In my very first apartment that I lived in on my own without anyone else to share, I had a giant clawfoot tub. I could lie in it full length, submerge myself to just my nose and still have room to move my feet.
I loved that tub. On hot humid days, I would run a tepid bath and get cool. On cold winter days, when I thought I would never thaw out from -30C temps, a hot bath would bring me back to life.
Later, as the mom of an active child who was always on the run, a shower refreshed and energized me sufficiently to launch myself into the next adventure with my delightful toddler.
These days, hot showers or baths serve to soothe aching muscles after a workout or a steady three hours in the garden or house doing clean up. I have also found they are great wakeups in the morning and great relaxers for the end of the day.
If you need 15 minutes peace, a shower will give you that. Need 30 minutes, have a bath. If you feel so inclined, add some plain epsom salts (cheap and effective) to ease tension.
Not inclined to a bath or shower? If the weather is good, go for a walk and find running water. there’s nothing liker the sound of water running over rocks or waves breaking on a shore to soothe the jangles and ease the wrinkles in your head space.
