The restorative power of taking a bath

Bathing has a long history of being associated with relaxation and restoration. As a self-confessed bath lover myself, I can personally attest to the benefits of a warm bath for the mind on body. And with 22nd June marking World Bathing Day, it seemed like the perfect excuse to talk about one of the simplest yet most restorative wellbeing rituals… even if the UK is currently in the middle of a heatwave.

A bath can be a surprisingly powerful act of self-care. It encourages you to step away from that to-do list, to pause what you’re doing, put the phone away and simply be present. Surrounded by bubbles and a lovely fragrance, you’re intentionally giving yourself the time and permission to slow down and take a pause.

How to create your own bathing ritual

Try a cooling bathing ritual

If temperatures are starting to climb, the last thing you might think to do is have a bath. But a bath could actually be a great way to relax and even help you cool down.

Taking a warm bath a few hours before bed and then allowing your body to cool down afterwards can help signal to your body that it’s time to rest and unwind. Just remember to stay hydrated.

If you can’t face a warm bath, a cool or lukewarm bath is also a great way to relax and can feel very refreshing. Keep a cold drink nearby and allow yourself this time to switch off.

Set the mood

Creating your space and the atmosphere for your bath can make all the difference. Light your favourite candles, dim the lights and create an environment that feels calm and comfortable.

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Engage your senses

Fragrance can instantly transform your mood and can elevate your bath into a real wellbeing ritual. Pick your scent based on how you’d like to feel. Lavender, chamomile and sandalwood can help create a sense of calm, while citrus, peppermint and eucalyptus can feel uplifting and refreshing, particularly during warmer weather.

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Make yourself comfortable

A relaxing and restorative bath doesn’t end when you pull the plug.

Have a soft towel ready, pour yourself a cool drink or herbal tea and allow yourself to get ready slowly afterwards. Don’t rush back to your emails or do list, just ease back gently and don’t rush the process. Take some time to massage in a nice body oil or body cream when you’re out and relax.

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Remove distractions

Frequent notifications from a phone or watch can be distracting and can entirely throw off the calming atmosphere you’re trying to create.

If possible, put the phone away. If you’re using it to listen to music, a meditation or a podcast, switch it to Do Not Disturb mode.

Then, simply relax. Close your eyes, focus on your breathing, read a few pages of your book or just enjoy the quiet.

There’s no right or wrong way to create a bathing ritual – it’s about what’s finding what works for you and what you need at that moment to connect with yourself, so its going to look a little different each time and that’s okay.

What does your perfect bath ritual look like? We’d love to know the little things that help you unwind and create moments of calm in your day.