Hey You!
It's been a busy couples weeks and a much Naava Staycation was needed. The first 5 months of 2018 have been busy and such a blessing. I have been working on producing some passion projects and worked on a wonderful international film. I have been running around filming, sight seeing, having meetings and etc. More importantly, I have been able to start working out again after a year and a half of pain, inflammation, sickness and some weight gain. I am so excited that I can get back to my physical lifestyle again. However, before I start intensifying things, I wanted to Unwind + Sleep and there is no better way to do that then with one of my ole but goodie brands, Dr Teal's " Soothe & Sleep" with Lavender essential oil line. This line includes: a Foaming Bath with Epsom Salt and Lavender Oil, Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution with Lavender, Body Lotion with Lavender and a Body Oil with Pure Epom Salt.
While there’s a good chance you have a shower ritual, what about a bathing and/or soaking ritual? We typically get in the shower each morning to get clean, fast, but do we get in a bathtub simply to relax. To me there is nothing like being alone and feeling the warmth of the water surrounding my body. Sometimes, I even submerge my entire body under ( hair and all). It's just a enrapturing feeling for your mind, body and soul.
Bath and Soaking Benefits
For centuries, cultures around the world have employed the curative power of water. Unlike the names used to describe. It's use for restorative purposes today—hydrotherapy, hydropathy—the basic science behind it is simple: Soaking in warm water triggers the dilation of blood vessels, which in turn relaxes muscles. This physical reaction can ease pain and encourage the body to let go of stress that may be manifesting as tight shoulders, a stiff neck or a sore back. Additionally, taking the time to relax and soothe your body in a tub of warm water can help with the emotional impact of stress, and promoting peace. The soaking ritual that is most beneficial for you is a very personal thing, to give your mind and body a break - adds a sense of importance and weight to what might otherwise be seen as an unnecessary indulgence.
Unwind: Make Time
Find and make the time —say, at least weekly. Aim to devote at least 30 minutes to your bath; about half that if you suffer from chronically dry skin, though. Make sure your friends, family or whomever to respect this (that means no interruptions), and remind yourself that you deserve this moment. Whether you are at home, on a trip away or doing a "stay-cation" like me it doesn't matter, this is your time.
Now it's time to set the mood and engage all of your senses if you choose. It doesn’t matter the size of your bathroom, there are plenty of things you can do to evoke tranquility. Clear clutter from your space, introduce soft natural light, flickering scented candles and add a touch of nature with petals, herbs or plants to your bath. Turn on soothing music, I typically like instrumental of soft jazz, but leave other electronics (such as your phone) on the other side of the bathroom door and on vibrant or slient if possible.
Getting the Water Right
Water, this is what its all about right? Test the temperature. Ideally, bath water should be close to body temperature or a few degrees above.Extreme hot water can dry or even scald skin, and can be a health risk especially if you’re pregnant or have multiple sclerosis, a heart condition or other disorders. You should be able to comfortably enter and recline in the tub.
Sleep: Essential Oils and Bath Foam
It's time to customize your bath and make it luxurious while you soak with added benefits. An essential oil or two. Typically, 6 to 8 drops of each oil is enough, in whichever combination of oils you choose. Essential oils can add in energizing and beating fatigue, you can try grapefruit, ginger, rosemary or peppermint. For stress relief and soothing , consider chamomile, jasmine, lavender or patchouli. If you’re up to your neck in bathwater but you’re still obsessing over a work project or running a loop of a recent argument, it’s certain that you aren’t getting the relaxation you could if your mind was still.
You can add oil infused bath pills, place an oil infused warm towel on your forehand or at the back of your neck, or place a silk sleep mask on. Adding in Dr Teals Foaming Bath with Pure Epsom Salt is a intoxicating ritual for my Stay-cation spa moments. It truly transforms the experience bringing all the benefits of Epsom Salt and the essential oil in one product. It's great to have everything in one product. I transfer this foaming bath into smaller bottles when I am ready to travel.
Epsom Salt
For most of my project I am on my feet walking around 80% of the time and I am typical holding or carrying something like props, equipment and etc.... this is were Epsom Salt comes in. Ease aches and soreness. A bath, particularly when you add magnesium sulfate, better known as Epsom salt, can take your soaking experience to another level. It releases ions into the water that, when absorbed by your skin, help combat inflammation that can contribute to tried achy muscles. Its minerals are known to soften dry, rough skin, refresh skin's appearance, help ease conditions like eczema and psoriasis. I absolutely love Dr Teals Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution with Lavender essential oil.
Silence Your Mind
Now, it's time to try to calm or silence your thoughts. Try by repeating a mantra or affirmation (consider using the phrase “I am here” " This water is relaxing: This moment I am peaceful" "I am calm" or “I love myself”), or simply focus on your breathing as you soak. Take in the feeling of the warm water, the scent, flowers and music you have playing softly in the background. And if you dose off- perfect...just be safe. I try and set an alarm just in case I dose off.
Soaking Aftercare
It's been about 30 mins, but the pampering and care isn't over yet. You should finish your soaking ritual with the same level of attentiveness and care you began with. With your skin lightly damp its time to add your lotion or body butter. I am using Dr Teals Body Lotion with Lavender Essential. This lotion has Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Vitamin E, to soften, moisturize, and protect. It is also Paraben & Phthalate Free.
I then follow up with Dr Teals Body Oil with Pure Espom Salt and Lavender Oil, to seal in all the amazing moisture. This oil continues to aid in the soothing benefits of the foaming bath, Epsom salt and lotion. This oil has Safflower Oil (which is a staple), Jojoba oil, Sweet Almond oil, Castor oil, and Aloe Vera Leaf Extract just to name a few. It is also Paraben & Phthalate Free.
After finishing my body care, I am still enjoying the benefits of my soaking as the entire bathroom and hotel smells like a spa in the middle of a lavender field. I continue on with my facial skincare and prepare myself for a relaxing sleep with a nice glass of wine. Dr Teals products help take all the guess work out when you want to treat yourself to an at home spa and soak. The line is so affordable, you get a lot for your money and all the benefits of their ingredients. At around $5 each for every item, I say $20 is well spent. And I have so much left over because a little goes a long way - I think I have at least 5 more spa moments to come.
photography by tiphani photographi