Everybody decompresses differently, but there is one activity that seems to please the majority, from babies to grownups: taking a warm bath. It helps melt away the stress of the day and brings quiet peace to the mind. As the new year begins, it’s a great time to re-think your bath rituals.

When taking a bath, make sure to silence your smartphone, or better yet, leave it in another room. If you live with other people, ask for a certain amount of alone time, or wait until most of the household has gone to sleep. Turn off those bright overhead lights, and light a few candles. Bring a cup of something delicious with you into the tub, like hot chocolate, wine, tea, or infused water. Play some relaxing tunes, and don’t forget to add some bubbles, a bath bomb, bath salts, or your favorite homemade bath and body recipe to the water before stepping in.

Oatmeal Bath

by Stephanie Rose from Willow and Sage Autumn 2021

You Will Need

• • 2 cups Epsom salt
• • ½ cup colloidal oatmeal
• • ⅓ cup milk powder
• • 2–4 TB. dried. herbs & flowers
• • 20 drops essential oil (optional)

To Make

Mix together all the ingredients. Use ½ cup of the oatmeal bath in the tub when you are in need of a relaxing treatment. Store the remainder in a glass jar in a dark, cool place.

Weekly Ritual: Rose Bath Salts

by Virginia Guarddon from Willow And Sage Summer 2022

You Will Need

• • 3 cups Epsom salt
• • 1½ cups sea salt, coarse
• • ½ cup baking soda
• • 17 drops rose essential oil
• • 1 cup dried rose petals

To Make

In a bowl, combine the Epsom salt, coarse sea salt, and baking soda. Add the rose essential oil and dried rose petals, and mix together. Store the salts in your favorite containers, like glass test tubes with an eco-friendly cork.

To create a weekly ritual, set up a soothing space; add your favorite music or keep it quiet.  Fill the bathtub with warm water, never exceeding 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Add about 1–2 cups of bath salts, and let it dissolve prior to entering the healing waters. Enjoy the soak for 20 minutes with a bath pillow behind your neck to make the experience more soothing. You can also bring a cup of warm tea, a glass of wine, or a favorite book to read. After your soak, make sure to take care of your skin from head to toe.

Related: 3 Easy Handmade Gift Ideas and How to Make Them

Swoon-Worthy Bath Caddy

by Vanessa Spencer from Willow and Sage Spring 2017

There’s nothing quite like a long soak in a hot tub at the end of the day. For many of us, we dream of taking a bath in a gorgeous claw-foot tub in our equally gorgeous bathroom. It sounds so romantic, doesn’t it? There are a few things you can do to add a touch of romance to your bath, no matter what your bathroom looks like.

Make bathtime a special event by holding all the items you’ll need in a caddy of your choice. Invest in a towel that you love to use when you’re in need of some extra comfort. Purchase or make your own soap. Add your favorite beverage. Other simple things you can do to add to the experience include lighting candles, turning on music, and grabbing a book.

Are you looking for more ways to elevate your bath rituals? Check out our Willow and Sage magazine.

Danielle Williams is the managing editor for Willow and Sage, The Natural Home Issue, Mingle, and Art Quilting Studio. She lives with her growing family in Orange County, California.