How to Relax With a Hot Bath

Last Updated: January 28, 2023

After a hard day's work, or a day of hardship, a relaxing bath can be just the thing to feel a whole lot better. It can be good when you're feeling under the weather too, to aid some good, deep sleep so you can feel better the next morning. To make your bath experience deeply relaxing, as good as a spa, try the following ideas for a perfect hot bath.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Setting Aside Bath Time

1
Let yourself have this special time. If you're feeling guilty about taking off time to have a relaxing soak, think about the last time you took a bath and remind yourself how valuable it can be for you to languish in and soak away the stresses of the day, week or even longer.
2
Set aside this time for you to relax yourself. Either complete household chores or decide to leave them be for another day before you have your bath. Setting aside these mundane things will give your mind a break. It's now time to give your mind, body, and spirit some attention, letting your worries drift away for a time.

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3
Make a playlist of relaxing songs to enjoy while in the bath. Choose your favorite music to help you take your mind off the stress and unwind.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Making the Bath

1
Make the bath special. Choose the bath that matches your mood. Here are some ideas for the ideal bath:
- Try a steam bath. Taking a steam bath can help to both detox and relax you.
- Have a bubble bath
- Take a detox bath.
2
Run the hot bath. Add oil, bubbles or a bath bomb according to your preference.
- Avoid making your bath too hot, because it may dry your skin or cause stress to your cardiovascular system.
3
Take the phone off the hook. Pour yourself a glass of wine, choose a magazine. Light a candle (scented ones are nice) and turn the bathroom lights off or down.
4
Take a shower before the bath. This is helpful for making you clean before the bath––you're not just soaking in your own filth for a long time.
5
Consider some beauty therapy while in the bath. A face mask and a good book are essentials for a good bath. Choose a book you know will be a good read.
- Get creative and make your own homemade face mask by adding 1 banana (mashed), 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of honey and 5 tablespoons (73.9 ml) of oats.
- You can also get many store bought face masks that are reasonably priced too.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Relaxing in the Bath

1
Check the water temperature before getting in. Immerse yourself in the tub. Let all your stresses wash away.
2
Relax. Let your worries dissolve into the water. Think happy thoughts of sun-kissed beaches and starlit skies. Let all thoughts of kids, work and money evaporate with the steam. Open your mind, meditate and just enjoy!
3
Stay for as long as it feels comfortable and pleasurable. When it starts to feel less enjoyable or it's getting too cold, it's time to hop out. You've just pampered yourself and you'll feel a whole lot calmer.

Community Q&A

Question

Is a hot bath good for the body?

Community Answer

It can be! Hot baths are useful for easing cramps, both muscle and menstrual. Don't make the water too hot, however.
Question

I ran my water too hot. What do I do?

Community Answer

You can either wait a little while for the water to cool off on its own or drain some of the water and run some cold water to cool it down.
Question

How do I relax in a bath with a smaller tub?

Community Answer

Get as much of your body under the water as possible. Make sure when you fill the tub that you include bubbles and maybe sprinkle some flower petals or add lavender to the water.

Warnings

Keep the candle at a safe distance where you can watch it.

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If you enjoy listening to the radio, tapes, or CDs while in the bath, make sure whatever you are playing any of the above on is in a place where there is no chance it might fall into the bathwater.

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Don't drink too much wine in the bath! It could spill, or you could end up a little tipsy. You can also get very bad cramps from having alcohol at the same time as sitting in warm to hot water.

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Do not stay in the water for too long as it can promote early aging of your skin.

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Meditation in a bath could be a risky thing, prop yourself up in such a way that you don't drown, or let people know where you are and what you are doing and that you don't want to be disturbed.

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Don't fall asleep. It's not safe for you, and the water will also get cold. If you feel too sleepy to stay awake, get out of the bath.

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