Q&A for How to Prepare a Relaxing Bath

Yes. It helps you sleep better as long as the water is not too hot or too cold.

If you don't have any essential oils, just squeeze in some of your favorite shower gel, which will make your bath smell really good and most likely will create bubbles. Also, you could try a product such as a bath bomb or bubble bar, which can be very calming and smell good.

Yes! Vanilla scents typically evoke a cozy and comfortable feeling. Be careful though, you technically cannot get essential oil from vanilla, only what is called an "absolute."

Yes. Baths can help calm you down, as long as you are in the right environment. Make sure you have something like music and scents to take your mind off whatever you are nervous about. You can even read a book too. You may find that after you take a bath right before bed, you tend to sleep better.

Yes you should. If you use hot water, it may help clear your sinuses and clear up any congestion you may have.

Bath bombs can be made easily at home, just follow the fully detailed instructions in: How to Make Bath Bombs .

Technically you can, but this would not be recommended. Not only may the scents clash or become too overpowering, but some of the features (ie: fizz and bubbles) may interfere with each other. It would be best to just stick with one bath product and save the rest for another time.

Yes! You can use a soft towel that is either rolled or folded up. If you are able to keep the towel dry, you can even use it after the bath to dry yourself off!

Get out of the bath immediately and attempt to put it out with a fire extinguisher. If the fire becomes too big then get out of the house and call your fire emergency number.

You absolutely can, but it may not be a good idea. You might wind up relaxing too much or even falling asleep. Consider taking a shower instead, especially if you have work or school.

Yes, you can. But still use candles or dim light if you can.

Try it and see. Some people love it. Others find it frightening. A candle or two is probably a nicer touch than the dark.

No. Epsom Salts are actually magnesium sulfate, which is quite different than sodium chloride (table salt). Epsom salts are called "salts" because they resemble course sea salt. Adding table salt would be neither beneficial nor harmful.

You can drink a glass of wine as you bathe provided you take appropriate precautions. If possible, use a plastic wine glass or flute, to prevent glass breakage should you accidentally drop the wine. Pour the wine in the kitchen and leave the bottle there. Be aware that some people get cramps when sitting in warm water and consuming liquids; if this happens to you, stop and get out. Also, limit the drink to one glass to avoid becoming tipsy and potentially falling asleep and/or slipping into the bath or not being able to get out safely. Other than that, do enjoy!

Dry yourself off, get dressed, and do whatever you want. The end of the article has a few suggestions, but there is no specific thing you need to do after a bath.

Allowing some of the water to drain from the tub, then add more water--be sure to agitate the water with your hand as well. This will refresh the bubbles.

Sure, whatever relaxes you.

Burn some incense sticks or a bundle of sage. Both will help relax and calm you. Or, use battery operated tealights but not near the water. Or, use the dimmer switch to reduce the lights to low. Or bring in a lamp and have it in a corner away from the bathwater.

You can still put a pillow or blanket between your head and the wall, or dunk your head underwater - or just tolerate the wall.

Lavender is commonly considered to be relaxing; if you personally don't like the smell though, it won't work for you. Lemon is refreshing and not normally thought of as relaxing. However, relaxing is not the same for everyone. You can use whatever scents you like, or even no scent at all. Sandlewood, vanilla, honey, cocoa, rose and bergamot are some scents you could try.

Assuming you're old enough to do so, simply light a candle and place it on the side of the tub. Or you can just turn off the light and get in the bath. Be careful not to slip, though.

Yes, you can. A hot shower can be relaxing too.

You put it into water and it fizzles and may change the color and scent of the water.

Yes, absolutely.

No. That is very sanitary. Go to the toilet beforehand, or step out, go to the toilet, and come back to the bath.

Yes. It's relaxing as long as you don't have the sound up too loud.

Because of the dim lights, relaxation, and nudity. Wine helps too!

Yes, you should rinse them off.

You can drink at any age with anyone in the bath (as long as you're not drinking alcohol). If alcohol, you must be 21 in most states. As for skinny dipping (outside), check your state laws. Most states make that illegal under indecent exposure laws.

Yes! That can be very relaxing too.