Relaxation Techniques // The Art of the Bath

I have problems relaxing. There. I said it. If you’ve seen my photographs you probably find that hard to believe because they’re so soothing. If you’ve met me in person you’re probably shocked to read that because I’m pretty laid back.

But it’s a fact. I have problems relaxing. The struggle is real.

I was never into baths. They’re boring. And a waste of time, especially when a shower is so much quicker.

{ See my problem? }

But last month, when we were working through a minor bathroom renovation and were without a shower curtain and I didn’t want water spraying everywhere because of the fresh paint, I had a bath.

And it was glorious. Fairies came down from the heavens and sprinkled their magical calming dust from the top of my head to the tip of my toes, and I was crowned the queen of relaxing self-indulgence.

It was that good.

So I’ve put together a short list of relaxation techniques to help you make the most of your next bath.

8 Steps for a Relaxing Bath

1. Set aside the time. Clear an hour or more from your day so you have no obligations. I like to do it either in the late afternoon when all I’ve got left on my plate is dinner and clean up, or after dinner when all I have left to think about is going to bed.
2. Blanch the tub. We live in a 100+ year old house that’s draughty and has cold everything, especially this time of year, so I preheat the tub. I fill the kettle with water, bring it to a boil, then slowly pour it all over the tub to warm it up before I fill it with water. And I like it hot. Hot.
3. Fill the bath with water as hot as I can handle. Did I mention I like it hot? I like my pale skin to turn pink from the heat, sweat to slowly bead on my face, and if there’s not even the slightest chance of scalding myself, I’m not interested.
4. While the tub is filling I gather all the things I need to help me relax: a novel, a glass of water (I’d love to say a glass of wine, but I really do need the water in such a hot bath), a bowl of chocolate pieces, a candle or two, and bubble bath (bonus points if it has a relaxing scent).
5. Get rid of anything I find distracting. That means no clock or electronic devices.
6. Dim the light. Though in all honesty I like a late afternoon bath with just enough sunlight to read by.
7. Close the door. I know this seems simple but it’s also symbolic. It means no one is allowed to bother me, plus it keeps out noisy distractions.
8. Then I just read and soak and read and nibble chocolate and read and add more hot water and read and sip cold water and read some more.

I’m usually in there for 45 minutes to an hour. I don’t know what it is about the heat and the water that relaxes my whole body, but it does. And it’s wonderful.

And afterwards I put on loose fitting lounge clothes, *cough* pyjamas *cough*, and ride that wave of relaxation for the rest of the evening.

What are your tried-and-true relaxation techniques? What’s your favourite way to unwind at the end of the day? Do you find baths relaxing? I wanna hear all about it in the comments.