Bath
From Lowering Stress Naturally
When you are feeling uptight and in need of solitude it's not always easy to get away, especially if you are a busy mom. One of my favorite "mini vacations" that costs next to nothing and only takes about 45 minutes is an evening soak in the tub. The kids don't even notice I am missing, usually, since Dad is home too, and I figure that if it is truly an emergency they will manage to find me. The real challenge is ignoring whatever noises you hear on the other side of the bathroom door and creating a spa environment at home. Here are a few tips:
- Close the door and lock it! Banish the kids' tub toys to a basket or a closet. Dim the lights and/or light a few candles.
- Play soothing instrumental music, or just enjoy the blessed silence. Ear plugs might be a bonus, depending on your household!
- Add fragrant bath salts, bubble bath, or bath oil to cleanse and pamper your skin.
- After you soak for awhile use a loofah or bath sponge. A pumice stone will help with dry rough patches on feet, elbows, and knees.
- Lean back on a bath pillow (inflatable cushion with suction cup on back to attach to tub sides) and just enjoy the peaceful, soothing atmosphere.
- When you climb out be sure to have a large plush towel or bath wrap handy.
- Apply a creamy moisturizing lotion to replenish your skin before dressing.
- Finish with a cup of herbal tea to rehydrate.
It helps to collect all these supplies and keep them in a basket that you can grab whenever your sanity feels threatened. The effort of finding matches or a good CD is usually enough to convince me that I really shouldn't be taking the time to relax...which of course is proof that I need it desperately. The bath is a way to slow the pace of the day, appreciate what my senses are experiencing, letting my mind slow down and get things into perspective. Enjoy! ~las