A nice warm, relaxing bath after a day outside in the snow or cold is amazing!
Not only can a proper bath sooth and relax you but there are actually some scientific benefits. Some of the proven benefits include: improved heart health, expanded lung capacity, improved nervous system, relaxation of muscles, joints and bones and cleansing/moisturizing of skin. For more details on the Scientific Benefits of a bath check here.
So we’ve tempted you to take a bath? Let’s get ready … preparation is key
- Minimize distractions – Turn off your phone and be sure you have privacy. Lock doors or wait until the house is empty. Some people like to read in the tub but I have never gotten into this – kind of hard to do? The key is to get completely relaxed.
- Set the mood – Turn down the lights, turn on music if you’d like.
- Remove guilt – This is a time for just you. If your like most women, you rarely take time for yourself so be sure to give yourself a break and remind yourself that you deserve these few minutes.
What should you put in your bath? That all depends upon your goal. Here are four of the top choices:
- Bubbles – Typically when you think of bubble baths you think of children but bubble baths are for adults too. Bubble baths are thought to cleanse and aid in the overall relaxation of a bath. The bubbles and foam help to keep the water longer and help to keep any dirt deposits below the sud line. Want some ideas on the best soaps? Check out rank and style’s list of top 10 bubble baths.
- Oils -The warmth of the water helps the skin to absorb the essential oils while their fragrance is inhaled at the same time. Oils in baths are thought to build stronger immunity to viral and bacterial infections and improve skin conditions. The heat of the water allows the oils to adhere to your skin providing a nourishing thin layer that locks in hydration. It is important to choose the right oil. For some tips check this Good Housekeeping article. h
- Salts – Draw out impurities, dirt and toxins from skin and soothe muscle injury and help to ease pain. When used with warm water, the magnesium-rich salt helps relieve muscle spasms and menstrual cramps. Warm baths with bath salts can also help your body to heal faster after an injury or surgery.
- Sore Muscles – The theory is that when you soak in an Epsom salt bath, these get into your body through your skin. While that hasn’t been scientifically proven Epsom salt baths have been a home treatment for arthritis and swelling for years. The truth is, just soaking in warm water can help relax muscles and loosen stiff joints.
- Eczema – Baking soda is the most popular remedy for relieving the itching associated with eczema. You can try adding one-quarter of a cup of the powder to the bath water. You can also make baking soda into a paste and apply it directly on the affected areas of skin.
- Dry, cracked skin – Adding powdered oatmeal to a bath may help to relieve dry skin. A 2015 study found that extracts from oatmeal had anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, suggesting it can help treat dry skin.
- Skin Rashes – Colloidal oatmeal dissolved in a bath can relieve itchiness. Commercial brands of oatmeal bath, like Aveeno, come in ready-to-use packets, measured for a single bath. You can also grind regular oatmeal to be very fine in a food processor and add 1 cup to bathwater.
Not sure what products may be the best? Check the list from Marieclaire ranking the top 16 bath ingredients.
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