The idea of a long, hot soak in the bath is one of the most pervasive in modern culture. It’s meant to be the cure for all ills; the perfect way to relax and let the stresses and strains of life just wash right off of you.
The reality of the idea can be less than wonderful, however. What in concept is the most relaxing thing in the world can actually become anything but.
However, all is not lost. There are a few tweaks and changes you can make that will result in something truer to the wonders we’re meant to see a long, hot bath as providing.
- Ditch The Candles
Yes, candles are a huge part of the picture that you’re trying to recreate – but they’re not practical. For a start, they’re a fire hazard. Yes, you’re surrounded by water, but what if you doze off and they set the shower curtain alight?
To get the same impact, substitute in electric tealights which give a realistic flicker without the dangers. For scent, use incense diffusers that are battery-operated – and you can custom-make your own fragrance from your favourite essential oils.
- Think About Your Bath
For a start, your bath has to be big enough to relax in comfortably. Half-baths are becoming more common and can be tempting during a redesign when you’re trying to maximise space. To truly be able to relax however, you’re going to need to keep your bath options open with this in mind. You want the space to fully be able to extend your legs, not feel cramped up like a sardine in a tin.
- You Need A Bath Cushion
This is a non-negotiable unless for some reason you like reclining your head on a hard, unpleasant surface! A bath cushion can support your neck and provide relief from the discomfort of the unyielding bath itself. There are plenty of waterproof options which will bring a whole new level of comfort.
- Sound, But Not Music
If you like the idea of listening to music while relaxing then sure thing, whatever works for you. But to really maximise the impact, consider whale song or jungle sounds. You can download great apps and utilise the old put-your-phone-in-a-bowl trick for better sound quality, or invest in a battery-powered specialist sound machine.
- A Place For Everything
If you have any part of your personality that has Type A tendencies, then you’re not going to be able to relax while the bathroom is untidy. If you’re fed up of cluttering your sink with tubes or have a cabinet that’s fit to bursting, then these are issues you need to resolve.
One of the most inexpensive ways of reducing clutter is to use suction-held storage. This can go anywhere you want and doesn’t take drilling or other such mess to hold into place. You can even put a suction shelf right next to the bath, so you can store a mug of tea and an old book there during your next long soak.
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