How does a relaxing shower sound? Showering is a significant part of everyone's morning routine, which is why with these 14 tips, you can achieve finally achieve the most relaxing shower ever.
We all know how there's nothing like a long hot shower to relax your muscles and clear your mind. But sometimes, showers can feel more like a chore than a relaxing experience.
Which is why if you're looking to relax in the shower, these tips will help you achieve a spa like experience. From adding aromatherapy or plants to lighting candles or incense, these tips will make your shower much more enjoyable.
Benefits of Taking a Shower
The benefits of taking a shower include:
1. Improves immune function.
When showering, water pressure and temperature remove dirt, sebum, sweat and environmental pollutants while soap helps emulsify them; this process leaves your skin clean and removes potential sources of infection.
2. Eases muscle aches and pains.
Showering with warm water eases muscle aches and pains because water pressure increases blood flow which relaxes your muscles, and steam helps loosen up tight muscles.
3. Reduces swelling.
Lymphatic drainage is the process of removing toxins and waste products from your body.
When the lymph nodes are blocked, it can cause swelling in the surrounding tissues but showering helps improve lymphatic drainage which reduces swelling in your body.
4. Improves mood.
Showering releases endorphins, which are hormones that have a painkilling and stress-relieving effect.
The combination of heat and water pressure from the shower can help to release these endorphins, providing you with an instant mood boost.
5. Increases blood flow.
Soaking in a hot shower combined with massage-like motions from the water pressure is what helps your body create heat and, as a result, dilate blood vessels which increases blood flow.
This increased blood flow allows your body to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your tissues, which helps you feel more alert and energized.
6. Makes it easier to breathe.
The steam from a hot shower helps loosen mucus and phlegm in the chest and sinuses, making it easier to cough or blow your nose.
7. Helps you feel more alert.
The refreshing feeling of a cold shower can help your body wake you and make you feel more alert.
How to make a shower relaxing?
If you want to take your relaxation one step further, here are 14 tips that will help you achieve a relaxing shower:
Tip #1: Dry brush your skin (before opening the shower).
Dry brushing is an ancient Ayurvedic practice with many benefits; it helps get rid of dead skin cells, leaving you with a brighter complexion.
It also stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which are essential for healthy skin. Plus, it feels really good!
A couple of minutes of dry brushing before your shower is a great way to relax and prepare your skin for the day ahead.
Tip #2: Use aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is one of the oldest and most natural ways to relax, which is why you can either use a diffuser or your shower gel or shampoo and add a few drops of oil to release the aroma which will help you destress.
All essential oils have different properties, so choose one based on your needs; some popular ones have calming and relaxing properties, including lavender, chamomile, and rosemary.
Tip #3: Light candles or incense.
Light candles or incense to mask any unpleasant smells in your bathroom for a more calming and relaxing ambiance. Purchase candles or incense that have scents you enjoy!
Tip #4: Set the mood with lighting.
Lighting plays a big role in relaxation; if you're starting your day, make sure your bathroom lighting is as bright as possible. If you have a window in your bathroom, open the curtains or blinds to let in natural light.
On the other hand, if you're done with your day and need to destress before going to bed, make sure you dim the lights to set the mood.
After you're done showering and have your PJs on, top it off by drinking Chamomile Tea, I can guarantee you'll sleep like a baby.
Tip #5: Play soothing music.
Music has a powerful effect on our mood, so why not use it to relax in the shower? Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have a wide range of playlists that you can listen to, and you can either stream music from your phone or laptop or use a Bluetooth speaker.
If you're like me and prefer listening to music from inside the shower without worrying about getting your phone wet, you need to purchase a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. There are many great relaxing shower speakers on the market that will allow you to listen to your favorite music while you shower.
Tip #6: Add some plants.
Did you know nature has a calming effect on our minds? Adding plants to your bathroom, even if it's just a small pot of succulents, is not only visually appealing but also improves air quality and produces a scent that helps you relax.
Tip #7: Invest in a good and relaxing shower head.
A quality shower head can make all the difference in terms of water pressure and temperature control.
Tip #8: Install a rain shower head (it's a game changer).
If you've never experienced a rain shower head, you're missing out! They mimic rainfall, which is therapeutic for the mind and body. So if you're looking to upgrade your current shower head, consider installing a rain shower head instead.
They come in various shapes and sizes, so you can find one that's perfect for your personal needs and preference. They're also easy to install because most models simply attach to your existing one.
Tip #9: Use a shower filter.
If you're concerned about the chemicals in your water, consider using a shower filter to reduce the amount of chlorine you absorb, which can irritate your skin, eyes and lungs.
Tip #10: Use warm water (your skin and body will thank you).
Warm relaxing showers have been shown to have many benefits, including improved circulation, relaxed muscles, and soothed aches and pains.
Additionally, warm water helps open up your pores and cleanse your skin and promotes better sleep at night.
Tip #11: Use Shower Bombs (just throw them on the shower floor).
If you're looking for a way to take your relaxation up a notch, consider using shower bombs.
They are small, round discs of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and citric acid that fizzes when wet (giving off a similar experience to a bubble bath) and releases essential oils and other beneficial ingredients like Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil, Almond Oil, etc; making it perfect if you have dry skin.
These relaxing shower products not only make your bathroom smell amazing but also help gently exfoliate and soften dry skin.
Tip #12: Use a body scrub, washcloth, sponge or loofah (and get rid of dead skin cells).
A body scrub, washcloth, sponge and loofah all help exfoliate your skin while you shower; take your time to gently scrub yourself to avoid irritation and be careful not to drop either (depending on the one you choose for yourself) of these relaxing shower products on the shower floor.
Tip #13: Use a relaxing shower massager.
Using a relaxing shower massager to gently massage your scalp while you shampoo stimulates blood flow which helps get rid of tension headaches to promote relaxation.
Tip #14: Take your time and enjoy a relaxing shower experience.
The best way to relax in the shower is to take your time! Soak in the water and let all your worries fade away as you enjoy some "me" time in the shower.
With these tips in mind, you can turn your everyday shower into a relaxing shower experience. So why not give them a try? You may be surprised at how much difference they make! It's time you start taking time for yourself and let the shower melt the stress away.