Feeling Stressed? Here’s Why You Need to Make Time for Bath Time Self-Care
In the middle of juggling work, family, and a never-ending to-do list, self-care often takes a backseat. But sometimes, the simplest rituals can be the most powerful. One of the most overlooked and underrated ways to relax, reset, and restore both body and mind? A bath.
Yup, a good old-fashioned soak in the tub. It’s more than just a way to get clean—it’s an experience that can work wonders for your physical and emotional well-being. And the best part? You don’t have to leave home or spend spa-level dollars to enjoy it.
As a busy single mom, I totally get how hard it is to find even 20 minutes to yourself. But let me tell you—when I make the time to fill the tub, light a candle, pour a glass of wine (highly recommend), and soak in warm water for just a bit, I sleep better, feel calmer, and even notice my skin looks better. If you haven’t treated yourself to a bath in a while, it’s time to bring it back into your weekly routine.
Wine pairs so well with bath time.
The Science Behind the Soak
A warm bath can do so much more than clean your skin. It actually creates a full-body relaxation response. Here’s how:
- Relieves Stress & Anxiety: Warm water helps relax tense muscles and lowers cortisol levels (that’s the stress hormone). It sends signals to your brain that it’s time to slow down.
- Improves Blood Flow & Heart Health: The heat causes blood vessels to dilate, which increases circulation and can help lower blood pressure.
- Promotes Better Sleep: Bathing 1–2 hours before bed has been shown to help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
- Detoxifies Naturally: With the right ingredients, baths can help your body eliminate toxins through the skin.
Whether you’re trying to shake off a stressful day, soothe sore muscles, or just indulge in a little peace and quiet, bath time is the ultimate multitasker.
6 Powerful Bath Ingredients That Transform Your Tub
Now let’s talk about what you can add to your bath to take it from ordinary to spa-like. Here are six of my favorites and how each one supports your self-care goals:
1. Epsom Salt
Best For: Muscle pain, stress relief, detoxification
Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) are a naturally occurring mineral compound with a long history of use in health and wellness. When 1-2 cups are dissolved in warm water, Epsom salts break down into magnesium and sulfate, which can be absorbed through the skin. The human body does not naturally produce magnesium but is important to your overall health.
Soaking in an Epsom salt bath can help reduce stress by promoting the production of serotonin which is a mood-enhancing chemical in the brain. They also play a role in regulating stress hormones and lowering cortisol levels, which can help you feel calmer and more relaxed and can even help with concentration.
Epsom salts are believed to help draw out toxins from the body through the skin, making them an excellent addition to a detox bath. The sulfates in Epsom salts assist the liver in flushing out toxins and heavy metals.They are also believed to improve heart health and blood circulation reducing your risk of heart attack or disease.
Pro tip: Combine with lavender essential oil for the ultimate pre-bedtime soak. Just don’t use Epsom salts in a whirlpool tub unless your manual says it’s safe—those granules can wreak havoc on the jets.
2. Baking Soda
Best For: Skin irritation, detoxing, odor control
Baking soda isn’t just a helpful item in the kitchen. Adding ½ to 1 cup of baking soda in your bath helps neutralize skin pH, soothe itchiness, and reduce inflammation. It’s a great natural option if you deal with eczema, psoriasis, or even sinus issues. It can also help ease soreness after workouts and leave your skin feeling baby-soft.
Avoid using too much—more isn’t always better. Overdoing it can dry out your skin.
If you suffer from skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or itchy skin, a baking soda bath can provide relief. It has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help soothe itching and reduce inflammation.
If you’re suffering from sinus drainage or congestion, adding baking soda will help combat these symptoms by clearing up nasal passages. Some people use baking soda baths to help manage symptoms of yeast infections. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper treatment.
Baking soda baths may potentially help ease muscle soreness and fatigue after intense physical activity. If you’re looking for soft smooth skin, baking soda is a great addition to your bath.
3. Lavender
Best For: Stress, skin healing, better sleep
Just a few drops of lavender essential oil in warm water creates a calming, spa-like environment. Lavender helps reduce anxiety, boost mood, and even soothe menstrual cramps or headaches. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help heal minor cuts, scrapes, and insect bites., so your skin gets some love, too.
