After a busy week of holiday celebrations, we could all probably use a vacation! Or at least a few hours to ourselves.
My suggestion for anyone who needs to unwind: take a warm epsom salt bath.
My patients know that I’m a big believer in the power of magnesium. It’s among the most crucial minerals you can put into your body, and promotes a feeling of relaxation and well-being. Anyone who wants to improve their health should look at upping their magnesium intake.
Many of us don’t get enough of it, because we don’t necessarily eat enough foods that are rich in magnesium. Epsom salts are a terrific way to supplement. They’re an inexpensive form of magnesium (available at most pharmacies or grocery stores) that is perfect for dissolving in a warm bath.
I recommend adding a cup or two to your bathwater, and stirring it around until it dissolves fully. The magnesium soaks into you through your skin while you sit in the tub, and as it sinks in, you’ll notice a feeling of calm spreading through you. This is quite a treat on a cold winter’s day!
If you want to take your bath to another level, I also suggest adding a quarter cup of baking soda. The baking soda helps to gently detoxify your body, drawing toxins out of your skin.
One note: especially if you use baking soda in your bath, be careful when getting out of the tub. You might feel a little dizzy when you first stand up.
I suggest taking epsom salt baths in the afternoon or evening, before a nap or bedtime. You may want to sleep afterwards! If you have trouble falling asleep at night, an epsom salt bath can help tell your body it’s time to calm down and rest. It’s one of the suggestions I give to my patients who struggle with sleep.
Bonus tip: try adding a few drops of lavender oil as well, for a soothing sensory delight! :)