Originally published on Organically Bath & Beauty
The bathroom is a common place in our homes that we all spend a consistent amount of time per day. Still, a few simple additions can turn your everyday bathroom experience into a daily ritual that rejuvenates, calms, and relaxes.
The ritual of cleansing is an ancient global practice that consists of many forms of sensory experiences that have pampered royalty, and was a symbol of preparation, focus, or a retreat from daily stress. A few simple changes to your bathroom can create an experience that manifests a spa-like ambiance that you can experience regularly. The key to creating a truly relaxing oasis is to trigger all five senses in one ecosystem.
Appeal to Your Sense of Vision by Starting With Decor
A great place to start when creating your in-home oasis is to begin with your physical space by making a few simple changes to your bathroom decor.
- Upgrading your bathroom fixtures will take your cleansing experience to another level. Installing a different shower head that’s detachable or has multiple spray patterns is an easy do-it-yourself project that can enhance your time in the shower. A rain showerhead creates an instant feeling of relaxation and also conserves water. Decorative curtain rods, cabinets, and light fixtures can add another unique touch that will make your design more cohesive.
- Changing your shower curtain can instantly create a different vibe. There are many stunning patterns, textures, and imagery currently on the market that can add a lively picture or touch of color to your bathroom.
- Choose calming colors for any new enhancements that you make to your space. Anything in the blue, violet, green, gray, or tan family are standard color bases that often create a soothing environment. If bright colors cheer you up, splashes of yellow, pink, or other vibrant colors or fixtures will enrich your space.
- Adding small plants or other greenery can be part of your ritual. If you have a small space, making a habit of bringing in and watering your plants as part of your bathroom routine could add additional purpose and excitement to your cleansing ritual.
Incorporating High-Quality Materials Will Invigorate Your Sense of Touch
The higher the quality of materials in rugs, towels, or bath wear, the more comfortable the material will feel against your skin. Avoid scratchy or hard fabrics for your rug, bath wear, and towels. An ultra-plush bath rug that has memory foam and a soft texture can provide relief for tired joints or sore feet. A pair of bathroom slippers can also provide extra foot support, and a bathrobe will help keep you warm.
An Aromatic Experience Makes a Difference
The olfactory system in the body is responsible for communicating and processing smell in our brains. Many studies have shown the positive impact of aromatherapy on our health, and incorporating relaxing scents into your cleansing ritual can help you sleep better, and certain essences such as eucalyptus can help to ease cold and allergy symptoms. The Shower Bouquet is an easy addition to your bathroom that releases essential oils for up to six weeks, and adds plant life to your shower space. If you have enough room, adding organic soy candles, oil diffusers, or incense is a great way to ignite your sense of smell and cover other bathroom odors.
Fragrant bathroom products can also take you on a calming aromatic journey every time that you use them. Adding a few drops of an essential oil to your bath water will do the trick, or try organic body scrubs, bath bombs, and a soothing face wash. Turn “hair wash” day into a spa day. Your entire body and skin care regimen can provide therapeutic aromas from your shampoo to applying fragrant blueberry scented body mousse after your shower or bath.
Calming Sounds Can Impact Your Brain Function
Calming music and natural sounds such as rain, waterfalls, breeze, and ocean waves have a calming effect on the brain and your overall emotional wellbeing. Adding music to your bathroom oasis will add another element that can either invigorate you to start your day or prepare your mind for rest. Adding a small fountain to your bathroom will add an instant water soundscape that adds a calming effect.
Yes, Taste Can Also Play a Role in Your Cleansing Ritual
Incorporating taste into your relaxing home bathroom oasis can be as simple as replacing your mouthwash or trying a new organic toothpaste. These simple changes can make everyday rituals such as brushing your teeth far more enjoyable. If you want a more robust tasting experience, bringing in a cup of tea or a small piece of dark chocolate can be all that’s needed to partake in a full sensory experience in your home oasis.
