If you follow me on Instagram and watch my Instagram stories, you’ll know already that I’m a big fan of baths. Every Wednesday and Sunday evening, like clockwork, I’ll sink into the tub and let everything else just melt away.
I’ve found myself relying on these regular baths more than usual at the moment. Not surprising perhaps, given that we’re in the midst of a global pandemic. Having that time away from everything is sacred.
Once the water’s filled the tub, I take my ‘de-stress’ aromatherapy spray and spray it liberally until the air is thick with sweet smelling oil. It makes me feel like I’ve just stepped into a spa. I instantly exhale and let my shoulders drop.
I then usually get my laptop and queue up a YouTube video or two, something lifestyle/beauty related. Something totally removed from my life that doesn’t require much brain power to enjoy. With the video playing and the aromatherapy spray doing its job, I let the warm water ease tense muscles. If I had a headache before stepping into the tub, it dissolves almost instantly.
Recently I’ve tried out meditating in the bath, and that was quite lovely. Other times I’ll ditch the laptop and just put on some relaxing music, it totally depends on how noisy my brain is being.
Whatever I was dealing with from my day is now on the other side of my bathroom door. The news, social media, emails, whatsapp notifications, anything that would normally be tugging at my sleeve for attention is gone. All I have to worry about is whether or not I can be bothered to shave.
And that’s it. I don’t use fancy bubble bath, I don’t sit and give myself all the beauty treatments under the sun. Usually, just lying in the warmth is enough for me.
When I get out of the bath, I return to the world slowly. Sometimes I’ll put on a facemask, but I’ll always sit on the bed in my towel (usually while watching Instagram stories). I eventually seek out my pajamas and walk down the corridor back to the kitchen and living room to see what’s happening.
My twice a week bathing routine may seem a little specific or rigid to some, but for me it’s a routine that keeps me going. On Wednesdays it helps me unwind from any stress that’s built up from the week so far and gives me the energy I need to keep my head up. On Sundays it helps me drop into a deep sleep so I can feel totally relaxed and rejuvenated on Monday morning.
While baths will always be trump showers when it comes to relaxation (in my opinion) I did have quite possibly the best shower of my life recently. It was a Blue Jay Friday and I’d made the fatal error of not showering in the morning or changing out of my PJs. I was feeling low in energy and thought doing this would help me feel cosy and relaxed as I worked… it did not.
By the end of the day I felt anxious energy building up in my body. I felt awful mentally and physically. Dan and I went out for a walk in the sun then came back and did a home workout. This movement did wonders for my mood and all I wanted after was to be clean from head to toe.
I sprayed my aromatherapy spray, blasted Fleetwood Mac and had a long, steamy shower. I sang along to the music and let the water wash away the day.
Afterwards I honestly felt like a new person and made a mental note that going outside + exercise + shower = new me.
A slightly different blog to usual this week, I hope you don’t mind. I always like to share the things that help me and I just had a real urge to shout about the healing power of baths. If you’re looking for more on this topic, I can highly recommend Fiona Thomas’ article on the five mental health benefits of bathing. Some great pointers here to make the most of your bathing time.
I tend to share things that are helping me at the moment over on Instagram stories, so make sure you’re following me there if you’re not already.
I’ll be back next week with a podcast about knowing your worth and the impact this has on relationships and a blog about self-belief. Until then, take care.
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