One of my favorite ways to unwind at the end of the day and nurture myself is a long soak in the bathtub. It is a simple practice that allows the nervous system to relax. Although our nervous system has the ability to self-regulate, in today’s world, our body and nervous system has to do a lot to keep up with all the demands on it. Anything you can do to help the nervous system calm down is beneficial. I used to push myself to always just go, go, go and wouldn’t make the time for routine self care practices to nourish my whole being. I guess you could say I am a reformed type A person and over time, I began to understand the importance of slowing down and giving myself whatever I need to be the best version of me. In order to do the work we are meant to do while here on this earth, we must have practices of self care so we can be our best and better serve our purpose. Self care and nourishing our bodies, mind and spirit is part of that process.
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A few “go to” essentials for my bathtime routine are Epsom salts, essential oils, and herbal tea to enjoy while soaking in the warm tub. I know they say really hot water isn’t best for our skin, and a warm bath is best but I personally like really, really warm…ok hot water…in my baths. Most importantly, set your bath water temperature to what is most soothing to you. For me, bathtime is a nightly ritual that I find very grounding and is a way of preparing for a restful night of sleep.
I begin by adding three to four large scoops of Epsom salts to the bath water. Normally I get plain Epsom salts, not scented salts, because I like to add my scents with essential oils. Epsom salts can be purchased at nearly any drugstore or even on Amazon for quick delivery. Price points vary and they can be purchased in bulk which is more cost efficient. In water, it breaks down into magnesium and sulfate and can help relieve achey or stiff muscles and joints.
One of my favorite essential oils is Tulsi or also called holy basil oil. I shake drops of the oil into the bath water. This powerful oil has been used for centuries and is loved for its protective and uplifting qualities. It’s known as a purifying oil that refines the body, mind and spirit. Tulsi is used often in Ayurvedic medicine. For those interested in the healing quality of Tulsi oil, there is also quality Tulsi herbal teas to drink as well.
Here are links for the Tulsi oil and the Tulsi tea bags.
https://www.amazon.com/Tulsi-Essential-Holy-Basil-Floracopeia/dp/B0063EQSEY
My third essential element of a relaxing bathtime routine is a cup of hot herbal tea. I select my tea based on what I need at the time but my most common tea I have in the evening is peppermint tea. Peppermint has cooling qualities which I find a nice contrast to a hot bath. It also has digestive benefits and is a great tea to enjoy after meals. Peppermint tea also is known to help relieve tension or migraine headaches and help in general muscle relaxation.
The take home message here is this-Take time to replenish your body and soul and above all else, listen to what your body is telling you. Our bodies are wise and our intuition knows what we need to nourish ourself.
Wishing you a day of health, wellness and soothing bathtime moments!
Xoxo
