Your Guide to the Perfect Bath Experience

It's been a long, hard day at the office or looking after the kids. You're tired and the first thing you want to do is relax and take a long, hot bath. The latest expert opinion says that baths are not only good for taking the stress away after a day at work, but they also play an important part in helping your health and improving your wellbeing. Here's how to make your bath time the best possible time of the day for your health and happiness.

Enjoy a Detoxing Bath 

A bath at a warm temperature helps to open your pores and allows you to sweat, thus releasing toxins and improving your circulation. Detoxing baths are great if you have a bit of a cold, and a warm, bordering on hot, bath also helps to relieve the pain of stiff joints, and promotes good digestive health. For the maximum benefits, choose a bathtub that retains the heat of the water well and allows you to sit for at least 10 minutes with the water at full heat.

Lower Stress Levels with a Bath 

For most people, a warm bath for as long as you have the time is the perfect antidote to stress. Add a bath pillow or use a bath with a slipper edge so that you can sit up while still being submerged in the water. However, latest research says that to really get rid of stress you need a cold bath. A super-quick dip in a cold bath (30 seconds at the most) raises your blood sugar levels and clears your head. Make sure you're in good health before you try the cold bath trick?

What to Add to the Bath 

You can add your favourite scented bath oil or bath bubbles, but to help skin conditions like eczema it is best to use baking soda as this opens up the pores and helps to calm itching skin. Or have a vinegar bath ? vinegar is an excellent detoxing agent that helps to create a better internal balance in your body. Sea salt is relaxing and skin-softening, while colds and headaches are banished with essential oils like lavender, thyme, lemon and peppermint.

Try a Foot Bath 

A cold foot bath is ideal for curing insomnia, according to some experts. Soak your feet in cold water for as long as you can bear. It also works for tired feet and if you are suffering from a cold. Alternating your feet between cold and hot foot baths helps to improve your circulation.

Pick the Perfect Bath

The right bath tub makes a big difference to your bathing experience, so choose wisely. Deeper tubs are ideal for long soaks, while freestanding baths can be positioned in the best place in the bathroom to catch the heat or the light. Different bathtubs also allow more or less of your body to be submerged. Choose an extra-long tub if you are tall, or a shorter tub if you have less space but you still want to enjoy the bathing experience.