Mornin’ darlinghearts! It’s Self-Care Sunday and I’m sharing what I love to do to relax and pamper myself. I freaking love taking baths. It’s not just the relaxing warm water – it’s one of the biggest helpers with my anxiety.
Yeah, yeah, showers are fast, convenient, and can do wonders when you’re trying to wake up. But baths… hot water, candlelight, essential oils, soothing music… Can you say h-e-a-v-e-n?
Oooo and bubbles!!!
This is my number one way to unwind, de-stress, relax, and soothe my soul. A bath makes a bad day better.
There are so many ways to make your blissful bath specifically yours. (I’ve also included some affiliate links if you’re interested in any of my favorite things!)
Self-Care for Bathtime
Lighting Candles, candles, candles! (These ones are my favorite!) There is something so relaxing about the soft light, the dancing, flickering, shadows, it creates a wonderful ambiance. Taking a bath in the complete darkness can also be such an amazing healing experience. (Be sure to be careful getting in and out of the tub, falling defeats the purpose of relaxing).
Scents Smelly things! I am a big fan of smelly things, especially if the smelliness is lavender. There is no scent that I love more. Usually, I will light calming incense and then I put a few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil into my bath. Instant relaxation.
Music The song up above is Sacred Pleasure by Shawna Carol and is perfect for that “womb” feeling on warm water wrapping around you. Some of my other favorite bath-time songs are Ong Namo by Snatam Kaur, Baba Hanuman by Krishna Das and Dancing Shiva by Sacred Earth. But really, whatever songs and music relax you are good.
Bath Products My favorite bath products are from the Village Naturals. I am absolutely in love with the stress and tension relief products. However, you can use bubble bath, bath salts, bath powders, bath oils, and whatever else tickles your fancy. You can even make your own bath powder, all you need is 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of cornstarch and then an essential oil to scent it (optional) to add to your bath water to soften the skin. Body wash can double as bubble bath in a pinch, Epsom Salt is also good for soaking, especially if you have aches. If you have a cold and are congested adding Echinacea or Eucalyptus to your bath can help de-congest you.
Baths can be magical, they can heal, comfort, and relax.
I don't take baths very often so they are definitely a self care treat for me! I also love the idea of a dark bath with chanting as a dark moon ritual. I have been doing some focused self love work this month and this is a perfect idea.
I don't take baths that often either, although unfortunately I have a pretty specific reason for doing so – I'm reeeally prone to yeast infections (it might be the birth control I'm on) and a bath complete with bubbles/scents is almost a sure-fired guarantee of getting one. But I do unscented baths every now and then…I'll have to think about adding some candlelight and music next time for extra ambiance!
Self-Care Sunday …I like it.
I'm right here with ya – my bathtub is my healing, bliss-ful time of washing away stress and bad energy of the sometimes hectic days….essential oil, bits of herbs floating and candles & music, yes, yes, yes!!
Gorgeous pic!!
:)
Just posted about self-care and linked to you!
http://www.loransheart.com/photographs/moonday-musing-about-self-care
I LOVE Self Care Sunday, fabulous idea!
It's been way too long since I've taken a bath, but now today on this rainy chilly day I'm suddenly dying for one! I love how you incorporate so many senses into the experiences.
It's taken me a LONG time to get to the point that I can enjoy a bath. I was always disgusted by it because i felt like you were swimming in a sea of your own filth LOL So now, as long as I either shower before or after, I can enjoy the bath for the relaxation & soul food aspects. I tend to have joint issues, so I almost always use Epsom salts, as well as himalayan sea salts to detox. Other than that, I will put a few of my fav crystals in the bath, some essential oils, light some candles, grab some tea possibly, and listen to music (usually instrumental or new age w/o lyrics or nature sounds). I don't always do it, but I try to get in one bath a week. Otherwise, I'm a shower girl ;)