12 Days of Self-Care: Day 2
On the second day of self-care, an Epsom salt bath called your name
By Brandi McMurry
Photo by Hanna Postoya on Unsplash
After a long day of work, traffic, and or holiday shopping, an Epsom salt bath is just what you need to celebrate your second day of self-care!
A hot bath can promote relaxation, personal space, or alone time, and reshift your focus if you've been in overdrive from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
Epsom salts can help make your me-time all the more enjoyable.
Before getting in the bath, consider brushing out your tub from debris to get the most from your in-home spa experience. Make sure your area is decluttered and set the mood by lighting candles or dimming the lights. A diffuser filled with your favorite essential oils can create a peaceful atmosphere. Bring a book to read while soaking or even a snack. Whatever will make your bath the most enjoyable.
Fill the tub with hot water, approximately 102- 104 degrees is what spas recommend, so you can soak for as long as you like and won’t have to get out early if the water chills. Mix in one or two cups of Epsom salt to promote relaxation. Poor the salt in near the faucet so it can mix fully into the bath and will feel soapy.
It is recommended to soak for a minimum of 12 minutes for therapeutic benefits to help with aches and pains, sore muscles, and inflammation. 20 minutes is recommended to aid with constipation.
Your skin, your body's largest organ, can benefit from Epsom salt. After your bath, you may notice your skin is smooth and soft. The magnesium from the salt can potentially help your body detox heavy metals through the skin.
Itching, athlete's foot, and ingrown toenails can also be treated with Epsom salt. Splinters can also be removed more easily after having an Epsom salt treatment.
Epsom salt was originally found in wells in Epsom England, a small town near London. Upon boiling the water to drink, people quickly learned they can use the water to help empty the body’s digestive tract for a thorough cleansing.
Floating in sensory tanks with Epsom salt is now popular for its therapeutic benefits.
You could also try a milk bath, oatmeal bath, bubble bath, or an essential oil bath in honor of your second day of self-care. This bath is yours, so create the mood for whatever you may fancy for optimal relaxation.
