Most people associate baths with relaxation and stress relief and would love to indulge in one at the end of the day. But did you know you can bump up the relaxation quotient with a straightforward technique?
“What is that?” you may ask.
You’ll have to read the rest of the article to find out.
To maximize the benefits of the bath, you can combine it with meditation. What? Never heard of anyone doing this before? Well, continue reading to learn how to make baths more relaxing.
We all know that meditation is one of the best practices to relieve stress. There are a variety of meditation styles that can lead to resilience and bring you inner peace. These styles range from mindfulness to Zen meditation, and most people try them for a couple of days but cannot be consistent with them. The effects aren’t as apparent if you can’t make it a daily habit. With hectic lifestyles, being inconsistent with meditation is understandable. However, don’t expect lasting peace if you aren’t consistent with it.
There are different forms and types of meditation. One way to meditate consistently is to do it while taking a bath. It is soothing, calming, and provides stress relief, and you can easily make time for it while taking a bath every day.
Tips for Stress Relief While Performing a Bathtub Meditation
Bathtub meditation combines the standard benefits of meditation with a hot bath. You will not only soothe your tired aching muscles and escape stressors but also cleanse your mind. The best part about bathtub meditation is that you can easily incorporate it into your daily life. To make the bathtub meditation effective, the following are some of the things you need to keep in mind:
Block of a Chunk of Time
It is essential to block a couple of minutes every day, so you aren’t interrupted by anything or anyone. It can sometimes mean arranging for someone to look after your kids for a bit, switching off your phone, and telling everyone in your home not to interrupt you for those few minutes. You might want to set personal boundaries to block off the time to be consistent with bathtub meditation.
Aromatherapy Bath Products Provide Stress Relief
Aromatherapy is incredible for relaxation purposes as it adds another layer of stress relief. You can incorporate some of the benefits of aromatherapy by taking a bubble bath or bath oil. Lavender and peppermint work wonders. You can choose any other one of your choices.
Get In and Focus on Relaxation
Aim to breathe slowly and deeply as soon as you enter the bathtub. Breathe from your belly instead of your chest. Let your abdomen expand and relax. This type of breathing will slowly start to feel natural and naturally provide your body with stress relief. Moreover, it also helps you stay focused.
Focus on Sensations
Now is the time to pay attention to your bodily sensations. How does the warm water feel against your skin? Pay attention to the pressure of the tub against your back. It is common to let your mind drift. Whenever you notice your thoughts wandering, bring them back by focusing your attention on your body. Don’t get frustrated even when your mind wanders after every single second. The goal is to be gentle with yourself.
Stay In the Present
The goal of meditation is to be in the present moment. Most people have a mental dialogue with past regrets and future worries, which can go on for several minutes. Whenever you catch your mind spiraling, gently bring your attention to the moment and try to stay where you are.
Start Slow With Stress Relief
If you have never tried meditation before, I wouldn’t recommend meditating the entire time you sit in a bathtub. Five minutes is a comfortable place to start, and you can gradually work your way up.
Mantras or Music to Increase Focus
When starting, most people find it difficult to focus on their breathing and bodily sensations. If that is the case with you, I recommend starting with a mantra. It could be anything from a word to a phrase or even a chanting sound. Closing your eyes and repeating a mantra will help you stay focused.
If you want, you can also add music to your space for added relaxation. Music has proven to be immensely effective for stress management.
Find a Focal Point
You can also try meditating with your eyes open. Giving yourself a focal point in your surroundings is an excellent alternative for those who have tried guided meditations but failed.
Final Takeaway
Bathtub meditation is excellent for anyone trying to be consistent with the practice. While we agree that it is not everyone’s cup of tea, it is worth giving it a go. At the end of the tiring day, bathtub meditation can bring you immense stress relief, relaxation, and happiness.
We hope you found this post informative and helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below and we will get back to you.
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