceful silence. Either way, enjoying the ritual of bathing will cleanse the body and the soul…at least for a few blissful moments.