After a whirlwind 36-hour trip to LA, I’m sitting at the Las Vegas airport, exhausted and eager to get home. All I want is the comfort of my own bed and some peaceful solitude. For me, relaxation doesn’t come from a spa day or a massage—it happens best in a familiar space.
One of my favorite ways to unwind is by soaking in a hot bath. It’s a simple pleasure that soothes both body and mind, hydrates the skin, and melts away stress. Plus, it’s practically free, which is one less thing to worry about.
So, how do you create the perfect bath experience? Here are a few essentials.
A fresh, warm towel and robe can make all the difference. Ideally, you’d wash them right before your bath, but let’s be real—that’s not always practical. A quick fix? Toss them in the dryer for about 10 minutes before you step in. Wrapping yourself in a warm, fluffy robe afterward is pure bliss.
To truly relax, you need to clear your mind. If you have a long to-do list hanging over you, it’s hard to fully unwind. You don’t have to finish everything, but try to schedule your bath after completing an important task. Think of it as a well-earned reward.
A great bath engages all five senses. The hot water takes care of touch, but there are other ways to enhance the experience.
When it comes to water temperature, everyone has their preference. A good rule of thumb is to start with water slightly hotter than you can comfortably sit in, then cool it down halfway through. Also, only fill the tub about halfway so you have room to add more hot water as needed.
Bath oils are a great addition—they nourish the skin and add a soothing scent. Aromatherapy oils, in particular, can help calm both the body and mind. If you’re an athlete or just feeling sore, bath salts or Epsom salts are a great option for relieving muscle tension.
Since you’ll be soaking for about 20 minutes, why not make the most of it? Applying a deep moisturizing or clarifying face mask is a great way to multitask while you relax.
Many of us struggle with the idea of doing nothing—it’s like we’re wired to always be productive. But the truth is, we function better when we allow ourselves guilt-free downtime. For me, reading is the perfect way to unwind. Learning something new or seeing the world from another perspective feels productive, even if I’m not checking off tasks from my to-do list.
To wrap up your bath, rinse off, pat yourself dry with your warm towel, and apply your favorite moisturizer. This helps lock in hydration, leaving your skin soft and smooth.
Do you have any favorite bath rituals or must-have products? I’d love to hear about them!