2 minute read

"There must be quite a few things a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them. Whenever I'm sad I'm going to die, or so nervous I can't sleep, or in love with somebody I won't be seeing for a week, I slump down so far and then I say: 'I'll go take a hot bath." ~ Sylvia Plath

Truth be told: I'm only a recent bath convert. In the past, despite how much I loved the idea of a long bath, I was never realistic with the time allotment to fit into the day. Drawing that much water at just the right temperature, gathering all the right materials to have on close hand -- a book, candles, the right playlist and then, of course, feeling content with sitting seemingly idle for 20-30 minutes, made me push it further and further down my "to-relax" list. Something to do perhaps when I was already relaxed, not realizing how ironic that sentiment is -- how can I relax if I don't give myself the space and the grace to do so?

All of this is to say, lately, I've been forcing myself to carve out time on Sunday evenings for a 20 minute "power bath" and I take pleasure in all the preparation steps. Lighting my candles, making a hot toddy (or a cup of tea), arranging fresh freesia flowers bath side and lounging in my bathrobe as the tub fills. Last week, I added a CBD infused bath bomb and I think it might just be the game changer for me. My cold bones and sore muscles instantly responded. I felt lighter instantly.

In case you're like me and perhaps needed a little extra nudge to give bath time another go, I've made a playlist perfect for your next wintertime soak. Slightly melancholy, overly romantic and just the right amount of ruminative, ideal for daydreaming.

Photo by Allie Provost