How To Prepare A Relaxing Bath

Steps

1.Make sure your bathroom is clean and warm.

2.Also make sure that the bath is not too hot which can irrate your skin and generally not feel relaxing

3.Collect together some nice fluffy towels, something to wear when you get out of the bath, and arrange some candles in the bathroom for a soft relaxing light.

4.Use an inflatable bath pillow to rest your neck while you are bathing. You can normally find them in any bath/bed/linens shop.

5.Find some of your favourite music to play, but don't take electrical equipment into the bathroom.

6.Run your bath until it is a comfortably hot temperature, being careful not to make it too hot.

7.Add about 8 drops of your favourite essential oils or bath gels. Lavender oil is well known for is sleep inducing qualities and rose oil has a lovely sweet relaxing fragrance. Geranium is another comforting fragrance.

8.Carefully climb into the bath, and relax in the warm water. Cotton pads soaked in ice cold water can be placed over the eyes while you rest, to remove puffiness.

9.When you decide to get out of the bath, blot yourself dry, and finish by applying body lotion or moisturiser. Cocoa butter is cheap and widely available, and is very nourishing.

Tips

• If you cannot get essential oils, try using a bubble bath,which are widely available in all price ranges. Many of these have moisturising or relaxing properties.
• If you enjoy a glass of wine take one into the bathroom with you, as it can help you relax.
• Try putting crystals in your bath water to make the most of their properties- rose quartz, for example, helps create a warm,loved feeling.
• Make a bath pillow by taking a small pillow and putting a kitchen trash bag over it to keep it dry. Place it inside a regular pillowcase.
• Using deep breathing techniques in the bath can help relax the body. To make sure you are breathing deeply place one hand on your chest and one on your stomach. Breathe in slowly through your nose for the count of five, then out through your mouth. If you are breathing effectively, the hand on your chest should not move.
• Treat yourself to a face mask to make your bath extra special.
• You may want to play some music or light some candles to add to the calming atmosphere.
• If you live in a large city, go to a lush store! (or online: http://www.lush.com/) they have many different types of bath "bombs" which are very fun. They sell homemade (mostly) vegetarian soaps with natural ingredients. I love diving in with one of them. Be careful though, they can get quite expensive.

Warnings

• If you are very relaxed or tired you may get sleepy in the bath. Make sure you get out of the bath if you feel drowsy as accidents do happen!
• For some reason, if you are afraid that you might fall asleep or drown in the bath, set a timer for 20 minutes or so or ask another person in the house to knock on the door every 10 minutes or so.
• If you use oils in your bath be careful as it may make the bath tub slippery.
• Never take electrical equipment into the bathroom, unless you keep it FAR away from the tub in a dry place, maybe on a shelf or something.
• Very hot water can cause dizziness particularly if you have low or high bloodpressure.
• Cozy baths can become addicting, beware!
• Try not to take too long in the bathroom if you have a roommate or other people sharing the same bathroom as you. Bathroom hogging is very irritating.
• If you are under 13 years of age, ask your for your parents' permission before lighting candles.