Anybody
remotely tapped into self-care has already perfected their version of the 'everything shower'. But as good as being squeaky clean from scalp to sole feels, you can't deny that it is utterly exhausting and draining. But it doesn't have to be. The following routine, listed by lifestyle enthusiast Jess Graves, optimises the process in a way that'll lull your senses just right instead of overstimulating them into exhaustion.
Don't Ignore Your Environment
An everything shower may feel like a 'go go go!' situation and if you look at it like a check list, it is. But tell your nervous system otherwise. The hack for this is actually quite simple. Keep the lights low, in fact, switch them off if you have enough natural light in your bathroom. Lighting a scented candle on the vanity is the easiest way to dupe your brain here; even lighting some incense will do. Don't drink with your shower, but a season Diet Coke, or something else to sip on is also highly recommended. As for audio stimulation, you don't need to exhaust yourself with another bathroom concert - give binaural beats a shot.
Prep Your Body
If you haven't given dry brushing your body a shot, this is your sign because you must. Start at your legs and move up. Follow this up with some castor oil in your belly button, preferably held in with a navel patch. This will work on your inner detoxification as you get the rest of the necessities in order. Oil your hair and wrap it in a damp microfibre towel, you've warmed up.
And then Your Skin
After taking care of the insides, turn your attention outward. Apply an exfoliant to your body and face as you prep your bath water. Once you've drawn your bath, it's time for the soak - this is where you decompress from the prep so you have the energy and will to mindfully make it through the actual shower. If you don't own a tub, but yourself a steamer and mist up the bathing area with it as you take in the steam.
The Scrub Down Begins
First go in with an antimicrobial soap - no frills on this one. Then follow it up with the body wash that makes you smell like a bakery. This is where you go in with those exfoliating gloves or a stiff sponge to really scrub out the gunk from your body's pores. Let your body marinate in this cocktail as you turn your attention to your locks.Oil means a double cleanse, following which, the conditioner or hair mask goes on - one, not both. Once its time to wash that off, make sure the water is cool to seal the moisture in to your hair.
The Aftermath
It's not over yet! Follow your post-shower skincare routine and bring it all together with some LED mask therapy. If you haven't already invested in one, just know that red light therapy can and will change your life.
Rest and Recovery
Once you're done with the shower Olympics, it's time to treat yourself to an adult drink. Don't go overboard just yet, for you did out your body through a lot of stimulation in the last few hours - internal and external. Put on something fun to watch and lay with your feet up your headboard for 20 minutes.With everything ticked off, the only thing you'll need to prep for after this is a long sleeping spell!
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