Is there anything more relaxing than a warm bath or shower after a hard day?
It’s not just the warm water that makes us feel chilled out – it’s also down to our biology.
Here’s the science bit: splashing water on your face triggers something called the mammalian diving reflex. Your body believes that it’s going to go for a swim underwater, so your heart rate drops quickly – making you feel calmer.
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This is also a good way to calm yourself down if you’re feeling anxious.
Research has also shown that having a warm bath could help to relieve depression as much as physical exercise.
You can make your bath or shower even more relaxing by trying out some simple meditation and mindfulness techniques. Read on for more great tips for practising meditation and mindfulness in the bath or shower.
Warning: don’t meditate in the bath if you’re feeling drowsy (safety first).
How to meditate in the bath or shower
A short meditation in the bath or shower is a great way to unwind after a crazy day or to start the new day in a good frame of mind.
Again – don’t try this in the bath if you’re feeling at all sleepy!
How to meditate in the bath or shower
A short meditation in the bath or shower is a great way to unwind after a crazy day or to start the new day in a good frame of mind.
Again – don’t try this in the bath if you’re feeling at all sleepy!
- Control your environment
Begin by controlling your environment – switch off your phone, light some candles and use some scented bubble bath or shower gel (lavender is great for this). Set aside at least 15 minutes for this exercise.
Clear your headClose your eyes and give yourself a minute to clear your head. Let go of the worries of the day and just enjoy the warmth.
- Breathe deeply
Focus on your breathing. Is your breath filling your lungs? Is your chest rising and falling slowly?
- Find control
Control your breathing. Breathe in slowly for five seconds, hold your breath for five seconds, then very slowly breathe out again.
- Enjoy the moment
Carry on the meditation for a few minutes, then allow yourself to come back into the room. Keep still until you feel ready to get out of the bath or shower.
That’s the end of the post.