Introduction
In the hustle and bustle of life, rest and relaxation often take a back seat. Stress, anxiety, and other health-related issues are on the rise due to a persistent lack of self-care routines. It's time to reflect and embrace traditional, accessible, and proven methods for self-care. One such practice, shown to boost mental and physical wellbeing, is enjoying a warm, therapeutic bath soak. This essay aims to offer persuasive arguments to embrace the calming effects of bath soaks.
The Power of Warm Water Soak
Warm water has been used for millennia for its restorative properties. As Ophardt (2003) points out, the ancient Greeks and Romans recognized the benefits of thermal baths (1). Soaking in warm water promotes muscular relaxation, improves circulation, and helps release toxins, thereby rejuvenating the body (2).
Resource: (1) Ophardt, Charles E. "Bath Soak." Virtual Chembook, Elmhurst College, 2003, https://chemistry.elmhurst.edu/vchembook/650bath.html
(2) Patel, A et al. “Effects of a Bath on Various Systems of Human Body: A Review.” IOSR Journal of Pharmacy, 2020, https://iosrphr.org/papers/v10i8/E1008022330.pdf
The Calming Effect of Essential Oils
Essential oils, added to warm baths, offer a wealth of mental health benefits. Lavender oil is celebrated for its relaxing effect, alleviating stress and improving sleep quality. Peppermint oil relieves fatigue, while eucalyptus oil offers respiratory benefits (3). These oils not only transport us to a state of tranquility but also directly boost our overall health.
Resource: (3) Lakhan, SE, and Sheafer, H. "Essential Oils for Complementary Treatment of Surgical Patients: State of the Art." Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3995208/
Meditative Property of Bath Soaks
Soaking in a warm bath can act as a form of meditation. According to Holmes (2018), the calm and quiet environment aids in introspection, helping to clear the mind and promoting a state of peace and relaxation (4).
Resource: (4) Holmes, Lindsay. "The Science behind Why a Bath Can Make You Feel Better." Huffpost, 2018, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-baths-are-great-for-your-health_n_5800809de4b0162c043c11d2
Hydration and Skin Health
Contrary to the belief that soaking may dehydrate the skin, it may provide benefit to skin hydration if done properly. Dermatologists note that hydration can be optimized by adding moisturizing oils or salts to the bath. Additionally, a gentle after-bath moisturizer can lock in moisture, leading to softer and healthier skin (5).
Resource: (5) Fox, MD et al. "Effects of Water Immersion on Skin Health: A Controlled Trial." Dermatitis, 2020, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32826769/
Conclusion
Embracing the practice of bathing, not just for cleanliness but as a wellness ritual, is a simple yet powerful self-care practice. It offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, transforming a daily routine into an enriching, soothing experience. The warmth of water, the therapeutic effects of essential oils, and the meditative property of quietude all converge in a bath soak, providing a holistic approach to relaxation. Therefore, it is high time we turn the faucet, pour some bath salts, drop a few essential oil droplets, and immerse ourselves in the calming effects of a bath soak. There is much to gain and nothing to lose, other than stress!
Bath Soaks, Relaxation Techniques, Warm Water Therapy
