After a long day of battling the Texas heat and humidity, few things sound better than washing the day away. I usually reach for a quick shower, but every now and then, what I really need is a long, relaxing bath. We have a garden tub with jacuzzi jets, but I rarely turn them on; just a nice, quiet soak does me fine!
Treat your bath as more than a way to get clean. Think of it as a reset for your mind and body. Here are some tips that you might find useful:
Fill the tub with warm (not hot) water, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or a scoop of Epsom salts. You can find many essential oils at Whole Foods, Sprouts, natural grocery stores, and even some regular supermarkets.
A few of my favorite oils include:
- Lavender – promotes relaxation and restful sleep
- Sweet Orange – cheerful and uplifting
- Chamomile – calming and soothing
- Eucalyptus – refreshing after a hot summer day
- Geranium – balancing and lightly floral
- Peppermint – cooling (use sparingly)
- Lemon – fresh and clean
Essential oils are highly concentrated, so only add a few drops to the bath and gently agitate the water. If you're pregnant, have sensitive skin, or have certain medical conditions, check with your healthcare provider before using them.
Dim the lights, and settle in for 15–20 minutes. I like lighting a few candles around my bath to make it extra special.
If you'd like a little background music, choose something calming like classical music. Yo-Yo Ma's cello recordings are one I turn to often. Resist the urge to bring a book, turn on a podcast, TV show, audiobook, or even a funny comedian. As enjoyable as those things are, they still require your brain to process someone else's thoughts and ideas.
Instead, let your bath become one of the few moments in your day with no input from anyone else. Just you. Think, pray, reflect, daydream, and let your mind wander as you quietly decompress from the busyness of the day. These moments of solitude are becoming increasingly rare, and they're incredibly refreshing.
When your bath is over, pat your skin dry with a large, fluffy towel, and apply your favorite body oil or scented lotion while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture.
Finally, slip into lightweight cotton pajamas or a breathable nightgown that will help keep you cool throughout the night. It's a small finishing touch that makes climbing into bed feel even more luxurious.
Sometimes the best way to end a hot summer day is with a quiet bath, a peaceful mind, soft skin, and a good night's sleep.
