The restorative benefits of taking a bath

Water, one of earth’s elements, can be used to be ground your energy much like being in contact with nature and the physical earth.

Wading in the ocean, a clear lake, or stream can help you ground your energy. But we don’t always have access to the sea or to the outdoors in general, especially when we’re not feeling so great.

Taking a bath can provide similar grounding and energetically restorative results.

“There must be quite a few things a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.” – Sylvia Plath, poet and novelist

Here are a few suggestions for how to create a balancing and healing bath ritual that I use myself and love:

• Try to make sure you will be undisturbed during your tub time. Put your phone on Do Not Disturd. Tell family members you wish to enjoy the bath. Hang a sign on your bathroom door, whatever it takes to seek the fewest distractions.
• Gather those items that will make your bath feel special and intentionally energy clearing. i.e. a favorite candle, gentle meditation music, a special crystal, some seashells, feathers, or any other object or treasure that symbolizes faith and connection.
• Run a hot bath and add your favorite non-toxic bath bubbles, skin-safe essential oil (lavender is wonderful and relaxing) and a pinch of sea salts or my go-to, epsom salt. My fave epsom salts are Dr. Teal’s brand.
• Dim the lights in the room (safely-placed candles work great to add relaxing ambiance).
• Step in and relax. Feel the water on your skin. Stay present by focusing on your senses… the scent of the water, the flicker of the candlelight, the warmth on your skin, the sound of the water movement or of the gentle music.
• Be intentional about making your bath a healing and restorative experience. Think about how you wish the water and this special moment of self-care to restore your energy balance, wash away fear, anxiety, worry, and to create grounded harmony throughout your energetic body. Intention is more than half the battle when it comes to destressing and grounding.

You can also consider contemplating or repeating affirmations during your bath time which can help focus your thoughts away from stress and back to a centered place. Try – I am safe. I am centered and at peace. I am directly connected to the energy of the elements of earth through this water.

“Be here, now.” – Ram Dass, psychologist and spiritual teacher

Using the grounding properties of water is energetically healing and restorative. Enjoy local access to water outdoors, but definitely consider how amazing a bathtub soak can make you feel, especially when you are intentional about making it a restorative experience.

Soaking in water can be a sensory treat and grounding energetic experience