It’s also beneficial for soothing irritated skin, reducing redness, and promoting an even skin tone. Some people find that the calming effects of lavender can help alleviate headaches or migraines. Lavender also contributes to stress and anxiety relief, making it an ideal choice for a calming bath experience.
Tip: Always mix essential oils with a carrier like coconut oil or milk before adding to the bath to prevent skin irritation.
The anti-aging properties will leave your skin feeling silky smooth and bonus, it smells fantastic.
4. Oatmeal
Best For: Dry, sensitive, or irritated skin
Oatmeal baths have been around for generations—and for good reason. They lock in moisture, calm inflamed skin, and gently exfoliate. This is a must-try if you deal with eczema, rashes, or just want softer, smoother skin. Oatmeal acts as a gentle exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and reveal softer, smoother skin. Unlike harsh scrubs, oatmeal exfoliates without causing irritation, making it perfect for all skin types.
I recommend blending oats into a fine powder first, so you’re not stuck floating around in chunky oatmeal bits (been there, not fun). Oatmeal lotion after the bath helps lock in the soothing effects.
5. Coconut oil
Best For: Moisturizing, anti-aging, skin nourishment
Coconut oil is so versatile, you can use it in the kitchen or for a number of self care options. The gentle and moisturizing properties of natural coconut oil make it a great addition to bath time. Coconut oil is a powerful moisturizer that can deeply hydrate the skin. When added to a bath, it creates a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Regular use may also reduce the appearance of fine lines, help prevent premature aging and give your skin a beautiful glow.
Natural coconut oil is gentle on the skin, moisturizes and detoxifies. It contains vitamins and antioxidants that can nourish the skin. These nutrients may contribute to the overall health and appearance of your skin. Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants, which help to combat free radicals and prevent premature aging. Regular use of coconut oil in your bath can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
The liquid form of coconut oil will help it dissolve easier in the tub. Be sure to be careful with this though. Only add a few drops in as it will make your tub slippery.
6. Milk
Best For: Softening, brightening, exfoliating
Queen Cleopatra was onto something—milk baths are luxurious and super effective. Lactic acid gently exfoliates dead skin, while proteins and vitamins nourish and hydrate. Use full-fat milk or powdered milk for the best effect.
Milk, particularly full-fat or whole milk, has been used in skincare for centuries. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins that are beneficial for the skin, making it a luxurious addition to any bath. The warmth of the bathwater combined with the calming properties of milk can contribute to relaxation and stress reduction. This makes milk baths a fantastic choice for self-care and pampering.
The lactic acid in milk is a mild exfoliant that can help remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling softer and smoother. This also helps to brighten the skin and improve its overall texture. The vitamins and minerals in milk, particularly vitamin D and calcium, are essential for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin. Regular milk baths can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a more youthful glow.
Tips for the Ultimate Bath Ritual
- Keep it Warm, Not Hot: Super-hot water can strip your skin’s natural oils and cause dryness. Aim for warm—not scalding—temperatures.
- Set the Mood: Light candles, play calming music, and grab a glass of wine or herbal tea. Turn your bathroom into a sanctuary.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep a glass of water nearby to sip while you soak.
- Pat Dry, Don’t Rub: Rubbing can cause skin irritation and contribute to sagging over time. Pat gently with a soft towel.
- Follow With Moisturizer: Lock in hydration with a body lotion or body oil right after your bath.
- Add a Face Mask: Make the most of your downtime by treating your face while you soak.
Remember to test any new ingredients on a small patch of skin to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction. Additionally, be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities you may have to certain substances. You’re doing this to improve your skin and mind, the last thing you want is a bad reaction.
4-Week Bath Time Challenge
Take this as your self-care challenge: Set aside 20 minutes, once a week, for the next four weeks to enjoy a relaxing bath. Try different combinations of the ingredients above and notice how your body and mind respond.
By the end of the month, I bet you’ll feel calmer, more grounded, and even sleep better. This tiny routine can make a major impact.
So go ahead—light that candle, run the water, add something luxurious, and let the stress melt away. You deserve it.
Let me know what your favorite bath combo is—or better yet, tag me on Pinterest or Instagram if you’re trying the 4-week challenge! 💜🛁
Always,
Kerri
