Way back in the day, bathing was a ritual. It happened once a week at most, and the experience was completely luxurious every step of the way (at least, for royalty); from the buckets of steaming hot water, to the crushed flower petals used to scent the water, to being able to sink deep into a clawfoot bathtub, uninterrupted, for an hour straight. Why did we ever start taking showers again?
Oh, right. For efficiency.
While get-in-and-get-out showers have their time and place — like busy mornings when you need to rinse off before getting the kids out of bed, making breakfast, and taking them to school — slow, relaxing baths deserve their time in the spotlight, too. Ahead, three reasons to replace your next shower with a good, old-fashioned bubble bath.
It Soothes Sore Muscles
As women, we hold so much tension in our bodies on a daily basis. Lying down in a bathtub at the end of the day allows you to take the pressure off in a way that hopping in the shower just doesn’t. To soothe regular aches and pains, pour a cup of Epsom salts in there with you and let the minerals work their magic.
It’s Guaranteed Screen-Free Time
It seems there’s always a screen to focus on: Your phone and laptop during the workday, or the TV screen when you veg out at night. It’s important to carve out some time to get lost in your own thoughts; when you’re not distracted by scrolling through Instagram or incessantly checking your email. And what better excuse to avoid a screen for an hour than soaking in a sudsy, slippery bath? Use the opportunity to reflect on your day, read a book, or listen to a meditative soundtrack instead.
It Helps You Get To Sleep
I mean, a bath is great any time of the day — but just before bed is arguably the best. Why? For one, the aforementioned screen-free effect: Blue light from phones, laptops, and TVs can mess with your natural circadian rhythms and make it harder to fall asleep. Secondly, the all-encompassing warmth of a bath relaxes the nervous system, so you’re primed for some shut-eye before your head even hits the pillow. Want to amplify this effect? Add magnesium flakes to the water, which have been shown to induce sleep.
From this perspective, a luxe bubble bath is so much more than just an act of indulgence — it’s an act of self-care; a non-negotiable nécessité.
