How to take a mindful bath
Parent Post
A bath meditation combines
A bath meditation combines the benefits of meditation with a relaxing hot bath, providing a calming atmosphere, and a feeling of escape from stressors.
The hot bath water slows the parasympathetic nervous system making it easier to breathe deeply.
Here are some guidelines that can help you formulate a mindful bathing routine.
Create the timeStart by
Create the time
Start by setting the stage.
Lay the mental groundwork for your bath, making sure you have enough uninterrupted time set aside and thinking about what you want out of it.
Establishing the intent and purpose behind your bath before starting will help determine how to progress.
Get out of the
Get out of the bath
Staying in the tub too long can dry out your skin. Keep your baths to a maximum of 20 minutes — or until your fingers start to get wrinkly.
These 20 minutes of relaxing can induce theta waves — brain waves that are healing, relaxing, peaceful and soothing.
Prepare the environmentOnce you’ve
Prepare the environment
Once you’ve established the purpose of your bath, build a calming environment that’s conducive to meditation.
Engage all of your senses during your mindful bath: sight, smell, sound, touch, and even taste. As such, you should keep these in mind when making your preparations.
- Dim the lights and remove any clutter from around the tub.
- Lit candles can help create a soothing atmosphere.
- Play some low, soothing music.
Ease back into lifeWhen
Ease back into life
When you finish your mindful bath, don’t just climb out. That will completely undo the calming mindset.
Instead, bring yourself out of your bath slowly, gently, and mindfully. Pay attention to the sounds, smells, and sights you’re experiencing even as you put your clothes on.
Prepare the bathUse bath
Prepare the bath
Use bath salts, bubbles, and essential oils but consider the intent behind your bath when making your selection.
Mineral salts improve breathing, circulation, and digestion. Milk baths hydrate skin, reduce inflammation, and help exfoliate.
Get in the bath
Get in the bath and relax
Pay attention to what is happening to you, and the sounds, smells, and feelings that you’re experiencing.
Approach your bath with a “beginner’s mind,” noticing your environment as though encountering it for the first time, and considering how doing so changes your experience.