Pampering the body by soaking in warm or hot water is a luxury. It can help you relax after a long day, keep you warm on a cold night, or relieve muscle aches and pains. With just a little preparation, you can turn your bathroom into a private spa and walk out of it feeling clean, comfortable, and relaxed.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Getting Ready
Step 1. Rinse the tub if you haven't already cleaned it
A good time to clean the tub is right after taking a shower. However, if this is long gone, you certainly don't want to get into a tub filled with mold and grime.
Use a mixture of warm water and white vinegar in equal proportions to spray the tub. Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes before you wipe it off with a sponge or cloth. Rinse the tub with clean water and wipe again. Alternatively, you can use cleaning products, wet wipes, and sprays specifically designed for the bathroom
Step 2. Close the drain and fill the tub with water
You may have to flip the lever near the faucet, or install a plug to close the drain in the tub. If you're unsure whether the stopper is working, just fill the tub with a little water. If the stopper works properly, the volume of water in the tub will not decrease. If the stopper is broken, missing, or ineffective, you can make a temporary plug so you can still shower comfortably:
- Place a flat rubber gripper jar (usually used to open stubborn lids) over the tub drain.
- Wet a towel and twist it, then slide it into the drain, but don't push it too deep into the drain.
- Put an unused cup of coffee into the open drain.
- If the cover is a pop-up type, apply water pipe putty around the drain cover.
Step 3. Adjust the water temperature not to exceed 38 °C
While you may find hot water relaxing, too hot water can irritate the nervous system and lower blood pressure. Your heart will pump harder, and you may feel nauseous and dizzy. In addition, this condition will actually make you unable to relax and sleep after a hot shower.
To ensure the right water temperature, use a thermometer. This is very important when you are pregnant
Tip:
Use your wrist to test the water, not your hand. This can give a more accurate test result of the temperature of the water that you will feel throughout your body later.
Step 4. Fill the tub to 2/3 full, and turn off the water
Remember, when you get into the tub, the water level will rise. If you fill it to the brim, the water will spill out and spill over in all directions.
Place a bath mat or towel on the floor to catch any water that might spill out when you shower, or drip off your body when you get out of the tub. This is to prevent you from slipping and falling when stepping out of the tub
Step 5. Bring a cold drink and a washcloth moistened with cold water if desired
When you soak in warm water, your body will try to cool you down by sweating. This can dehydrate you quickly. So, replace lost fluids by drinking lots of water. You can also prevent overheating by placing a cold washcloth on your forehead.
- Drink water that has been mixed with cucumber or lemon, and avoid drinks that are diuretics (such as soda, alcohol, coffee, or caffeinated tea) as they can exacerbate dehydration.
- If you feel dizzy after bathing, treat this by drinking water and relieve body heat by cooling your forehead, feet, or hands.
Part 2 of 3: Improving the Bathing Experience
Step 1. Create a relaxing environment
If you're taking a shower to relax, the bright lights overhead and loud neighboring noises will distract from your goals. Replace it with a dim lamp or light a candle. Play soothing music, such as classical music or ambient noise, such as waves or birds.
- If there is a curtain in the tub, cover all or half of the curtain to trap steam and heat. Make sure the curtain doesn't dip in the tub.
- If there is a heater in the bathroom, turn on the appliance so that the temperature outside the bath is not too cold. Running hot water in a bathtub with the door closed can also create a warm environment. Do not expose the wet heater to water.
- Do not use electronic devices in the bath. This is extremely dangerous (and life-threatening). While a cell phone or e-reader may not be able to electrocute you if dropped in water, the device will be damaged.
- Be careful when using candles. Candles can roll off when you shower and start a fire. Do not place candles near the bath without using a guard.
- Have a book or magazine ready to read. Thin books are easier to read in the tub than thick ones.
Step 2. Add foam, salt, or essential oil
Make your shower more personal by adding foam or bath bombs (solid chemicals that dissolve and become foamy when exposed to water); essential oils for aromatherapy and maintaining skin moisture; or some items such as honey, Epsom salts, or oatmeal to heal or soothe muscles and skin.
