The Ultimate Bath Routine for Relieving Stress

 

Stress triggers the fight-or-flight response in our bodies. Too much of it can lead to serious physical and mental health problems. Over time, these problems can break down your immune system and lead to serious diseases. 

One of the best tools for combating stress is your daily bath routine. By soaking in your tub, you’re helping your immune system by calming your fight-or-flight response. 

In this article, you’ll learn about the ultimate bath routine to melt your stress away. After reading, you’ll feel inspired to create the perfect bath routine for you. 

Why Baths Help Calm Our Nerves

Relaxing in hot water is a practice as ancient as bathing itself. Our ancestors figured out that hot water soothes sore muscles and calms our nerves. Many cultures still make bathing an important daily ritual. 

 

Bath’s work by triggering responses in our bodies that help us naturally kick back and relax. Hot water activates our parasympathetic nervous system. This causes our bodies to sink into deep relaxation, causing blood to flow freely and our heartbeats to slow. 

By setting up your bath as a private sanctuary, your mind will drift into a meditative state. The warm waters help your brain release feel-good chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. 

When paired with calming incense, candles, and bath soaps, the effect is almost magical. Keep reading below to learn how to create the ultimate bath routine for calming your nerves. 

Set Up Your Environment for Relaxation

After preparing the hot water, set up your bathing environment for deep relaxation. Start by decluttering your bathroom. Remove any distractions, such as hair dryers, straighteners, makeup, and other items that remind you of work or social obligations. 

Dim the lights or light candles around your tub to get into the mood to relax. Try playing light, soothing music to set the ambiance. Include calming music or ambient sounds of ocean waves or gentle rainfall. 

Plants can also help turn your bathroom into a luxurious spa. Several species, such as spider plants and pothos, feel tropical and calming. They’ll grow in your bathroom with minimal light and basic upkeep. 

Pick the Right Time for Bathing

Timing your bath is almost as important as setting up the right ambience. The best time is usually in the evening, just before sleeping. 

Preparing the tub with hot water, setting candles and music, and stepping into your bath just before bed improves sleep. The hot water will help you relax and calm your nerves. You’ll kiss your worries goodbye as you drift off into slumber. 

Most importantly, schedule times in the day when you won’t be interrupted. Keep your phone away and turn off all your alarms. Let people know you’re taking time for yourself, and that’s important. 

Adjust the Temperature to Your Needs

We all have different needs when it comes to ideal water temperature and bath settings. Choose settings and additives that work for you. 

 

Start by setting the ideal water temperature for your body. Most of us prefer water between 98 to 104°F. At this temperature, our muscles relax and nerves calm. Our skin doesn’t feel red or burned. 

Try to avoid water that’s too hot to get in your tub. Scalding water is not good for your skin and can leave you feeling sluggish and dehydrated. Our tubs at Empava have built-in temperature controls that help maintain constant water temperature. 

Add Additives For Extra Relaxation

Additives such as bath salts and essential oils can help boost your bathing experience. These additives are easy to find in stores and are good for your skin. 

The most common additives are Epsom salts. These salts help relieve tension and help us sink into deep relaxation. They also help remove dead skin cells and relieve painful itching and redness caused by skin conditions, such as eczema. 

Essential oils are also wonderful additives for bathing. Oils such as lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus soothe our muscles and calm our minds. All you need are a few drops to create lovely scents in your tub. 

Engage Your Senses

While bathing, try setting incense or using scented candles to fill the air with scents. Diffusers are also great tools for filling the air with the soothing smells of essential oils. 

Aromatherapy helps calm your nerves and works together with hot water to create a relaxing ambiance. Chromotherapy uses colors to calm you while you soak. Some of our most popular tubs at Empava, such as the 59" Alcove Whirlpool Inline Heater LED Tub with Left Drain, have these functions. 

When you get out of the tub, try using soft towels or robes to dry off. Before bathing, try scrubbing with exfoliating brushes. Pour yourself an herbal tea when you get out of the bath for extra pampering after your long day. 

Practice Mindfulness in the Bath

When bathing, try practicing mindfulness to help send yourself into deep relaxation. Start by doing light stretching or gentle yoga before getting into the water. 

 

Once you enter your tub, practice visualization exercises or guided meditations to sink into relaxation. Let go of intrusive thoughts and focus on the warmth of the water. 

Playing music helps carry you away into a peaceful moment. You can also cozy up with your favorite book. Focus on your breathing and let go of stress. 

Follow Up With the Right Aftercare

Extend the calm with the right aftercare. Dry off with a plush towel or warm robe. Use moisturizing lotions with calming scents, such as lavender or mint. 

Try journaling after your bath to write down your relaxing thoughts and inspiring ideas. Do another round of light stretching to loosen your muscles and feel great. 

Enjoy herbal tea and take your time getting out of the bath. Try not to hurry and set aside this time for yourself. By timing your bathing routine before bed, you’ll have the best sleep of your life. 

Final Thoughts

Bathing is a ritual for your mental and physical health that you deserve. It’s one of the best forms of self-care you can do. At the center of this ritual is the perfect bathtub for you and your needs. 

 

Start your ultimate bath routine by choosing the best tub at Empava. Talk to our experts to find the right setup for you and your home. Our award-winning tubs come with customizable settings and add-ons like aromatherapy, powerful jets, and LED chromotherapy settings. 

Setting up the right bath routine for you is the most important step to relaxing. Personalize your routine for your needs and set aside this time to sink deep into relaxation. You’ll reset after a long day and feel amazing!