Elevate Your Shower Routine: 10 Ways to Transform Rinsing into a Relaxing Home Spa Experience in 2023
If you are like me and many others and are looking for ways to improve your daily routines and create a sense of self-care and relaxation in your daily lives. One area that is often overlooked is the shower, which can be transformed from a simple necessity into a luxurious and rejuvenating experience. Gone are the days of simply hopping in the shower to get clean. And, according to Pinterest, in 2023, it's predicted that millennial and Gen X women will be leading the charge in turning rinsing into a ritual and elevating the shower routine to new heights, turning rinsing into a ritual.
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So, if you are prioritizing self-care this year and seeing the importance of taking time for yourself, what better way to relax and unwind than with a luxurious shower routine?
Generally, when we hear about forms of self-care, it is synonymous that baths are a part of this. But, if you don’t have a bath or don’t like baths (I know, we are a rare bunch), you can have a relaxing, spa-like experience in your shower. From shower bombs and home spa bathrooms to high-tech showerheads and fancy soaps, there are countless ways to elevate your shower experience and make it a truly indulgent and enjoyable part of your day.
Transform Rinsing into a Relaxing
Consider installing a home spa bathroom. If you have the space and budget, adding a home spa bathroom can take your shower experience to the next level. Options might include a rain shower head, heated floors, and built-in shelving or storage for all your shower essentials. To create an ambiance and aesthetic, upgrading your shower head and adding shower-proof speakers so you can enjoy your favorite tunes while you rinse off can be a simple way.
If you're looking to join in and make your shower time a special part of your day, here are 10 ways to elevate your shower routine in the year ahead:
Invest in a high-quality showerhead.
A good showerhead can make all the difference in the comfort and enjoyment of your shower. There are plenty of options out there that can provide a powerful and invigorating shower experience. Look for one with adjustable water pressure and multiple spray patterns, such as rain, mist, and massage so that you can customize your shower to your liking. Some showerheads even have Kailey 7 built-in LED lights ($24), Moen’s aromatherapy showerhead ($105) or KOHLER speakers ($178) for added ambiance.
Use essential oils.
Essential oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties, and they can be a great way to add some aromatherapy to your shower routine. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a shower steamer or place a few drops on the shower floor before turning on the water to create a steamy, aromatic experience. Some popular essential oils for showering include lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint.
We love the Essential Collection from ALO ($75)! This luxe boxed set includes: Energize & Refresh (Peppermint), Cleanse & Detox (Tea Tree), Chill & Unwind (Lavender), and Awaken & Center (Eucalyptus), plus two powerful blends — Breathe & Spa and Sleep & Downshift.
Invest in Towels
Investing in high-quality towels, such as those from the Geometry brand, can elevate your shower routine by adding a touch of luxury and comfort to the experience.
Geometry towels are known for their luxurious feel and quality craftsmanship. They are made from premium materials, such as Turkish cotton, known for their softness and absorbency. Geometry towels are also designed with durability, so they will last for many washes and continue to feel soft and comfortable.
In addition to their luxurious feel, Geometry towels are stylish and come in various colors and patterns to suit your personal preference. This can help to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bathroom decor.
Using high-quality towels can help to make your shower routine feel more indulgent and spa-like. Imagine wrapping yourself in a soft, plush towel after your shower and feeling pampered and rejuvenated. It's a small but impactful way to elevate your shower routine and add some extra luxury to your daily routine.
Try shower Steamers.
Shower steamers are small tablets or balls placed on the shower floor or in a tray and release fragrant steam when they come into contact with water. They are a simple and easy way to add some aromatherapy to your shower routine and elevate the overall experience.
To use shower steamers, place one or two on the shower floor before turning on the water. As the water hits the steamer, it will dissolve and release its essential oil vapor into the steamy shower. The essential oils can help to clear the sinuses, relax the mind, and invigorate the senses, depending on the blend of oils used.
Shower steamers from JojoWell ($36) are available in various scents and essential oil blends, so you can choose one that aligns with your desired mood or therapeutic benefits. Some popular from Body Restore ($29) options include lavender for relaxation, eucalyptus for sinus congestion, and peppermint for an energizing boost.
In addition to their aromatic benefits, shower steamers can also help moisturize the air in the shower, which can dry the skin and respiratory system. This can help to soothe and nourish the skin and support respiratory health.
Upgrade your soap.
Instead of using plain old bar soap, try something a little more luxurious, like a creamy body wash or a nourishing shower oil.
Set the mood with candles and music.
Candles and music can go a long way in setting the mood and creating a relaxing atmosphere in your shower. Try lighting a few scented candles like those from Voluspa ($28) or GenSwin Gray Glass Battery Operated Flameless Led Candles ($25) for mood lighting or placing a waterproof Bluetooth speaker like the JBL Clip 3 ($60) in the bathroom to play your favorite tunes while you shower.
