The slower I go the faster I heal… This is the sticky note that has graced my computer screen for the past six months. It’s not a lesson I learn easily – I’m the type that wants to make things happen. Which is why I need to remind myself of this daily. And this best relaxing bath recipe has helped me slow down.

The best part about slowing down is not that it’s simple and easy… the best part is… it works. When you slow down and take a breath you not only heal faster but everything else just flows better too.

When you relax, it frees up your body and your mind to process at a whole new level. Pathways are open to possibilities you have not considered before. Go ahead try it. Take a breath in and slowly let it out, relaxing your shoulders and let your forehead feel open.

We spend far too much time in a constricted state and the more we can just take a few minutes to relax and let the tension release the healthier we will be, we will age slower and we’ll think and react so much better when life speeds up again.

For all those caregivers out there; teachers, parents, spouses it’s often really hard to put our own needs first. If you need an excuse use this doctor ordered prescription to increase your magnesium levels.

It’s reported that 50% of the population is deficient in Magnesium resulting in;

• ADD
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Bowel Irritability, Constipation, Reflux
• Diabetes
• Headaches and Migraines
• High Blood Pressure
• Insomnia and Sleep Disorders
• Irritability
• Muscle Cramps
• Osteoporosis

One of the best ways to increase your magnesium levels is through absorption through the skin. Magnesium in your bath also helps to relax and relieve tension both from the mind and body.

Best Relaxing Bath Recipe

1 – Shut yourself away in your personal spa, aka your bathroom

Hang up the do not disturb sign. Tell your family that you’ll be much nicer to be around if they can honour your privacy for the next 30 minutes.

2 – Start to run your bath

Make this a ritual to set the plug and adjust the temperature, start to feel the healing nature of water as it passes over your skin.

It’s important to set the intention for your experience, let your hands linger under the flowing water and start to let your worries and concerns recede until another time. Be present.

3 – Dim the Lights

Light a few candles for soft light, dim the overhead lights or turn them off completely.

The yellow light frequency from indoor lighting is great for illumination but stressful on the eyes. This yellow light frequency causes the eyes to squint slightly putting strain on the eyes and all the facial muscles surrounding the eyes causing a low grade stress response in the body.

Go natural, soften the lighting around you and notice how your gaze and your face will soften too.

4 – Put on some Relaxing Music

The effects of music on the brain are incredible. Music is used in hospitals to reduce stress before and after surgery and is often used to treat depression.

The best music choices for therapeutic reasons are;

• Classical music because it has a distinct structure which is soothing to the mind.
• Familiar songs again because they calm the nervous system.
• Songs that incorporate nature sounds which invoke that memory of water, birds and soothing forests.

The most important aspect though is simply to choose something that appeals to you.

5 – Add Epsom Salts and Essential Oils to your bath

Epsom Salts are high in Magnesium which has been termed the Relaxation Mineral. It’s also a mineral that most of the population is deficient in and don’t realize it. Magnesium is very easily absorbed through the skin. According to Dr. Mark Hyman;

“Anything that is tight, irritable, crampy and stiff – whether it is a body part or even a mood – it’s a sign of Magnesium deficiency.”

Your indulgent bath is really doctor ordered – so wash away any lingering sense of guilt.

Essential Oils provide a relaxation and therapeutic response as they are absorbed through the skin, our largest organ. Your bath is an effective tool for absorbing these elements both for relaxation, to help rejuvenate and refresh, and to boost your body’s healing and immune system.

My favourite essential oils to add to the bath are:

• 6 drops Serenity Blend – Promotes relaxation for a deep sleep
• 2 drops each of Lavender, Frankincense, Siberian Fir, and Sandalwood – Promotes relaxation for a deep sleep
• 2 drops each of Cardamom, Lemongrass, Ginger, and 4 drops Lavender – Soothes aching muscles
• 6 drops of Breathe Blend – Relieves stuffiness and congestion
• 4 drops Deep Blue Blend and 2 drops Frankincense – healing, relieves stiff and sore muscles.

6 – Soak, Relax the Shoulders and Let Go

Enjoy your time away. If you like to read this is your chance to indulge. Or simply close the eyes, listen to the music and allow yourself a few precious moments of doing absolutely nothing. Remember the slower you go, the faster you heal.

This is also a great time to put on a meditation recording or app if you have a hard time keeping the thoughts and lists from creeping into your awareness.

I like to have a glass of water handy as it is important to hydrate – this is the one time I drink cool water to help my body regulate temperature. And a glass of wine can’t hurt either!

Recipe for a Relaxing Bath…

• 2 cups of Epsom Salts
• 1/4 cup Baking Soda
• 5 – 8 drops of Essential Oils

Add the Essential Oils to the Epsom Salts before mixing with water so they are dispersed through the bath. Oil and water don’t mix so this is a little trick to prevent the oils from staying on the surface of the water.

Enjoy! Remember the doctor ordered this – stay for at least 12 minutes to soak up the magnesium and let yourself slow down to heal.