Taking a warm bath is one of the oldest and most common forms of self-care. People have been taking baths for thousands of years for detoxification, relaxation, and hygiene. Personally, it is one of my absolute favorite ways to practice self-care.

Not only is bathing incredibly therapeutic and relaxing, it also relieves stress and helps me to clear my mind when it’s full of racing thoughts. And, it feels so good for sore muscles.

A proper bath routine is essential, and the ultimate self-care bath should include everything you need to make the experience ultra relaxing. Hey, maybe I do take baths pretty seriously, but that’s okay!

Here is everything you need to do to create the best self-care bath routine.

1. Prepare your space

It’s important that your bathroom is clean and comfortable so you can properly relax. I suggest cleaning your bathroom the day before you want to indulge in a self-care bath. That way, you can truly take the day to relax.

You also don’t want the bathroom smelling like bleach or cleaning solutions. By cleaning the day before, you’re giving it some time to air out, as well. Creating the perfect atmosphere is important, and a clean bathroom is a comfortable bathroom. I also suggest adding some plants or greenery to your bathroom to give it a natural and relaxing vibe.

Tip: It goes beyond the bathroom! I suggest changing your sheets on the bed so you have a clean, soft space to crawl into at the end of your self-care day.

2. Set your intentions

This is an important step when it comes to any self-care practice. Take a few moments to set your intentions for your bath and what you are looking to get out of it. It may seem a little crazy, but trust me, it makes sense. If you want your bath to be strictly about relaxation, you may want to use a bath bomb that has some aromatherapy oils in them. If it’s the dead of winter and you want to take care of your dry skin, you may want to use an exfoliating scrub during your bath.

Of course, you don’t need to put much thought into this. Just reflect for a few moments on why you’re in need of a self-care bath, and what your intentions are for the experience.

3. Set the mood

A relaxing self-care bath starts with the perfect atmosphere. You want to get all five of your senses involved when you’re preparing for your bath. Here are some ideas to set up the perfect space.

• Queue up a guided meditation or an inspirational podcast.
• Put on a relaxing playlist with your favorite artists.
• Find some colorful bath bombs that look, smell, and feel nice.
• Use a cozy bath pillow or bath caddy to place your things.
• Bring your favorite book or magazine.
• Take a break from social media and screens and set this time aside as “phone free”.
• Treat yourself to a fancy face mask or eye mask.
• Prepare a glass of iced tea, lemon water, or your favorite beverage for sipping.
• Use an essential oil diffuser to add ambiance and scents.
• Get your most comfortable pajamas, socks, or slippers ready for when you’re finished with your bath.

Whatever you decide to do in your bath, choose activities that suit your personal self-care needs. Consider whether you want your bath to be calming or invigorating. For example, I wouldn’t listen to a motivational podcast if I am looking to unwind after a busy day. Similarly, if I am looking to boost creativity or inspiration, I may not want to listen to nature sounds. It’s entirely up to you!

4. Get the temperature right

I am notorious for running baths that are really hot. I just love them! The perfect bath temperature is between 90° F and 100° F. So, don’t be afraid to use a thermometer to get the temperature right. It’s important that it’s absolutely perfect to ensure you are relaxed. Also, if the bath is too hot, it can dry out your skin and nobody enjoys that! Be sure to set a timer and be mindful of the time, as well.

5. Get the lighting just right

I suggest aiming for soft lighting, as it is best for a relaxing self-care bath routine. Even a bit of candle light is perfect. Also, baths aren’t just for the evening! You can try taking a bath during the day when the light is soft or natural sunlight is cascading through the windows.

6. Stay hydrated and nourished

Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your bath. It’s important to replace fluids you lost with all the heat and steam. I also suggest fresh fruit like berries, grapes, or sliced apples as a tasty snack. Keeping an iced water next to the bath is important.

7. Follow up with moisturizer

After your bath, it’s time to restore and nourish your skin. Now may be the perfect time to indulge in a body lotion you have had your eye on. After soaking, slather your body in something that is really hydrating for your skin.

8. Get yourself an after-bath treat

This can be anything, but I suggest getting yourself a little treat for after your bath. It really makes the whole experience that more special. It doesn’t even need to be an edible treat. You could buy yourself a new nail polish, a new pair of fuzzy socks, or even a colorful new pen for journaling.

9. Practice gratitude

After your self-care bath, it’s important to express gratitude. This is the perfect way to end any self-care practice. Spend a few moments thinking of some things in life you are grateful for. Express gratitude for the time you set aside to take care of yourself. Showing yourself love is important, and you should respect and recognize your need to practice self-care. You can also end your self-care bath routine with some guided breathing exercises.

By taking the time to create your self-care bath routine, you’re caring for your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Taking a soak in the tub is the perfect way to recharge and reset.

Self-Care Bath Routine Essentials

Here are some of my favorite self-care bath routine essentials. Of course, this is a personal decision and your bath should be all about you! But, here are some ideas to help you get started.

• Bath caddy – A bath caddy is a nice addition to any bath. It really allows you to bring a book, a drink, or a snack into the bath with you!
• Essential oils or candles – Remember when I said it was important to invigorate all of your senses during your bath? Candles and essential oils are a great way to tap into your sense of smell. Choose something that is relaxing. I like Eden’s Garden oils.
• Hydrating lotion – A good lotion for after your bath is a must! You’ll want to hydrate your skin properly after all that soaking.
• Eye mask – I love a good eye mask for the bath. Try a nice cooling one, or just use frozen cucumbers if you want. I like the Patchology ones because you can put them in the fridge!
• Waterproof bath pillow – A waterproof bath pillow
• Bath salts or bath bombs – I like strong-scented bath salts that help to relax the muscles. Choose a scent you like, or a color that brings you joy.

Now that you have all the tips you need to create the most relaxing bath experience ever, get ready to soak!