How to Take a Relaxing Bath

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: September 29, 2022 References

Taking a bath is an ancient practice. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks were known to take baths for health and beauty purposes.^{[1]
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Research source} Today, taking a bath can be an excellent way to relax and to feel rejuvenated. To take the perfect bath, consider all of the things that will relax you as you soak in your own private retreat.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Setting a Relaxing Scene

1
Gather materials. Nothing is more annoying than sinking in the tub only to realize that you have forgotten your towel. Whatever you plan on using in the tub, gather it before you get into the water. Things to consider having:
- Scented bath oil
- Body lotion
- Face mask
- Hair products (shampoo/conditioner)
- Soap
- Body scrub
- Bath salts
- Waterproof bath pillow or rolled hand towel
- Candles
- Music
- Bathrobe
- Bath sheets/towels
- Another thing to do to make it a better bath, always and I mean ALWAYS to to the toilet before having your bath, nothing is going to kill the mood more than having to leave half way through!
2
Place and light candles. Candles are great for relaxing as they create a softer, more ambient light. You can use your favorite scented candles to add an extra relaxing aroma.
- Pick a scent that relaxes you. Suggestions include vanilla, lavender, verbena, or whatever you prefer. ^{[2]
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- Place candles safely. Avoid placing them near anything flammable such as draperies, towels, or paper products.
- If you are placing candles around the tub, be careful not to accidentally burn yourself on them. Also, be careful not to knock them into the water.
- Avoid wax drips by using candles in holders or self-contained in jars.
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3
Play music. Music has many neurological effects and can be very relaxing.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
PLOS ONE
Online peer-reviewed, open access scientific research journal
Go to source} It can help you to relax and reduce stress. Play your favorite music while taking a bath.
- There are waterproof speakers you can purchase that stick to the side of the tub or shower.
- Avoid bringing electronics into the bath with you. Water can damage your electronics.
- To play music, try setting your smartphone or tablet on the sink (or another dry area) to play music through its speaker.
4
Place towels and/or bathrobe. Place them near the tub so you do not have to search for them when getting out. For extra comfort, warm up your towels in a dryer before your bath.
- Another effective way to keep your towels warm is to hang them above a heat vent in your bathroom. Be careful not to place them directly over a heat source as it may cause a fire hazard.^{[4]
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5
Prepare your skin. If you do not plan on getting your hair or face wet, you can use a face mask or exfoliant on your skin for extra pampering. Place this on your face before you get into the tub to let it set and relax you.
- There are many DIY face mask recipes out there. For example, an avocado (1 large avocado) and honey (2 tablespoons) mask is very easy and contains many healthy vitamins and minerals for your face.^{[5]
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6
Announce your intention. If you live with others, you may find it difficult to get time to yourself. Make sure you tell the others in your household that you plan on taking a relaxing bath and you wish for some time alone. This will help mitigate intrusion and help you relax without worrying about interruptions.
- Consider locking the door for extra privacy.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Preparing Your Bath

1
Start with a clean tub. A grungy tub does not make for a relaxing bath. Start with a clean tub for best results.
- A quick way to clean a tub without a harsh chemical smell is to use baking soda. This cuts through soap scum without harsh smells. You can make a simple baking soda paste with 1 cup baking soda and add water for the desired consistency.
- Add the paste to the tub and let it dry. Wipe out the baking soda with a warm sponge, making sure to scrub any stubborn residue.
2
Run warm, not hot, water. You will want a water temperature warm enough to relax you but not hot enough to damage your skin or burn you. Try to get a temperature between 95-101 degrees Fahrenheit.^{[6]
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- Make sure the drain is closed and fill the tub.
3
Infuse your bath water. While the water is running, add desired infusions such as bubble bath or oils. The running water will disperse the bubbles and scents more easily.
- If you wait until the tub is full and the water is off, the oil may just sink to the bottom of the tub.
- Choose a scent that you like that makes you feel good. Good scents may be something like honey, almond, lavender, sea salt, vanilla.
4
Consider adding salts. You can use bath bombs or epsom salt to help with relaxation.^{[7]
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- Epsom salt baths include many benefits including pain relief, stress relief, and skin care.
- Bath bombs come in many scents! They are also quite easy to make and can provide an interesting fizz to a normal bath.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Relaxing in the Tub

1
Get into the tub. Once the tub is full of warm, scented water, slowly get into the tub and lower yourself into the water. Be careful as areas may be slick.
- If you want to rest your head against the tub, you can use a waterproof bath pillow or hand towel (rolled length-wise). Place the pillow or towel behind your neck and relax.
2
Close your eyes. This will help your mind relax more efficiently.^{[8]
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Research source} You can try to meditate by breathing in through your mouth and out through pursed lips. This will help you relax. If desired dip your head underwater to get your hair and face wet.
- Be careful not to get too relaxed and fall asleep. This can cause you to drown.
3
Avoid electronics. You do not want to be interrupted or distracted by the outside world. Try to leave electronics like smartphones out of the bathroom or away from reach. This is the time for solitude.
- You may choose to use your smartphone to listen to music. Try to avoid using it for internet browsing or for checking your e-mail.
4
Finish your bath. When you are sufficiently relaxed or the water has gone cold, grab a towel and get out of the bath. Wrap yourself up and dry yourself off.
- Put lotion on your body to moisturize your skin. This will trap the moisture into your skin.
- Wash off your facemask, if applicable.

Community Q&A

Question

Is it a good idea to take a shower before taking a bath?

Community Answer

Yes. Taking a shower beforehand washes away unwanted debris. That way you will not be laying in filthy, contaminated water!
Question

What if I am covered in soap and I am on the step where it says to get out of the tub?

Community Answer

Drain the bathtub and turn the shower on. Stand under the shower and rinse the soap away, then turn the shower off and get out of the tub.
Question

What should I do if I do not have bath bombs or Epsom salt?

Community Answer

You can use sea salt instead of Epsom salt if you wish to add it to your bath directly. You can also add a little lemon juice to your bath if you would like.

Warnings

Always be careful when there is an open flame. A fire is definitely not part of a relaxing bath!

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Some perfumed products may cause yeast infections, urinary tract infections, or other discomforts in women. If you are prone to these, consider a relaxing shower instead.

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Hot water can dry out your skin and cause cracking or dermatitis. Avoid frequent hot baths.

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