Picture this: You're finally home from a long day at work, and the only thing on your mind is relaxation. By some miracle, dinner is prepared and you've got a bit of time up your sleeve. When was the last time you pampered yourself? When was the last time you took time for you? It’s probably been longer than you’d like but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with everything you need for a little spa experience at home.

Ahhh… There is nothing like sinking into warm water surrounded by bubbles. If only you could do this every week. In today's busy world, it might seem indulgent, but remember — a relaxing bath is not only good for your body it also benefits your mind. Self-care is important. You deserve to take time for yourself, recharge your batteries, reinvigorate physically and mentally, and what better way than by setting up the perfect conditions for a warm, inviting bath?

It might seem simple enough to run a hot bath, and sure, you could leave it at that, but if you want to up the ante for ultimate relaxation, prepare before you even turn on the tap. Getting this time for yourself is pretty rare so make sure you have the perfect conditions ready before you even set foot in the water. Don’t stress! We are here to help you with some easy tips you can use to make the most of a perfect spa day in your own home.

Declare privacy. It's your special time now

First thing is to make time for yourself — set aside a window of time where you won't be disturbed by anyone. Perhaps you prefer to start the day with a hot bath or soothe your body after a hard work day. Whatever time you choose, make sure everyone in your household knows that for the next hour you are on your own personal time. That means no knocking on the door, or worse, opening the door while you’re in the bath. So what is the best time of the day for a bath? Hint: It’s when you won’t be interrupted.

Studies show that, for a better night’s rest, the best time to have a shower or bath is 90 minutes before you go to bed. It can actually speed up the time it takes to fall asleep by 10 minutes.

Prepare your bathroom

Preparation is the key to an undisturbed hour relaxing in a tub. There's nothing worse than being up to your neck in bubbles and then realizing you forgot to turn off the oven. Start your spa day by making sure everything is secure and turned off in your house. Doors locked, iron unplugged, the cat has enough food and the kids are occupied or asleep. You don't want anyone or anything forcing you to get out of your bathtub once you are already in.

Room and water temperature

So you’re now ready to draw the bath. Everyone has their own personal preference for how hot they like their water. What’s your perfect water temperature? Do you like it scorching or do you prefer it on the warmer side? Whatever your heat level, make sure that when you step into the water the bath is fully drawn so you won’t need to add more once you are in.

While the human body temperature is about 98 degrees Fahrenheit, the ideal bath water temperature is between 104 and 114 degrees Fahrenheit. Bathroom temperature should also be a little warmer than your normal living space - between 70 and 75 degrees is a perfect range, best achieved with underfloor heating combined with towel radiators.

Aromatherapy & Essential Oils

To make your bath just that extra little bit indulgent, burn some essential oils. There are a range of available scents that promote feelings of relief and relaxation. To prevent skin irritation, it is recommended to use a diffuser, rather than add them directly to bathwater. Add between 8-10 drops of oil to the diffuser water, adjusting to your own personal taste.

Perfect oils for relaxation

One of the most popular essential oils is lavender, which has long been used to promote relaxation. It has a gentle scent, reduces stress and anxiety, and is also used for headaches and insomnia. Eucalyptus might be too strong and sharp for some people, yet it is known to reduce aches and pains in joints and muscles, as well as help respiratory conditions. Ylang-ylang is a lesser-known essential oil that is used to relieve stress and anxiety. Some other oil scents which work great for bathroom aromatherapy include sweet orange, rose oil, sandalwood, and geranium.

Bath Salts & Bubbles

The bath is ready, but what's the one thing missing? Of course, it's the bubbles. A bath wouldn't really be a bath without bubbles. Go on, get up to your neck in bubbles, and allow them to add that final touch of decadence. Or perhaps you could get that deep, soothing feeling that only bath salts can give you. Adding suds or salts to your bath can help make your time in the bathroom a relaxing and rejuvenating one.

Soothe sore muscles and encourage deep relaxation with bath salts

Used historically for their medicinal and healing properties, bath salts remain a perfect way to treat a variety of conditions like skin problems, arthritis, and sore muscles. The most popular is Epsom Salts, known for its ability to reduce swelling and ease the pain, which is perfect if you are on your feet all day. Dead Sea bath salts combine minerals found in the Dead Sea — Magnesium, Calcium, and Potassium — and are perfect for reducing stress and relaxing tired muscles.

Enjoy some bubbles? A classic bubble bath is always fun

Not only is a bubble bath fun, you can also reap extra benefits for your skin. Good bubble-bath liquid should include natural, hydrating oils like vitamin E and jojoba to revitalize and moisturize your skin. Keep away from any bubble bath that contains sulfates, parabens or silicones.

Create a soothing ambiance

You’re almost in the bath! The final thing you need to do is set the ambiance of the room. You already found the right mood with candle lighting, you've added your favorite scents to the room and to the water. The only thing left is to relax your audio sensations: Play either your favorite music or create the illusion of being far away with nature soundscapes. Just remember that you need to keep electronic equipment well away from water.

Binge-watch your favorite show on Netflix

This might just be the right time to catch up on all those episodes that you have been wanting to watch. There are a number of waterproof tablet pouches available these days for every device. As for what to watch? Perhaps Bathtubs over Broadway?

Books for the bath

Food & Drink

What could be better than enjoying your favorite snacks all from the comfort of your bathtub? Couple that with a hot, refreshing cup of herbal tea, and your spa day at home is almost complete. What are your favorite foods and drinks to enjoy in the tub?

Best bath snacks

Eating in the bathtub can be a problem. You have to make sure that everything you bring into the bathroom won't make too much of a mess both in and out of the tub. Some of the best ideas are fruit, bowls of nuts, sliced vegetables, and cheese with crackers. If you've got a sweet tooth bring along some chocolate, just make sure it doesn't melt before you get to it...

The perfect cup of tea

Pamper yourself

It's time now to really get yourself clean. Your skin needs daily exfoliation to stay soft, smooth, and healthy. It’s also good to get rid of the top layer of dead cells and help to promote circulation while smoothing out rough, dry skin.

Deep pore cleansing with face masks

Exfoliate with bath mitts and body scrubs

In the wintertime, dry skin can get scaly and rough. Go deep into your pores with special exfoliating hand bath mitts to really give your skin a good clean. Body scrubs can also help clear blemishes and promote skin rejuvenation. Just be careful to not scrub too hard.

Make yourself comfortable

Bathtubs don't initially look like a soft, inviting place to take a rest but once you are in the hot water, and your body is feeling relaxed, you won't notice the hardness of the tub. The only problem can be your neck. Get yourself a special orthopedic bath pillow that provides back and neck support and you will be staying a lot longer in the bath. If you've taken snacks, a book, and your tablet into the bath you might also want to have them organized and at hand using a bath caddy.

After-bath care

All good things come to an end, but when it's time to get out of your bath you can still enjoy a few more luxuries. There's nothing better for keeping the warmth of the water than wrapping yourself in a soft, fluffy bath towel or robe. Or maybe continue your skincare with moisturizing cream and lotions to hydrate your skin. Don't forget to look after your hair as well, if you washed it. Follow up with a leave-in hair conditioning treatment that can help hair color last longer and provide nutrients to damaged hair.

The perfect bath is complete

You've finished your bath and you're looking and feeling the most relaxed you've ever been. Clean and content. Relaxed and rejuvenated. Keep this serene mood by following up with meditation or some gentle stretching. Whether in the morning or at night, an at-home spa bath is a great way to unwind with whatever time you have.