Five Tips for a Relaxing Bath Experience

Every night millions of Homo sapiens go in search of a relaxing bath experience. Not all achieve it, possibly because they don't have the following five tips. Below you'll find five tips that are sure to help you enjoy a relaxing bath experience.

1. Choose relaxing scents. Not all scents are created equal. Certain scents such as mint are meant to be energizing and are best used in the morning when you might be in need of a rejuvenating bathing experience. Scents like lavender and chamomile are intended to be relaxing and are a much better choice for your nighttime bath. You can use scented bath salts, bath beads, a few drops of essential oil, or even scented body oil to infuse your bath water with your desired scent.

2. No pets (and/or kids). Interruptions from kids and pets are not conducive to a relaxing bath experience. Have dad watch the kids during your designated home "spa" experience. Your toddler building a tower out of every washcloth you own is probably going to annoy you as you contemplate just how much new laundry you'll have to do tomorrow. Also, shut the bathroom door. There really is nothing more annoying than a German shepherd who decides to drink your bath water, suds and all. (Ah, I guess I should feel honored he likes to check to see if I'm still breathing.)

3. Avoid washing your hair during a nighttime bath. If you don't mind going to bed with wet hair, then this tip won't apply to you. Otherwise, you should avoid washing your hair during what is intended to be a relaxing bath experience. Using a blow dryer is certainly going to have the opposite effect of helping you achieve relaxation. Wash your hair in the morning instead.

4. Pay attention to lighting: the less lighting, the better. Turn the lights off and use candles to provide a dim and relaxing backdrop. It's even better if you match your candle scent to your bath scent. If you add lavender essential oil to your bath, use lavender-scented candles as well. Just remember to blow out the candles when you're finished.

5. Make sure your bed is completely prepared before your begin your bath. The goal of a relaxing bath ideally is to fall asleep soon afterward. If you have to hunt down your pillow (because your kids used it to build a fort in the dining room) or you can't find any clean pajamas, you'll end up frustrated. Preparation is key, so get everything you'll need later ready before you begin your bath.