Create a Bathtub Meditation Ritual for the Ultimate Relaxing Experience

Have you ever taken the time to meditate in the bathtub? 

Meditation is life-transforming, helping you reduce stress, gain clarity, and feel more at peace.

Warm baths are therapeutic and have long been considered the perfect way to unwind and wash away tension after a demanding day. 

A bathtub is a place of relaxation, so it would seem only natural to combine the positive benefits of both for a meditation bath. 

Can You Meditate in the Bathtub? 

Anyone who has sat in a warm, soothing bathtub knows how relaxing it can be. Given how much time you spend bathing, it makes perfect sense to meditate while soaking in the bathtub. 

Practicing meditation in the bath provides many benefits:

• Relieves stress: It helps you become aware of your emotions and how to manage them, rather than letting them fester and cause tension.
• Quiets and calms the mind: Meditating while bathing gives your mind a break from interruptions and distractions, allowing you to focus on the present moment.
• Relaxes muscles: The combination of warm water and methodic, focused breathing can alleviate tight muscles.
• Boosts self-awareness: Instead of focusing on your problems, you focus on yourself and how your environment makes you feel.
• Gives you some “me-time“: Between work and caring for your family, how often do you focus on taking care of yourself? You matter, and a meditation bath is just what the doctor ordered. 
• Improves sleep: Research has shown that meditation successfully treats insomnia.
• Improves mental health: Studies show that mindful meditation improves mental health by reducing anxiety and depression.
• Saves time: You’re multitasking by combining both self-care practices instead of trying to fit both into your schedule.

15 Ideas for Creating a Bathtub Meditation Ritual 

Make this something your body and mind look forward to. Channel your creativity and go all out! Your routine isn’t simply sitting in water and meditating; it’s the whole experience from start to end. 

These 15 steps will prep your senses and environment for the ultimate relaxation ritual.  

1. Schedule it in.

Setting aside time for this blissful experience is essential. But don’t just “plan on it”; you need to purposefully assign a time just for you.

Your bath doesn’t have to be done at the same time every day, but scheduling it makes it official.

Your wellness deserves and needs its own spot in your calendar–you’re more likely to follow through when you prioritize it like other appointments.

2. Remove distractions. 

Silence or turn off your phone, and tell your family not to bother you for at least 20 minutes. Tell them you’re taking a meditation bath and need silence to do so.

Let your head sink under the water enough to submerge your ears if you can’t escape the noise. The water will block the outside noise. If you don’t like that position, you can always use earplugs. They are inexpensive and work wonders. 

3. Pour yourself a drink. 

Treat yourself to your favorite relaxing beverage. Is it a soothing cup of herbal tea, some lemon water, a mug of hot cocoa, a glass of wine, or a flute of bubbly?

Choose a drink that helps your body and mind slip into a comfy, mindful state. And don’t just pick any old glass to drink out of–choose one that’s beautiful and makes you feel good. 

4. Slip into your bathrobe. 

Get comfortable by wrapping yourself in a soft, plush robe. Think of it as your meditation bath uniform. Wear it while preparing yourself and your surroundings for the upcoming bathing session.

Some people prefer to wear a silky robe at the beginning for an elegant touch and a fluffy robe at the end. It’s entirely up to you; just don’t choose anything unattractive and worn out.  

5. Start with some dry brushing. 

Dry brushing helps slough off dead skin and grime from your body, which means less gunk in your bathwater! Preparing your body puts you in the mood for self-care, rather than just jumping right in (literally).

To gently exfoliate your skin, slowly brush upwards using light strokes.

Dry brushing allows you to slow down and focus on the sweeping motions and pressure, tuning out any problems or anxious thoughts that have been bothering you.

6. Arrange and light candles. 

Whether you place several candles around your bathtub or just one on a bath tray, candles are a key ingredient in your relaxation ritual. In fact, some people prefer to gaze into the candle flame while meditating.

Dim the lights to reduce eyestrain and allow the candles’ illumination to be more pronounced. If you use scented candles, ensure they won’t clash with the aromas from your treated bathwater.

7. Set the sounds.

Music can create a zen-like atmosphere and keeps your mind and body balanced.

Even if your favorite music is fast and loud, it’s best to listen to music without lyrics and at slow tempos to help you ease into the meditative experience. Instead of music, you can also play natural sounds like rainstorms or ocean waves.

Focusing on the sounds or music can prevent your mind from wandering into stressful thoughts and emotions.

8. Add a bath pillow.

Attach your bath pillow to the bathtub to be situated behind your neck and head. This will allow you to lay back comfortably without causing pain in your shoulders, back, or neck during your meditation in the bath.

Resting your head against hard porcelain isn’t comfortable and can take away from your healing soak. Use a rolled towel instead if you don’t have a bath pillow. 

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9. Prep your bathwater. 

After filling your tub with warm water, it’s time to customize it to meet your needs. Add your favorite bubble bath, a few drops of essential oil, a bath bomb, flower petals, or a combination!

Scent is a powerful mindfulness trigger. Some relaxing scents to try are lavender, sandalwood, and eucalyptus. Adding your favorite crystals to the water can enhance the energy that matches your intention for the day.

Some popular choices are amethyst and rose quartz.  

10. Pamper your face.   

Why not multitask while you’re at it? Before stepping into the tub, apply a nourishing face mask, undereye gel patches, or even cold cucumber slices (after laying back in the tub) to hydrate and refresh your delicate skin.

Beauty treatments require time to sit on your skin, so adding them to your meditation in the bath is the perfect opportunity. Keep a clean cloth nearby so you can wash off the treatments when you finish meditating.  

11. Take your time. 

Slowly step into the bathtub and lower yourself into the warm, sudsy water. Pay close attention to every feeling and sensation you experience. Notice your stress melting away as you rest your head against the pillow.

Your body is probably feeling lighter already. Slowly sway your arms under the water and feel the gentle resistance. Don’t rush this process; remember-this is your relaxation ritual of preparing your body and mind for meditation.

12. Practice your meditation. 

Take a moment to find your ideal meditation position. Once you’re situated and it feels right, close your eyes, set your intention, and focus on your breathing.

If you’re a newbie at meditation, it may be helpful to play a guided meditation so you can follow along. You can also follow a meditation script that gives you a specific mantra to repeat based on what you want to focus on.

13. Use fluffy towels.

The fluffier, the better! You’re going for a spa-like experience. Have special towels to softly envelope yourself in when you get out.

Don’t undo the pampering and self-care you enjoyed by using towels that don’t feel good or absorb well. Keep your plush towels separate from those you use for showering or sharing with others. These are your special meditation bath ritual towels.

Put your robe back on and slip your feet into soft, comfy slippers. 

14. Treat your skin.

It’s important to moisturize afterward so your skin doesn’t become dry and tight. Continue the blissful flow with your favorite lotion, body oil, or cream for your skin.

Bonus points if they smell divine, but if you’re sensitive to fragrances on your skin, opt for fragrance-free. It’s not just about the scents; it’s about being in the moment and feeling the texture of the lotion and the action of gently massaging it into your skin.

15. Wrap it up.

Drain and rinse your tub, so it’s ready to welcome you for your next healing session. When it’s time for your next soak, the last thing you want is a grungy tub that you have to scrub!

As you clean the tub, imagine the negativity and nagging worries you were holding on to flowing down the drain with the water. Blow out your candles, and slip into something cozy to extend the comforting feels. 

Final Thoughts

A meditation bath is great for relaxation and stress relief. They can be truly transformative, helping you get out of your head and into your body.

A few minutes of focused attention can allow you to slow down and connect with your inner self.