How to upgrade your next bath to an indulgent ritual

By MiNDFOOD

How to upgrade your next bath to an indulgent ritual

Bath rituals are the new spa days. That’s according to the Pinterest Predicts report of trending topics skyrocketing in popularity on the image sharing and social media platform.  The report is an excellent indicator of beauty and wellness approaches likely to be influential in the year ahead.

Long a part of cultural and religious rituals as well as famed for therapeutic benefits, there’s no denying being enveloped in water has been a key ritual for centuries. But somewhere along the way a busy life, smaller homes and even water scarcity has meant bathing has become a luxury many of us no longer pursue.

However the COVID-era and more time spent at home has meant we’re all reevaluating how to boost our wellness and self-care practices and reduce anxiety. It means if you’re lucky enough to have access to one, it’s worth reconsidering (water-shortages permitting of course) how to indulge in some elevated tub-time.

‘This isn’t your typical tub,” says the Pinterest report. ‘Bath time will get an upgrade with influences from ancient rituals. This year, you’ll see people carving out time for an extra-special soaking experience.’

From upgrading the room itself with a reno that prioritises an extra-deep, freestanding bath, to the addition of dedicated milks, teas, salts, oils and flowers a luxe, long hot soak is said to be just the ticket for soothing your skin and your spirit.

There’s even been a jump in those seeking out more spiritual approaches, aligning their soaks with specific phases of the moon, and considering the addition of specific crystals and herbs and botanicals to the bath water.

Deborah Hanekamp aka @MamaMedicine is a popular advocate for the benefits of ritual bathing, and one of the most visible proponents on social media. She also outlines her favoured crystal and restorative plant additions in book Ritual Baths: Be Your Own Healer.

Even if the benefits you’re seeking are as simple as relaxation and soothing tired muscles, there are a number of easy approaches to adopt that make the experience more enjoyable and effective.

How to create a ritual bath

To encourage a sense of calm, take a considered approach to your bath environment and try some of these luxurious additions. Don’t have a tub? Try creating a simple foot bath instead.

Santa Maria Novella Notte Bath Oil, $149, cleanses without leaving skin depleted of its natural oils and has spicy oriental notes. Just be careful when leaving the tub as bath oils can cause a slipping hazard.

With detoxifying tea tree, organic seaweed and calendula encased in a no-mess bath ‘tea’ bag Addition Studio’s Green Tea Bath Brew, $24, is an easy addition. The brand also has other options that utilise Australian native botanicals, goat’s milk, cacao butter and clays that each offer different bath benefits.

New Zealand linen brand Baina has been grabbing plenty of attention for its understated, modern approach to bathroom towels. The Cove organic cotton towels, $80 each, feature a ribbed arch detail, in a neutral clay hue.

Salt by Hendrix is famous for its flower laden bath salt soaks, but this beautifully-packaged Bath Time Set, $34, set offers the option to try five different options. There are Epsom Salts, said to soothe muscle aches with thanks to its magnesium content, as well as Dead Sea salts, and Himalayan pink salt.

The bath soap renaissance is upon us! Orris Le Botaniste Soap, $33, can be used on the face and body and combines​ the  freshness of sweet Moroccan mint tea and the bohemian decadence of Patchouli. Soothing calendula and comfrey work to calm irritated and sensitive skin.

A bath ritual is nothing without ambience! Set the mood with this stylish Addition Studio Oil burner, $109, that allows the soft diffusion of essential oils to the air.

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