Making time for yourself when you’re a mom can be really difficult. Whether you have a newborn, toddler, or school-aged child, the fact is that kids engage their parents a significant amount of the day. When Aram was a few months old, I discovered the importance of taking time for myself. Even if it was a relatively short amount of time, I needed it. I think all mothers do.
My solution: a bath.
I know, not that crazy. Here me out- finding time to take a bath at some point in the day is relatively easy. There is no set time you need to be in there. 5 minutes or 1 hour it still is nice to have that time.
I’ve found that, in taking a bath, I get the most out of my “me” time. There are not overstimulated distractions (like TV or any other electronics) and I can make time to slow down and catch up on my reading, whether it be a novel, or even Real Simple Magazine.
Not only that, but there are health benefits to taking baths. A bath temperature set just hot enough so you sweat allows you to release toxins, increases circulation, and stimulates the lymph system – all which help prevent diseases and help promote a healthy immune system. Also, a bath with added Epsom salts helps the body absorb adequate magnesium- something the majority of Westerners are lacking in (and has been one of the pinpointed causes of the spike in cardiovascular disease).
Bathing has been a part of therapeutic and beauty rituals for thousands of years. As far back as 1500 BCE we see the ancient Egyptians using baths for their healing properties. Cleopatra was known for her milk and honey baths, which set the tone for modern day spas throughout the US.
So, how to start for a bath novice? I have some suggestions…
I take a bath every night. That works for me. I know some people who like taking a bath once a week. Figure out what works for you.
Setting the Stage for Relaxation
Make sure your space is inviting. Half of the bathing experience is the ambiance around you. Light aromatherapy candles, clean up clutter on surfaces, and make the space a place that takes you out of the stresses of daily life.
Baths have always been valued for their health benefits.
Figure out what kind of bath experience this is going to be. I always try to use Epsom salts, milk and honey, or essential oils (like lavender) in the bath even for a quick 10 minute soak. However, once a week I try to make time for a complete spa day. I’ve also noticed Brian and the boys like to be pampered this way once and awhile.
Recipe for a Grumet Spa Day
Ingredients:
1 cucumber- sliced
2 oranges- sliced
2 bananas
1/4 cup oatmeal
1 bunch of grapes- frozen
Your favorite hot tea
Milk
Honey
Lavender essential oil
Salt Scrub (bought from a store like Trader Joe’s Lavender Salt Scrub or made using equal parts salt and almond oil)
Beauty Treatments:
- Oatmeal banana face mask- Mash up one ripe banana and add 1/4 cup of dry oatmeal to the banana paste. Add a couple table spoons of hot water and blend with a fork.
- Sliced cucumber for eyes
- Sliced oranges to cleanse face
Food:
- Set up oranges and frozen grapes on a plate
- Put a few slices of cucumber and orange into a tall glass of ice water
- Make your favorite hot tea and allow it to steep while you’re eating the cold items
Aromatherapy and Wellness:
- Milk and Honey Bath: Add 1/4 cup honey and 2 cups milk to bathwater
- Aromatherapy washcloth (this can be done weeks prior- I keep about 7 of these in my freezer at all times): Put a few drops of essential oils into a bowl of water (I like to use lavender and mint) squeeze out excess water and wrap in saran wrap. Store in the freezer. Remove at the beginning of the bath to refresh your face when getting out or towards the end of the bath.
- *Make sure to use the salt scrub not only to slough off dead skin cells, but also to massage the areas and increase circulation.
This post was sponsored with a generous donation to Fayye Foundation by Escape Naturally. They are a great place to look for handmade, organic soaps. I absolutely love their citrus lavender scent and the luxurious feel of my skin after using it. Bonus? It’s not just for the ladies, the peppermint leaf and oatmeal spice scents are perfect for the boys. There’s even an unscented one for sensitive skin. Check them out and thank them for supporting global community!
