A bathroom is supposed to be a sanctuary - a place to refresh, relax, and prepare yourself for the day. However, most women know you’re lucky if you get a few minutes to brush your teeth, slap on some makeup and adjust your hair before the kids, husband and dog barge in.{relatedarticles}
During moments like these, visions of a luxury spa or whirlpool tub may be floating through your head, but you don’t have to leave home to get an indulgent experience. Find an hour (or two!) where you can put your significant other on daddy-duty, lock the door and turn your home bath into a soothing spa experience. Here are some simple ways to transform any ordinary bathroom into an in-home slice of paradise!
Bath Fizzies - Depending on what kind of bath experience you want, there is likely a bath fizzie that can give you it. These solid blocks that almost look soap-like can be found in the bath aisle and are dropped into a hot tub and will release fizz, fragrance and minerals into the water. The many varieties can offer a relaxing experience with scents of lavender for a rejuvenating soak with hints of citrus. Bath fizzies can also be a nice alternative to the traditional bubble bath if you’re looking for something a little more "grown-up."
A Sound Machine - Most of us associate the sound machines you find at stores in the mall with sleeping trouble, but these devices can also prove extremely effective at creating a relaxing bath experience. Drown out the television, the kids and other background noises by plugging one of these in on the counter while soaking in the tub. What could be more relaxing than hearing sounds of ocean, a light rain or a nighttime forest while steeped in a hot bath?
Scented Candles - Don’t underestimate the power of the right mood-lighting and aromas when transforming your tub. There’s nothing worse than leaning into a hot tub to unwind than staring up at an ugly florescent light or taking a deep breath mid-soak only to inhale the smell of your cleaners under the sink. Stick with scents within the same family. If you want fruits, think citrus peels. For florals, opt for rosewater or lavendar. Mixing can lead to some funky smells. And while you’ll certainly be too calmed to notice much, make sure you keep an eye out for any fire hazards and place candles in a safe spot.{relatedarticles}
Body Scrubs - Having a truly refreshing bath means not only recharging mentally but giving your body a polish as well, and body scrubs can do the trick. Break out a yummy-smelling body scrub and give yourself the extra attention on oft-overlooked (and probably rough) body parts like the heels, knees and elbows. Using a body scrub in the tub is more effective than a regular shower as your skin will be softened by soaking in warm water. Just like bath fizzies, scrubs also come in a multitude of scents for whatever mood you want to achieve.
Mellow Tunes - Besides the oh-so-relaxing crash of the waves from your sound machine, some low-tempo music will work wonders on taming the monsters of a stressful day. Music can stimulate the serotonin and dopamine receptors in your brain and will complete the night by being the third in the relaxation trifecta of touch, smell and sound. Classical music is definitely the go-to for anyone in need of relaxing, but any slow jam that you are digging on, be it Sade or Amy Winehouse, will transport you to the land of nod.{relatedarticles}
Bath Pillow - Not everyone has the space for a spacious bathtub that’s easy to relax in, especially those with the already mentioned husband, kidsand dog. Sometimes sitting down and lying back in a hard tub can be uncomfortable on the neck or back and ruin the effect of a “spa night.” This is where the bath pillow shines. You can usually find these at a home supply or department store for a relatively low price. A few of these pillows can be inflated and attached to the walls of the tub with suction cups to provide you a comfy place to recline.
A Warm Herbal Tea - Enhance your stress-free state of mind by sipping on a caffeine-free herbal tea such as mint or lavender. Not only will herbal tea help your body relax, wrapping your hands around a warm mug can make the experience even cozier.
A Bite of Chocolate - Most people agree with the character Frasier Crane and his brother Niles from the titular show Frasier, that eating in the bathroom is unacceptable. However, if you are unwinding from a long day of hassles and enjoying your herbal tea or perhaps even a glass of bubbly, why not sneak in one sweet treat? Slowly savoring the flavor of a Ferrero Rocher or Godiva chocolate while your muscles release may be the most appetizing aspect of your “spa” trip.
A Thick Moisturizing Lotion - Once you’re at the end of your bath, you’ll want to seal in all the moisture your body has absorbed. Using a moisturizing lotion or oil such as Shea butter or coconut oil can help your skin stay soft and supple long after your bath is over. Before you towel off, lather yourself up with a moisturizer focusing especially on the areas you exfoliated with the body scrub like your knees, elbows and feet.{relatedarticles}
Fluffy Towels and a Bathrobe - Keep the comfort going after your bath by drying off with a thick, fluffy and absorbent towel. Stay warm and cozy by wrapping up in an equally luxurious bathrobe. These might sound expensive but comb the bargain bins at the local department store and stock up. By keeping these out of reach of the kids and breaking them out on your special bath nights, you’ll feel like you really did spend a night at the spa.
Incorporate any -- or all -- of these indulgent bath accessories into your at-home spa night, for a break from your usually hectic routine. There's no quicker route to restoring relaxation and sanity to your life. We promise these helpful hints will bring new meaning to bath time.
