Back in the days of childhood, bathtime equaled bliss.
Bathing adventures typically involved a brightly beaming you — the center of your own small sea.
When you were surrounded by a plethora of colorful, plastic toys bobbing in perfectly warmed waters and loads of bubbles, all concerns of the day — the extra cookie you didn’t get, a particularly frustrating puzzle or a sibling spat—were, well, washed away.
As temperatures cool in the coming weeks, return to the power of a leisure bath to nurture your essence.
Try out these suggestions for themed baths to enjoy:
The Mindful Meditation Bath
This bath is perfect for the beginning of a work week. Embarking upon a new series of long, work-filled days after enjoying a relaxing couple of days off can be stressful to the mind. Why not soothe mind, body and spirit from the re-integration process with a meditative soak to consider your professional and personal intentions for the week?
Playlist: Old-school India Arie. Her earthy anthems are just the balm you’ll need to stay centered and purpose-filled.
Bubble Bath: Anything lavender like Dr. Teal’s Foaming Bath will calm your mood.
Candle: The aroma of vanilla is hailed as being especially relaxing thanks to antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties. Try a vanilla candle to get your chill on.
Libation: Bananas are filled with anti-hypertensive properties. Consider sipping a cool banana smoothie as you indulge in your much-deserved bath.
The Testimonial Bath
This is the bath for those days when you’re making it through the work week with nothing less than black girl magic moves! Nourish yourself along the way to maintain momentum with a bath that will encourage gratitude.
Playlist: Solange’s A Seat at the Table. Enough said.
Bubble Bath: Lush’s Sparkly Pumpkin. This product is actually a foaming bath bar. It’s cute, fizzy fun with citrus and cinnamon notes that will sweetly invigorate.
Candle: Pier 1’s Spiced Cake candle. Ginger and nutmeg are among the spices in this candle that will make bath-time extra comforting.
Libation: Apple cider. This classic can be amped up with a cinnamon stick, a dollop of whip cream or vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.
The Wanderlust Bath
Daydreaming and bubble baths are pretty much like peanut butter and jelly, popcorn and Netflix binging, Michelle and Barack. They just go together so perfectly. Allow yourself license to be impulsive by selecting a new scent that takes you out of your comfort zone and that facilitates creativity. To get started, consider products with scents that encourage a creative process like jasmine or lemon. You might even want to keep your journal within arm’s reach to jot down those brilliant ideas that are sure to flow through your mind with this bath.
Playlist: Anything from SZA’s Ctrl album. She’s pretty much the go-to reference for all things creative right about now.
Bubble Bath: Body Shop’s Wild Argan Oil Bubble Bath. You’ll have super moisturized skin and the honey scent will pair well with a few drops of ylang-ylang essential oil to stimulate the mind.
Candle: Glade’s Jasmine and Cedarwood Soy Candle. This little light of yours will do double-duty by lovingly lighting up your bathroom-turned-spa-retreat and your mind with ideas.
Libation: Peppermint tea. It’s a delicious and vibrant potion for the thinkers of the world.