8 Bathing Tips to Manage Stress Around the Holidays

The holiday season brings both joy and stress, from endless shopping lists to family visits and countless preparations. As the festive rush threatens to take over, hit pause and find respite from the chaos by taking a safe, soothing soak. Bath time is the perfect therapeutic escape after a long day of decorating or planning the dinner menu.

Discover eight simple ways to turn your bath time into a rejuvenating retreat from holiday demands.

1. Create a Relaxing Bath Environment

The magic of a therapeutic bath begins even before you turn on the tap. Start by taking a few minutes to craft your bathroom into an oasis of calm. Set the mood with thoughtful details such as:

• Dimming the Lights: Bright, harsh bathroom lights can disrupt relaxation. Dim the overhead lights to create a gentle, warm glow while maintaining enough visibility to see your surroundings.
• Playing Calming Music: Calm your mind by listening to soft instrumental music, classical pieces or nature sounds through a water-resistant Bluetooth speaker. Keep the volume low enough to stay aware of your surroundings.
• Lighting Candles: Skip traditional candles and opt for safer alternatives like battery-operated LED candles with timers. Place them where they won’t interfere with movement or risk getting knocked over.

2. Keep Calm With Aromatherapy

When holiday chaos starts creeping in, let your sense of smell help you unwind. Aromatherapy sparks feel-good chemicals in your brain, encouraging your body and mind to slow down. Add essential oils into your tub’s built-in aromatherapy system and feel your stress fade. Try these three mood-boosting scents:

• Lavender: This gentle floral scent helps slow your racing heart and mind, making it perfect for unwinding after a busy day of holiday prep. When you can’t stop thinking about that gift list or party planning, lavender can help you reset.
• Eucalyptus: Need a mental refresh? Eucalyptus’ crisp, clean scent helps you breathe deeper and feel lighter, especially if you’re congested from being cooped up inside.
• Chamomile: Known as the gentle soother, chamomile’s sweet, apple-like scent helps quiet anxious thoughts, especially when you need a breather from hectic social events.

3. Find Relief With Air Bubble Therapy and Massage Jets

The holiday hustle takes a real toll on your body. After hours of wrapping presents, baking batches of cookies and preparing the house for guests, your muscles are begging for a break. Find relief by turning bath time into a personal spa retreat. With these therapeutic features, a simple soak becomes a rejuvenating self-care ritual:

• Air Bubble Therapy: The air bubble therapy system surrounds your body with thousands of tiny, effervescent bubbles to revitalize your mind and hydrate your skin. It gives the water a silky feel, creating a weightless sensation while soothing dry winter skin.
• Hydro-Massage Jets: Strategically placed throughout the tub, hydro-massage jets deliver pressure to your back, legs, feet and spine for targeted relief. Adjust the intensity based on your stress level, from a gentle massage to a deep tissue treatment.

4. Add Epsom Salt

Take your relaxation to the next level by sprinkling Epsom salt in your bath. This simple addition creates a luxurious experience, especially when paired with therapeutic tub features. Here’s why Epsom salt is such a fantastic bath companion:

• Soothes Tired Muscles: Relieve achy muscles after marathon shopping trips and holiday preparations.
• Promotes Relaxation: The magnesium in Epsom salt naturally helps calm your nervous system, making it easier to unwind.
• Reduces Holiday Bloat: Feeling puffy from seasonal treats? Epsom salt can help reduce bloating and water retention.

How to use: Add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt to your warm bath water, allowing it to fully dissolve before stepping in. Remember to check with your healthcare provider before starting a new wellness routine.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Finding a quiet moment during the festivities can feel impossible, but bath time provides a safe, peaceful space to clear your mind. Meditating for a few minutes can help you handle the holiday bustle with ease. Get started with these mindful exercises while bathing:

• Deep Breathing: Incorporate structured breathing by inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 7, then exhaling for 8. This technique forces your mind and body to focus on regulating your breath, rather than replaying your worries.
• Gratitude Reflection: Reflect on three things that bring you joy this season such as a cherished memory, a family tradition or this peaceful moment of self-care. Let these positive thoughts wash over you as you soak.
• Mental Reset: Acknowledge your stress without judgment or resistance and then let those feelings go. Try visualizing each worry dissolving in the warm water.

6. Create a Distraction-Free Zone

The constant ping of holiday flash sales or family group chats can disrupt even the most peaceful bath experience. Permitting yourself to fully disconnect allows you to recharge and return to the festivities feeling fully refreshed. Start by:

• Enforcing a Digital Detox: Leave your phone and other devices in another room or on silent mode. You’ll find it easier to resist the urge to check emails or respond to texts.
• Setting Clear Boundaries: Let your family know when you’re taking ‘me-time’ and kindly request uninterrupted privacy during this period. Consider scheduling your soak during naturally quiet times of the day.

7. Maintain Safe Bathing Habits

The comfort of a relaxing bath can melt holiday stress away—but only when you feel completely at ease. By following a few key safety measures, you can turn your mind off, sink into the warmth and experience the deep relaxation you deserve.

• Use anti-scald technology to maintain a safe water temperature (around 90-105°F).
• Test water temperature with your elbow or wrist before entering.
• Limit soaking time to 20-30 minutes to prevent overheating and dehydration.

8. Perfect Your Post-Bath Ritual

Don’t let that tranquil, blissful feeling slip away the moment you step out of the tub. Those first minutes after your bath deserve the same mindful attention as your soak. Whether you’re preparing for the day ahead or winding down for sleep, extend your peaceful state with these tips:

• Recline against a heated backrest to stay warm as the tub drains.
• Use a soft, warm towel to pat dry gently.
• Wrap yourself in a warm robe and wear cozy, non-slip footwear for safety.
• Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration.
• Keep the calm atmosphere going in your bedroom.
• Give yourself 5-10 minutes to reset before jumping into your next task.

Transform Your Bath Into a Holiday Haven With Safe Step

We all know how demanding the holiday season can be. That’s why the greatest gift you can give yourself this season is self-care. Discover the joy of safe, peaceful bathing at home with a Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Built with your safety and comfort in mind, the tub helps you show up as your best self for all those special holiday moments. Request a free quote today to create your bathing sanctuary.