Hey everyone, I hope your week’s off to a positive and productive start. In today’s post I’m going to chat about why I try to take a bath three times a week as part of my health and wellness routine. Doing this goes far beyond the principal of ‘me time.’ Although it’s lovely and relaxing to soak in a hot bath and to get some peace and quiet from the stresses life can bring, I do this for a whole variety of reasons. It’s made a huge difference to my health and I noticed positive changes in a short space of time. In terms of price, it’s also pretty cost effective so this is another good reason to give it a go.
My baths are really beneficial because I use them to infuse my body with magnesium. Modern living is stressful and there are so many extra toxins our bodies have to deal with on a daily basis that nearly all of us are deficient in this important mineral. Magnesium is required for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. This mineral is a cofactor, which means it assists and controls the rate of enzymic reactions within the body. It supports the immune system and helps to maintain normal muscle and nerve function. Magnesium is required for protein synthesis and energy production. It also helps to regulate heart rate and blood-glucose levels and aids in keeping bones strong.
In order to get an all round relaxing and enjoyable bathing experience whilst reaping the most health benefits, I’ve found that using a mixture of magnesium flakes and dead sea salts in amazing. Both can be purchased at most health food stores or online. I buy 1 kg bags of each and they retail at about £15 for both and I get about five baths from that amount.
Magnesium chloride is the form of magnesium found in magnesium flakes. It is easily absorbed through the skin, making this transdermal application effective for raising magnesium levels relatively quickly. I like to add dead sea salts because they provide magnesium but also other trace minerals such as potassium, calcium chloride, sodium and bromide. Dead sea salts are wonderful for the skin in general but especially good for aiding in the healing of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
The bath soothes my muscles, which is particularly useful after intense exercise, helps in detoxification as it stimulates the lymphatic system, draws out toxins such as heavy metals through the skin and generally relaxes me. I also think it has helped me recover from the awful side effects off the Accutane (which I speak about in my previous posts titled Accutane-The Life Changer PART I and II) Personally, I believe the optimum time to take one of these baths is in the evening as they really relax you and magnesium helps to promote deep and restful sleep.
I love to light some candles and put on some relaxing music. Then I add some essential oil to an oil burner. If I feel like I need an extra immune boost I use tea tree oil and if I want to deeply relax I use lavender. Then I fill the bath with water that’s pretty hot but comfortable. I add in about 2 cups of magnesium flakes and two cups of dead sea salts. Then I soak for at least 20 minutes, usually 30-45 minutes though. When I soak, I put my face in the water a few times too. I then try to air dry before I apply face oil etc. and get dressed. I aim to do this three times a week.
Over the past year or so, I’ve implemented this into my personal health care routine and have found it has benefited me in so many ways. Firstly, I’ve noticed that I feel more relaxed and balanced in myself and definitely less stressed. My muscles seem to recover so much faster after working out or doing exercise, it has eased tension in my neck and back making it easier to study etc. My skin is softer and clearer and if I do get a breakout, the baths really help to clear it up quickly. I have also noticed an improvement in sleep quality and seem to be catching less cold-type bugs.
All in all, it’s been a wonderful addition to my weekly health routine and gives me a chance to have some time to myself and to create a space just to ‘be.’ If you decide to try it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. On that note, I need to get some sleep!
I’ll catch you all soon,
Rebecca
knowledgetonourish 