August is Wellness Month and we’re making sure to practice more self-care on a regular basis. Whether it’s taking a nice bath, going for a walk or preparing a healthy meal, there are many different ways that you can take care of your mind and body.

Take the Wellness Month Pledge

One of our favorite forms of self-care is bathing, which is an ancient ritual that dates back thousands of years. Everyone’s bathing ritual is different—there’s no right or wrong way to go about it—and the best part is that it can be customized according to your specific needs and preferences. What’s more, the art of bathing doesn’t just provide relaxation benefits; it also offers an array of powerful health benefits that include everything from stress reduction to respiratory and digestion benefits, and more.

 Amanda Schmiege, Director of Spa at Naupaka Spa & Wellness at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, shares some tips and secrets for elevating your bath ritual, along with a natural bath salt recipe that you can whip up at home.

Bath Basics: Tips & Tricks

• Temperature. Keep the bath temperature around 99 to 100 degrees F (37-38 C), which is just above the average body temperature. Test the water on your wrist to gauge if it’s a comfortable temperature.

• Soak in Suds. Add a few drops of glycerin and castile soap to create bubbles.

• Fill the Room with Steam. To give a steam room ambiance, close the bathroom door to create steam, which aids breathing and the respiratory system.

• Soak It Up. Soak for at least 20 minutes to maximize the benefits.

Natural Bath Salt Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of Epsom Salt

• ½ cup of coarse Sea Salt

•  ¼ cup of Baking Soda

• Carrier Oil such as Coconut, Avocado, Olive, or Almond Oil or 1 tsp Glycerin

• 10-15 drops of Essential Oils:

  Lavender or Rosemary for relaxation

  Citrus or Lemongrass to uplift your mood and rejuvenation

  Peppermint or Eucalyptus to aid headaches and ignite energy

  Clary Sage, Rosemary, Frankincense for anti-inflammatory benefits

  Rosemary for focus

  Chamomile for sleep

Instructions:

• Mix together all ingredients in a bowl with a wire whisk: 1 cup of Epson salt, ½ cup of coarse sea salt, baking soda, carrier oil or 1 tsp. glycerin, 10-15 drops of essential oils.

• Once blended, add one cup to the bath water; remainder add to your jar or container for safe keeping.

•  Light a candle, play music, close your eyes and soak for 20 minutes.

For more information, visit fourseason.com/oahu and follow on Instagram: @fsoahu

[Images courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk