Bath Meditation, A Great Stress Reliever
Bath Meditation, a Great Stress Reliever
There are many different ways to experience the benefits of meditation. One soothing method is to meditate in the bath. A bath meditation combines the standard benefits of meditation...with the benefits of a soothing hot bath, which can relax tired muscles, provide a relaxing atmosphere, and allow a temporary feeling of escape from stressors.
Use Aromatherapy Bath Products.
As you run the bath, you may want to incorporate bubble-bath or bath oils scented with lavender (shown to be relaxing), or peppermint (if you want to feel more alert), or another scent that you really like (studies show that subjectively pleasing scents bring stress relief benefits, too...
Get in and Relax.
Let your breathing become slower and deeper, allowing your belly to rise and fall with each breath (instead of your shoulders or chest).
Focus on Sensations.
Focus on sensations you feel in your body -- the warmth of the water on your skin, the pressure of the tub against your back -- and let go of all other thoughts.
Stay in the Present.
If you find thoughts of the past, the future, or any form of internal dialogue happening, gently redirect your attention to the present.
Excepted from "Relieve Stress with a Bath Meditation,"
by Elizabeth Scott, MS, Stress Management Expert.
Use Aromatherapy Bath Products.
As you run the bath, you may want to incorporate bubble-bath or bath oils scented with lavender (shown to be relaxing), or peppermint (if you want to feel more alert), or another scent that you really like (studies show that subjectively pleasing scents bring stress relief benefits, too...
Get in and Relax.
Let your breathing become slower and deeper, allowing your belly to rise and fall with each breath (instead of your shoulders or chest).
Focus on Sensations.
Focus on sensations you feel in your body -- the warmth of the water on your skin, the pressure of the tub against your back -- and let go of all other thoughts.
Stay in the Present.
If you find thoughts of the past, the future, or any form of internal dialogue happening, gently redirect your attention to the present.
Excepted from "Relieve Stress with a Bath Meditation,"
by Elizabeth Scott, MS, Stress Management Expert.