Going to a luxury spa to relax and rejuvenate yourself can be an expensive affair. Instead of burning a $100 hole in your pocket, you can easily turn your own bathroom into a spa-inspired bathing experience. But, before you begin, set aside some time to prepare the decor and allocate at least 30 minutes to soak in the comfort of your home-spa.
Research shows that spa treatment can have a positive effect on our mental and physical health.1 While you soak in your bathtub, ensure that you forget about everything else in the world and involve completely in relaxing. Put away your laptop, turn off the stove, and hang a “do not disturb” sign on the bathroom door. Here’s how you can turn your bathroom into a luxury spa.
1. Arrange What You Need
Begin by making a list of things you’ll need during the bath and arrange them in such a way that you can conveniently reach them when needed. It’s important to make your bathroom a tranquil place that will help you unwind.
Get rid of any unwanted things such as laundry or kid’s toys and retain only those items that you’ll require. You may need a wooden plank or a shelf to keep your drinks, books, essential oils and other items close to the bathtub. Hang up a plush bath towel or a bathrobe and your bathroom slippers about an arm’s length from the tub.
2. Deck Up The Decor
Place a couple of potted plants such as ferns or palms that can tolerate steam and humidity. If you have bright lights, replace them with dim, soothing bulbs. You can even keep a glass of cool lemon or cucumber juice or fruit-infused health drinks along with your favorite book.
You may want to keep your cell phone handy to play relaxing music. But, ensure that you keep your cell phone in airplane mode so that you don’t have to attend phone calls. Consider placing your phone in a plastic ziplock pouch to avoid the moisture from ruining it. Arrange the soaps, essential oils, and other things that you need close by.
3. Dim The Lights And Play Music
A luxury spa usually has dim lighting so that you can close your eyes and drift into your own world. You can easily create the same ambiance in your bathroom just by replacing the lighting and making arrangements to play soothing background music.
First, pull down the blinds and place some scented candles of your favorite fragrance. Dim, cloudy bulbs are ideal for the lighting and you can even buy some color-changing light bulbs that are usually operated using a remote control.
As for the music, different people prefer their own kind of music that helps them relax. Often, nature sounds such as flowing water, crashing waves, and chirping birds can be extremely relaxing. You can play music using a portable mini-speaker that is compatible with your cell phone or simply wear your headphones. But, if silence is your thing, then you don’t need any music.
4. Prepare The Bathtub
The ingredients that go into the bathtub are vital for you to relax and let go of your mental and physical tension. Select essential oils, aromatic dried flowers or herbs, or salts that you want to add to the water.
Many of these can be bought online or from a store. Before you add the herbs into the water, rub the herbs in your hands to release their oils and scents and then add them to the bathtub.
For stress relief, use herbs and spices such as ginger, black pepper, rosemary, and chamomile. Lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are great for relaxation. For an energizing bath, consider using rosemary, patchouli, juniper berry, and grapefruit. The list of herbs and essential oils that you can experiment with is endless.
5. Set The Ideal Bathwater Temperature
An ideal temperature of the water is crucial for an invigorating bath. If the bathwater is too cold, it will reduce the effect of the relaxing bath. And, if the bathwater is too hot, it may cause you to sweat later and leave you with dry skin.
The ideal bathwater temperature should be somewhere between 90° F and 105° F at the time you get in. Although some people may want the water to be slightly more or less than the normal body temperature of 98.6° F, ultimately it is dependent on your comfort.
The water should feel warm when you immerse yourself and not uncomfortably hot. Remember to keep the bathroom door closed to allow the steam to accumulate and warm up the bathroom so that the bathwater doesn’t lose heat too quickly. A thick layer of soap bubbles on the surface of the bathwater will also keep it warm for a longer duration.
6. Relax In The Bathtub
Once you get into the tub, shut your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. This is a great way to connect with your inner spiritual self. It’s almost like meditating in the tub. Inhale the aroma of the herbs and breathe through your nose.
Visualize the stress and strain being washed away into the water with each exhalation. The incensed candles, infused herbs and the warmth of the water are ideal for creating a spiritual setting. Apply the diluted essential oils or regular massage oils on your body to calm your nerves and instill a sense of tranquility.
How To Prepare Luxury Bath Essentials
Luxury bath products can be quite expensive and although you can buy most luxury bath products online or from a store, you can also prepare most of them at home. It’s very easy to prepare bath bombs, bath salts, and other luxurious elixirs.
1. Bath Salt Blends
Bath salts are crystals that dissolve in the bathwater to soften the water and make it aromatic. They are great for soothing your sore muscles and relieve tension. Here’s how to prepare bath salts at home.
Instructions
1. Add two parts Epsom salt and two parts kosher salt into a container.
2. Now, add one part sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to a few drops of your favorite essential oils.
3. Stir the mixture well and blend them with your bathwater.
2. Essential Oil Blends
The bath oil, in combination with some Epsom salt, is great for soothing your body. To prepare a blend of essential oils that can clear sinuses and induce relaxation, follow these steps.
Instructions
1. Add 3-4 spoons of Epsom salt into a container.
2. To help clear sinuses, add 10 drops each of eucalyptus and peppermint oils.
3. To promote relaxation, add 10 drops each of lavender and bergamot essential oils.
4. Stir the ingredients well and add it to the bathwater.
3. Homemade Bath Bombs
Bath bombs are tabs that fizz when they are placed in the bathwater. They infuse the water with fragrant essential oils, Epsom salt, and make the water feel aromatic and heavenly. Using a mold like a muffin tin to pour the bath bomb ingredients, you can mold them into interesting shapes. To prepare your own bath bomb, this is what you can do.
Instructions
1. Add 300g sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) into a container.
2. Now, add 150g citric acid and 2-3 teaspoons of carrier oil (coconut oil, sunflower oil, olive oil).
3. To enhance its fragrance and color, add some herbs or a few drops of essential oils.
4. Pour the mixture into the mold and allow it to dry before taking them out of the mold and using them with your bathwater.
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