How to Take a Bath That Soothes Your Mind and Body

In today's hectic world, it's easy to fall into the routine of showering, throwing on clothes, and running out the door. But slowing down to take a bath every once in a while—either in the morning or evening—can benefit both your mental and physical health. 

"The power of a bath cannot be underestimated," says Tim Hollinger, co-founder of Bathing Culture. "There is a reason why, after bathing, you feel so good. Fundamentally, baths create the perfect conditions for our bodies and minds to repair and revitalize themselves."

A British study found that bathing may help reduce inflammation, ease tension, and soothe headaches. Meanwhile, a 2018 study found that routinely bathing versus just showering can benefit both our physical and mental health. Taking the time to slow down is meditative, and if you add luxurious ingredients, it can also be a boon to your skin’s health. 

Ready to take the best bath of your life? Follow these steps.

Start With a Mantra

For a more intentional experience, consider starting your bathing routine with a simple mantra or mission to set the mood. It doesn't need to be grand—maybe it's "I'm at peace" or "This is my time."

"A bath is an opportunity to find the spaces inside of yourself longing to be pulled back in; creating an intention or a mantra as you prepare your bath can help keep you grounded through the bathing ritual," says Jeriel Sydney, founder of Fablerune. "I use the mantra 'I trust and know myself; I deserve rest.'"

Try Dry Brushing First

Dry body brushing—in which you brush your skin with a natural stiff-bristled bath or shower brush—before you take a bath can help exfoliate your skin by sloughing off the dead skin cells, says Shel Pink, founder of SpaRitual. She adds that it may even help unclog pores.

"It's better to exfoliate prior to a bath or shower to increase circulation and maintain the skin’s moisture rather than exfoliating while immersed in hot water, which can strip the skin of moisture," she says.

Rinse Off

This may seem redundant, but Hollinger swears by a quick shower before settling into your bathtub. "While this may seem like an inconvenience, it will greatly enhance your bathing," he says. "A quick shower before a bath will allow you to focus solely on relaxation and rejuvenation instead of worry about getting all your nooks and crannies cleaned."

Use pH-Balanced Products

For a more comfortable experience, stick to pH-balanced, gentle, soap-free products that won’t irritate skin. This is particularly important for your more intimate regions, explains Katy Cottam, founder of Luna Daily. She says that soap-based products and shower gels often have very high pH (eight to 12) versus your skin's typical pH of four to five.

Temperature Is Key

Hollinger notes that the ideal bath temperature is right around 110 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit. "A bath that is too hot can harm the outermost layer of skin, which can cause irritation, redness, and dryness," he says. At the same time, a too-cool bath doesn't feel quite as relaxing. The water should feel comfortable.

Put Your Phone Down

"Bathing is one of the few times you can escape the noise of technology," Hollinger says. "A [2017] study from the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research found that even a phone that is shut off and in a drawer on the other side of the room can be so distracting that it can reduce memory and problem-solving skills. It's best to leave it out and enjoy the experience."

Bring Nature Inside

A private outdoor bath at a spa or resort is heavenly, but you don't have to spend oodles to get the experience. For similar vibes, Hollinger recommends adding plants to your bathroom that like humidity, such as peace lilies, ferns, pothos, Spanish moss, and succulents. "The most powerful bathing experiences I've had are the ones closest to nature," Hollinger says.

Add a Luxurious Soak

A quick drizzle of a luxurious oil or a sprinkle of bath salts can instantly elevate your bathing experience. They're fragrant, make the water feel more silky, and can also benefit your skin's health.

"Magnesium salt flakes are really great for physical relaxation, and an Epsom salt soak also works wonders," Hollinger says. "The best soaks are blends of different types of mineral-rich salts."

Essential oils work, too, though you don't have to go out of your way to incorporate them into your bath routine.

"Get a fistful of flowers from the garden and toss 'em in your bath," Hollinger says. "Or, peel and eat an orange in the tub and let a small amount of the juice dribble in for a nice smell. If you're sick, lavender and peppermint are amazing and help clear sinuses."

Set the Mood

Light incense, put on a fragrant diffuser, or light a flickering candle to help set the ambiance. You can also put on some soft, relaxing music or a podcast you love. "I even know people who bring crystals into the tub with them," Hollinger says.

Enjoy Some Simple Activities

If you tend to get fidgety in the tub, it's OK to enjoy some simple activities while you soak away.

"Don't be afraid to get creative with your bathing environment," Hollinger says. "I know people who paint in the tub or pull tarot, [and] I'll typically bring a book into the bathroom." You can even meditate in the tub. "I've found the bath to be a conducive environment to meditate in," he says.

If you want to try this, he recommends drawing a shallow bath or using a headrest. But whatever you decide to do, use your bath time as a haven to reset, rejuvenate, and clear your mind.