- Add oil or other ingredients while the tub is still half full so that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the water.
- If you want to get the moisturizing benefits, use at least 1 cup of the oil every time you shower.
Step 3. Use a face mask or hair treatment
This is a good time to pamper yourself. Exfoliate the body using a sugar scrub. Apply a mud or face mask and place cucumber slices on your eyes to soothe and relieve puffiness. Apply hair care oil and deep conditioning the hair.
- Try using a moisturizing mask if you have dry skin or you're afraid your skin will dry out when you shower.
- Use a mud mask for very smooth skin. This is perfect if your skin is large or oily.
- Tea tree oil can be used to get rid of dandruff and moisturize dry hair.
- Try applying some Moroccan oil to your hair if you have fine, non-greasy hair.
Step 4. Massage your body
Place a small ball between the body and the tub. Massage your back muscles by moving your body over the ball. You can adjust the pressure by elevating your body slightly if you feel the massage is too strong.
- Also try massaging your face to relax it.
- Massage the temples in a circular motion using your fingertips. This can relieve tension and relieve headaches.
- If you have a cold, try massaging the bridge of your nose to open your sinuses. Pinch the bridge of the nose and move the finger clips toward the nostrils.
Step 5. Buy a bathrobe or soft towel to use after bathing
Continue your excitement once you get out of the tub. This can be achieved by wearing a large soft bathrobe or a plush soft towel.
Put a bathrobe or towel in the bathroom so you can use it right away
Part 3 of 3: Bath
Step 1. Take a shower in no more than 30 minutes
There is a difference of opinion as to the exact length of bath time, but this ranges from 15 to 30 minutes. Bathing for a long time can dry out the skin. Shriveled fingers are a sign that you need to get out of the tub.
- If you want to take a long soak, be sure to moisturize as soon as you get out of the tub.
- Bath salts can relieve muscle soreness, but they can dry out the skin quickly. Don't soak too long if you use salt.
Step 2. Do not use soap, or use it at the end
Hot water will dry out the skin, and soapy water has the potential to damage the skin. Soap can strip away the natural oils on your skin, so it's best to use a body wash or gel instead. If you still want to use soap, wait until you're done soaking. This way, you won't have to soak in the soapy water for at least 15 more minutes.
- Look for bubble baths that contain moisturizing oils, or add oil to bubble baths to prevent dry skin.
- Use fatty soap. This soap contains a lot of oil that will moisturize the skin.
Step 3. Give yourself a quick shower before or after soaking in the tub (optional)
There are differences of opinion about the best time to rinse the body with water, whether after or before soaking in the tub. Washing your body before bathing will make it easier to exfoliate, and your body will be clean when you get into the tub. Washing your body after bathing will help remove any mask, oil, and conditioner that may still be stuck to your body.
Step 4. Apply moisturizer and pat dry the skin
Skin that is still wet is almost like a sponge. When you apply moisturizer right after you shower, your skin will absorb it to its full potential. Pat your skin gently with a towel and don't rub it vigorously as this can irritate your skin and strip away any moisturizer you've applied.
Try using coconut oil, shea butter, or cocoa butter for moisturizing. "Butter" and "oil" are more intensive types of moisturizer than "lotion."
Step 5. Drain the water and wipe the tub with a clean cloth
Take some time to wipe off any remaining oil and moisture to prevent build-up of dirt, soap residue, and mildew.
Rinse the tub with clean water, then wipe the tub with clean, dry glass cleaner, a microfiber cloth, or a soft sponge
Warning
- Always check the water before you shower to make sure it's not too cold or too hot.
- Be careful not to slip when getting in and out of the tub.
- Falling asleep in the tub can drown you. Fill the tub with a little water to avoid this happening.
- Never use electronic devices in or around the bath. This is a very dangerous act, and it can electrocute you and cause death.
