I recently started going back to the gym; I’ve been putting in work trying to tame my bulging gut in time for this summers festivities. I go to the gym at least three days a week. Dividing my body concentrations between upper body, core, and lower body. So far, so good. I am still getting into the swing of things. Exercising and attempting to eat right is a challenge. A challenge in which I am determined to overcome.
I often leave the gym sore and fatigued. I haven’t used my “core” muscles in what seems like years and my body constantly reminds me of that fact. To keep up with my routine, I meet up with a different friend on my scheduled workout days. It keeps me motivated and I get to catch up with them on their day to day conundrums. Kills two birds with one stone. Multi-tasking at its finest.
Today happens to be International Bath Day! I swear every day is International “Something” Day! LOL, I thought for a moment. Who has time to take a bath? I can’t even remember the last time I actually sat and soaked in a tub. Like most busy people, showers are preferred. So in honor of International Bath Day, I decided to you guessed it….take a bath. But not just any bath…I want to create a special bath, a luxurious bath, a bath that would relieve my tired and aching muscles after work, but to help me relax after a long day at work.
“EUREKA!” HISTORY LESSON
Naturally, my curiosity got the better of me and I had to find out the significance of International Bath Day. I did some research and discovered that this day was created based on the discoveries of the Greek mathematician, scientist, and scholar Archimedes. He discovered that an object’s volume could be accurately measured by being submerged in water. Excited by his new found discovery, he hopped out of the tub and ran down the streets of Syracuse Greece shrieking “EUREKA, EUREKA,”! June 14th is the day in which he hopped out of the tub…and so “eureka” International Bath Day was authenticated.
ME TIME, QUIET TIME, BATH TIME….
I am advocating for “me time”. Matter of fact I actually wrote a post about how I created a quiet time amidst my hectic schedule to prevent mental and physical burnout. You can read it here.
Here are a few things that you can do to create your special oasis.
1. Remove any & all distractions (This includes, cell phones, iPad, etc) You will find that you will relax so much better when your distractions are eliminated.
2. Schedule your bath at a time when you are least likely to be disturbed. Such as after the children have gone to sleep, and when your hubby is engaged in sports on television.
3. Candles: Candlelight is very soothing. Grab some candles and scatter them around the bathroom. Lavender and Chamomile scented candles aid relaxation.
4. Face Masks: You know I love sheet masks. But, who said that it has to be limited to once a week? Not I? A good sheet mask would not only help you relax, but it’s great for your skincare routine too. I personally prefer a sheet mask, but any mask will do!
5. Hydration: This is an excellent time to pop open a bottle of wine, which is what I fully intend to do. Moscato is my absolute favorite. Not a wine drinker? Chamomile tea, chilled water with lemon slices or other fresh fruit, coffee or even your favorite soft drink.
6. Music: I can not emphasize enough about the importance of music. Soft music is essential for relaxation. I personally prefer classical or jazz selections.
SALT, OILS, BUBBLES! OH YEAH!
Creating your luxurious and relaxing bath is pretty simple. Most would just add loads of bubbles to the warm water and call it a day. Let’s step it up a notch, shall we? All it takes is a little imagination and a few ingredients that can found in your kitchen or local supermarket. Here are a few easy recipes that I came across that would make your next bath one to remember.
1. Post Workout Bath: Add 1 cup Epsom Salt, 1/4 cup of Sea Salt, 1/4 cup of Baking Soda, 5 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil and 3 tsp of finely ground Ginger.
2. Milk & Honey Bath: 1 Cup of Milk, 1/2 cup of Honey, 1/2 cup of Oats.
3. Bedtime Bath: 1 cup of Epsom Salt, 1/2 cup of Salt, 8 drops of Lavender essential oil and finally a few tsp of crushed Lavender.
In honor of International Bath Day; grab some wine, your favorite music, a few candles and ENJOY!
Do you like taking baths? What things to do enjoy during bath time? Let me know in the comments below.
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