The bathtime routine, all grown up
It’s no secret: millennials love baths. Heralded as this generation’s self-care activity du jour by the New York Times and NYLON for its affordability and photo-ready aesthetic—and that was all before the pandemic—it’s a fashionable choice for a night in. Hashtag me-time.
But there’s more than bubbles and bath-bomb swirls to make it worth your while: that hot water can boost your immune system, help you sleep and even burn as many calories as a walk around the block. With that in mind, here are a few unexpected mental benefits of trading that quick shower for a soak in the tub.
Take it slow
Let’s ease into this one: in the bath, you’ll actually have to sit still (a challenge for yours truly, without constant digital engagement or a good book). If you don’t have a meditation practice, this will feel pointless at first—but giving yourself that moment of peace can be a game-changer for your mental health.
Okay, maybe you don’t have the most Instagram-worthy setup, the dreamiest bath bombs or your glass of wine like Chandler… but that’s kind of the point. In fact, it’s even better without embellishments or distractions.
Hit “recover”
Well, hellooo sore muscles from a workout, stiff shoulders from slouching over phones and laptops all day, and that weird winter chill down your spine—they’re all front and center at bathtime, then slowly slip away like a sunset. Ahhh.
Sinking into that hot water (literally) can bring up some emotions, too. And it’d be easier to just ignore all that, rinse, shampoo and hop out of there. But that tiny moment of self-awareness is just like soothing those stiff, sore muscles: uncomfortable at first, but very necessary.
Rinse and repeat
There’s something undeniable about the benefits of having a routine you can stick with—one small thing you can count on in otherwise unpredictable circumstances. Even if it’s just a long bath before bedtime, the smallest thing to look forward to makes the biggest difference.