Relaxing Bath Ideas for Self-Care and Stress Relief

A soothing bath is one of the best skincare treatments and activities for well-being. Below, we’ll share our favorite relaxing bath ideas with personal favorites and science-backed tips.

More than 80% of people report feeling relaxed after bathing. Taking baths can also improve anxiety, physical health, sleep, and skin conditions. Discover how to prepare for a soothing bath, what to infuse your bath with, and how to feel great during and after bathtime.

Set Up for a Relaxing Bath

Instead of rushing to take a bath, take a few minutes to prepare for a true self-care experience. Create an ambiance, make a refreshing drink, use the right water temperature, and infuse your bathwater to reap the benefits of bathing.

Create an ambiance

Think of your bath as an at-home spa experience. Even if you only have 20 minutes to spare, the following can help create an ambiance for a peaceful bath:

• Declutter your bathroom
• Light a relaxing candle
• Play peaceful music
• Get rid of distractions

Pour a delicious drink

A delicious drink is one of our favorite relaxing bath ideas. Pour a cocktail, mocktail, or glass of wine – or keep it simple with lemon water.

We love using the Oakwell Cosmetics Stainless Steel Tumbler while taking a bath. It’s made with triple-walled stainless steel to keep your drink icy cold while you relax in the tub. It has a leak-proof lid for easy sipping and comes in either blue or green, both colors that represent tranquility.

Use the right water temperature

Bathing can improve your skin's health only if the temperature is right. Ideally, the temperature should be warm – not scalding hot. You want to be able to comfortably touch the water.

Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at DermOnDemand, says bath water that's too hot can strip your skin's natural oil. To prevent your skin from drying out, she recommends bathing in warm water for no more than 20 minutes. 

Infuse your bath

Take your bath up a notch for skincare benefits and relaxation with natural bath products that mix with your bath water.

Oakwell Cosmetics Beer Bath Salts are made with a soothing blend of herbs, minerals, and essential oils. The mix of Epsom salt and sea salt relaxes sore muscles and joints. The hops, barley, and oats help cleanse and hydrate the skin. 

Oakwell Cosmetics Herbal Beer Bath Tea is also a unique way to infuse your bath. It’s like a giant tea bag for your bath. It’s made with a hydrating aromatic blend that helps cleanse and moisturize your skin for hydration and a natural glow.

Take a Relaxing Bath

Once your bath is ready, enjoy a stress-free experience by getting comfortable, using a facemask, and reading or listening to music.

Get comfortable

Many would agree that they often rush. But did you know feeling rushed impairs everyday functioning and causes stress?

A bath can be the perfect opportunity to slow down and get comfortable. It can help you take a breath, unwind, and heal stress so that you can perform better in your daily life.

Once you've set your ambiance and the bath is ready, lie back and get comfortable. A bath pillow or a rolled-up towel behind your neck may be helpful.

Use a face and/or hair mask

One of the best practical, relaxing bath ideas is using a face and/or hair mask – two or three self-care treatments in one. Apply your mask and let it sit while taking a bath

Many face mask options include clay masks, face sheets, and under-eye patches. Consider getting a few to have handy for future baths.

Oakwell Cosmetics Beer Hair Mask is made with a conditioning blend of beer, coconut oil, and wheat protein. It helps moisturize and strengthen hair for healthy growth.

Read or listen to music

Bathtime is the perfect opportunity to read a good book. If you want to completely unwind and turn your brain off for a bit, you might simply lie back and enjoy peaceful music.

That said, we recommend keeping your phone to the side, as this is a good time for a digital detox. Read a physical book and/or listen to music with your phone on the counter.

After your relaxing bath

After your bath, finish the experience with a cleansing shower, a luxurious towel and robe, and skin moisturizer.

Take a shower

Most people like to rinse in the shower after taking a bath. You can take a quick shower to cleanse your body and shampoo and condition your hair if needed.

Since you've been soaking in a bath, we recommend a short shower—long enough to wash your body and hair.

Use a luxurious towel and robe

Your spa day doesn’t have to be over yet! Treat yourself to the full experience with a luxurious towel and robe.

Oakwell Cosmetics Waffle Bath Towel is made with 100% natural cotton. It’s lightweight, super soft, and quick-drying. It’s also Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, meaning it's free of harmful toxins. 

Oakwell Cosmetics Waffle Bath Robe is luxurious and lightweight. It has a long belt for a comfortable fit, making it ideal for lounging or getting ready after a bath.

Moisturize your skin

Bathing can dry out your skin, so moisturize afterward for rehydration. Massaging lotion into your skin also allows for additional relaxation.

Oakwell Cosmetics Beer Body Lotion is made with a nourishing blend of beer hops and barley, shea butter, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil. It’s a lightweight lotion that leaves your skin looking and feeling hydrated, radiant, and ultra-soft. We especially love its oats, roasted barley, vanilla, and orange aroma!

When’s the best time to take a relaxing bath?

The best time to take a relaxing bath is in the evening, one to two hours before bedtime, because a warm bath can help you prepare for rest. Warm water brings blood flow to the surface of your body, especially your hands and feet. This brings the heat from your body's core to the surface, causing a drop in body temperature, which helps support good sleep.

This makes bathing a perfect activity for a self-care night!

Relaxing Bath Ideas: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and are looking forward to treating yourself to a relaxing bath experience. Whether you take baths often or occasionally, they’re a great way to unwind, relieve stress, and nourish your skin.