Image: Pinterest
Hang Fresh eucalyptus to your shower
Adding fresh eucalyptus can elevate your shower routine into a spa-like experience by providing several therapeutic benefits.
Eucalyptus is a refreshing and invigorating essential oil known for its ability to clear the sinuses and improve respiratory function. When inhaled, the eucalyptus essential oil vapor can help open up the airways and make breathing easier. This can be especially helpful if you suffer from a cold or sinus congestion.
In addition to its respiratory benefits, eucalyptus essential oil is also known for its calming and relaxing properties. It can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being, making it a great choice for those looking to unwind and relax in the shower.
To incorporate eucalyptus into your shower routine, hang a few sprigs of fresh eucalyptus on the showerhead or place a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil on the shower floor before turning on the water. As the water hits the oil, it will create a steamy, aromatic experience that can help to clear the sinuses and promote relaxation.
In addition to its therapeutic benefits, eucalyptus's fresh, clean scent can also help invigorate the senses and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after your shower.
Adding fresh eucalyptus to your shower can be a simple and effective way to elevate your shower routine and transform it into a relaxing spa-like experience.
Use a foot soak or foot scrub.
Your feet are often neglected in your shower routine, but they deserve love and attention too! Giving your feet some extra attention can help you feel pampered and rejuvenated. Consider using a foot soak or scrub to pamper and rejuvenate your tired feet. Look for one with ingredients like Epsom salt, peppermint, or tea tree oil to soothe and refresh your feet.
Try a shower mask or hair treatment.
If you have a little extra time to spare, try using a shower mask or hair treatment while you're in the shower. These products are designed to be used in the shower, so you can multitask and get some extra pampering in while you're already getting clean. We love Anne Marie’s Nuele - Hydrating Hair Mask ($68). This clean hair mask is intentionally separated into two parts to removing the need for preservatives, synthetics, and other toxins. Includes a bottle of serum and a jar of powder that, when mixed, creates a hydrating hair mask.
Invest in a comfortable shower bench or stool.
Investing in a comfortable shower bench or stool can elevate your shower routine by adding convenience and comfort to your shower experience.
A shower bench or stool allows you to sit and relax in the shower rather than stand the entire time. This can be especially helpful for those with mobility issues, who are pregnant, or who prefer to sit while showering.
A shower bench or stool can also provide a convenient place to store your shower essentials, such as soap, shampoo, and a razor, so they are within easy reach while you shower. This can help to make your shower routine more efficient and organized.
In addition to its practical benefits, a shower bench or stool can add a touch of luxury and relaxation to your shower routine. Imagine sitting down and letting the warm water wash over you while you unwind and de-stress. It's a simple yet indulgent way to elevate your shower routine and transform it into a relaxing spa-like experience.
When shopping for a shower bench or stool, look for durable, waterproof materials like teak wood from The Teak Store ($100) or The AquaTeak Store ($95) or stainless steel. It should also be sturdy and stable, with a non-slip surface for safety.
Overall, a comfortable shower bench or stool can be a worthwhile investment that adds convenience, comfort, and relaxation to your shower routine.
Use a shower oil or gel.
Shower oils and gels are great for adding moisture to the skin, and many of them have added benefits such as anti-aging or anti-inflammatory properties. Look for one with ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or aloe vera to nourish and hydrate your skin while you shower. Elevate an ordinary shower to a luxurious sensorial escape with this skin-softening shower cream from Elemis’s Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream ($42) or Anne Marie’s Coconut Body Oil ($40). It’s nourishing and will soften your skin with it’s luxurious formula that is rich in lauric acid (coconut oil), and finished with the aroma of lavender. It soothes the body and eases the mind.
Use a body scrub or exfoliating gloves.
Body scrubs and exfoliating with a pair of gloves is also a great way to exfoliate and invigorate your skin in the shower. Look for one with natural ingredients like sugar, salt, or coffee grounds for a gentle yet effective scrub. Just be sure to use a light touch, as these products can be abrasive if used too harshly. We love the Exfoliating and Replenishing Duo ($112) from Aesop. The two formulations are made to cleanse, buff, and hydrate skin to effect a smooth, softened, and dewy surface. Suited to most skin types, especially dry.
Final Thoughts
Taking a luxurious shower isn’t just great for your body but also for your mental health. It is the perfect way to unwind after a long day. Make sure to find the right products that work best for you and give you an unparalleled experience. While this can take some trial and error while you figure out what works best, it’ll be well worth it in the end.
It creates an oasis away from reality, so make sure your luxurious shower routine sets the tone for the rest of your day - whatever plans may come! This activity requires minimal effort (close the door and let yourself relax), making it an ideal form of self-care for those with busy schedules. By incorporating a few of these ideas into your shower routine, you can transform your daily rinse into a truly indulgent and relaxing experience. So go ahead and pamper yourself – you deserve it!
