My Guide To The Perfect Bath

#andbreathe Creating the perfect bath time ritual has always been an obsession of mine. My parents used to laugh (and still do when I visit!) that 'they'll see me in a few hours' if I ever tell them that I'm running a bath and my husband loves it as he will settle down to his favourite Netflix shows with peace of mind that I will be gone for some time.

A lot of people feel they don't have time to have a bath and it's all a faff, especially if you're already bathing kids before you can even think of yourself, but trust me when I say I also do not have a lot of free time, but it's an indulgence I make time for at least just one evening a week - usually part of my #selfcaresunday routine because it just feels too good.

It's not often we get chance to just lie and let our minds wonder, whilst looking after ourselves at the same time. I have always found it very calming & restorative and often come up with some of my most creative ideas whilst 'thinking about nothing'. If you haven't yet taken advantage of BB Beauty Therapy's mobile services (best treatments for thinking about nothing are unquestionably Neom massages and Organic Pharmacy Facials) then my next best advice is, book yourself in for a bath and follow my guide on how to make it as much of a spa experience as possible.

1. Run your bath about 30 minutes before you intend to get in it. Make it hot, so that it can cool down to a more comfortable temperature naturally and close the door if you want a steamy sauna vibe. Having the patience/time to run a bath is a problem & this solves it. DO NOT make it too hot to get in to, this can counteract the whole point of having a bath and actually stress your body out trying to cool down afterwards therefore affecting sleep. Some believe the optimum temperature is between 40 - 42 degrees celsius, a little above our body's natural temperature and when it's taken close to bedtime it will aid your body's natural circadian rhythm, helping with a better nights sleep.

2. Do not scrimp on products. This is a ritual and a moment of the day that is all about you - you deserve luxury. Use what you love or treat yourself to a special bath oil that is just for you. You might love some old school bubbly Radox or perhaps some Epsom Salts which I highly recommend if feeling achey, but if you fancy something a little bit indulgent then I have listed my personal favourite bath time products below.

* Aromatherapy Associates - De-stress Mind Bath & Shower Oil. A tiny cap full unleashes the magic of wild chamomile and frankincense for a full spa sensory overload.

* This Works - Deep Sleep Shower Gel. I am never without this in my bathroom, even for an evening shower. I use it on my body and then cup my hands and inhale - I could fall asleep just smelling it.

* Neom - Real Luxury Body Scrub. A product I use in my treatments with Brazilian Rosewood & Jasmine. Pure heaven.

*Jo Malone - Pomegranate Noir Bath Oil. My husband wore this scent for years when we first met and it evokes instant memories for me. Everyone has 'their' scent.

3. Play your favourite music and pour your favourite drink. Set the ambience to your mood. Whether you are channelling some Pretty Woman with a bit of a sing a long to Prince or you search Deezer for some spa music, music has the power to change our mood so turn it up! Mums might just prefer absolute silence which is also just as powerful or a good podcast :) Take a cup of tea, a hot chocolate or perhaps your favourite glass of wine with you and you're onto a winner. Always lock the door - no one is getting in the bathroom now.

4. Prepare your skin before getting in. I would highly recommend washing your face, exfoliating and finally applying a face mask before getting into your bath. Face masks are also another time consuming luxury so make the most of sitting in the bath with one on instead. Make sure you have a loofah or a good sponge too to exfoliate your body after soaking, it is the perfect opportunity to get rid of all that dead skin and feel silky smooth.

5. Now the weird bit - rinse off with some cool water before getting out! This might sound mad after a warm bath, but trust me it is highly invigorating and helps to close well cleansed pores, therefore stopping new bacteria from settling in open pores and reducing blackheads. It also helps to smooth the hair follicles on your head creating smoother and glossier locks. Trust me and try it, it's a great way to end a hot bath.

6. Oil up! After all that hard work relaxing, it's time to smother yourself in your favourite moisturiser or body oil to absorb into all that new skin (remember you have exfoliated all that dead skin away) and don't forget your feet...everyone does!

And now to bed...