Create a Spa-like Experience in Your Stand-up Shower

Relaxation and a hot bath are practically synonymous. However, more and more homeowners these days are opting for stand up showers in lieu of a bathtub to create more space in their bathrooms. Whether you have decided to skip the tub or recently bought a tub-less home you can still create the infamous relaxing experience bathtubs are known for in your stand up shower.

Preparation.

Start by cleaning your bathroom and especially the shower. Scrub away any soap scum or mildew that may be lurking. You want to create a luxurious experience for yourself and a sparkling clean room will start you off on the right foot. Let your family know you intend to take some time to yourself or even put up a “do not disturb” sign on the bathroom handle. Have all your bath items on hand before beginning your shower. To create a relaxing experience you want to be able to focus on your time in the shower without jumping in and out to grab fresh towels or a specific bath product.

Ambiance.

Part of what makes taking a bath relaxing is the atmosphere we create for ourselves to truly enjoy it. There are many of the same techniques you can use when taking a shower as well as some swaps you can make to recreate a calming experience. Begin by dimming the lights and even lighting a few candles. You may also want to choose a soothing music playlist for your shower if you have a waterproof speaker. Use an essential oil diffuser or hang some dried leaves of lavender, eucalyptus or lemongrass from your shower head to fill your bathroom with calming scents and create a spa experience. Add some plants for an extra touch. Plants like pothos, philodendrons, spider plants, orchids, bamboo, peace lilies, Boston ferns, and ZZ plants all do well in the low lighting and moist environment of the bathroom.

Products.

Make your relaxing shower a real treat by choosing some luxurious products you wouldn’t normally use for your everyday shower. Think items like a body scrub, richly lathering body wash, tingly shampoo or a nourishing deep conditioner. Go the extra mile by transferring these products to some gorgeous glass containers for a spa-like feel. You’ll want some fluffy towels waiting for you, perhaps even warmed in the dryer first and a bathrobe.

During.

Massage your scalp when lathering up your shampoo and give yourself a facial massage when washing your face. Try your hand at a little meditation or a relaxing visualization while in the shower to feel like you are in another world. Take deep slow breaths to release tension and stress from the day. Practice feeling grounded and in the now to truly appreciate this luxurious experience you are creating for yourself. Give moisturizing products time to really sink into your hair and skin. You can even give yourself a body massage while you wait. At the end of your shower consider standing under a blast of cold water before getting out. This will add shine to your hair as it seals down the cuticles and is great for your blood circulation. You may not normally think of your shower as a place of relaxation but with some splurges and a little time you can have a spa-like experience that would make even a bath enthusiast jealous. So whether you’ve had a hard day, grueling workout or all round stressful week go ahead and use the tips above for your next shower. You deserve it.