An Expert's Recipe for Relaxation: A Simple Bath?

The kids are screaming. The laundry's piling up. The boss asked you to work late - again. Sound familiar? You work hard and you deserve a break, so why not pamper yourself with a little relaxation? Look no farther than your bathroom for serenity. Soak it up in a calming bath and let your cares float away.

A little prep work will go a long way in ensuring a tranquil escape from the demands of everyday life. Use this recipe for an indulgent, soothing soak:

Make time for you

"Make a commitment to yourself", says Sarah, a massage therapist and yoga instructor who founded the Enlightenment Center and practices at the famed Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, CT. "Give yourself a space and a time to devote to your own care", she says. Choose a time of day when you will be free of interruptions - turn off the phone, send the kids to a friend's house, and allow yourself to fully unwind in the moment. "Relaxation will come when you allow yourself to detach and be in the present moment fully", says Sarah.

It's all about the ambiance

Illuminate your bathroom with the dim glow of candlelight and play music softly in the background - think classical, new age, ambient or instrumental.

Turn up the heat

Keeping both the bathroom and bath water warm will help to ensure a comfortable environment. The ideal water temperature is around 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Relaxation is in the air

As the bath water runs, add 4-5 drops of 100 percent pure essential oil (avoid synthetic oils, which are manmade alternatives). Many essential oils are known for their calming properties, including lavender, jasmine, ylang ylang and rose. "But", Sarah advises, "trust your intuition on which scent you like best." "That", she says, "will ultimately be most beneficial to you."

Breathe.

"Be conscious of your breath", advises Sarah. "Breathing helps to bring you back to a calm place. When you're focused on breathing, your mind can't be busy", she says. "Breathe deeply. Visualize inhaling through the top of the head, and exhaling through the feet."

This moment is all about you - sit back, relax and let your cares float away...even if it's just three minutes before the first knock on the door!

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