What helps against everyday stress?
To regularly recharge your batteries, an oasis of peace is essential. And that's not on a distant island in the sunny Caribbean, but right on your doorstep.
Happiness researchers from the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen discovered in a large study with 13,489 participants from ten European countries: For most people, their home is their most important place of well-being, "a safe haven in a hectic world." The perfect place to unwind and recharge more often.
This is how the perfect wellness bath works
For 59 percent of Germans, the bathtub is the best place to relax. This was determined by the forsa Institute in a representative survey for the German Sanitary Industry Association (VDS). Four "tub" rules make a wellness bath perfect:
1. The ideal water temperature is between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius. Water that's too hot puts a strain on the circulatory system, while lower temperatures wake you up instead of making you tired.
2. Preheat a large bath or sauna towel on the heater. This prevents unpleasant cold sensations when drying off, and your body will retain the relaxing warmth for longer.
3. Place something to drink (lukewarm tea or still water) next to the tub. Your body may react to the heat with thirst.
4. Bathe for 15 to 20 minutes. Longer baths remove too much oil and moisture from the skin.
And in the morning? Off to the wellness shower
After getting up, there's no time for a relaxing soak in the tub. But your body can use a wellness session just as much to start the day as it can in the evening. Three rules for a wellness shower that also refreshes your mind:
1. Place a bath towel on the heater.
2. Slowly rinse your body with warm water. Stay a little longer on the tense areas (neck, shoulders, lower back) and imagine the water washing away all the stress.
3. Then wrap yourself in the warm towel, smile at yourself in the mirror, and repeat the following phrase: "Today will be a relaxing day. I'm completely relaxed."
