Complete and utter relaxation, how to find

February 25, 2009 6:01 PM

I want to take a bath...but I can't. Relaxing alternative suggestions?

This is probably a silly question...but: for several years I've lived in an apartment that has only a shower stall. There are times when I come home tired or sore or discontented and feel the need to lie down in a bathtub and be all hot and steamy and relaxed but I can't. Sitting in the shower stall with hot water running on me for a few minutes is nice in its way, I guess, but still a poor alternative. What are other things I can do to create the feeling of near-complete relaxation that you (or I, anyway) can get from a nice hot bath?

posted by frobozz to grab bag (23 comments total)

Soaking your feet in a pot of warm-to-hot water can be lovely. A hot water bottle and a big fuzzy blanket can also give me approximately the same feeling of coziness and relaxation as a bat.
posted by bubukaba at 6:07 PM on February 25

A foot bath? Honestly, I've found them just as if not more relaxing than a full body bath.
posted by David Fleming at 6:08 PM on February 25

Or a bath, even.
posted by bubukaba at 6:08 PM on February 25

When I had only a shower stall, I would dim the lights, light candles, and draw a few inches of the hottest possible water into a wide bowl. Add bath salts or oils, anything you might add to a relaxing bath.

Also fill a pitcher with extra water, also the hottest possible. Wrap it in a towel to keep it warm, but be sure to keep the base free so it still stands upright.

On the floor in front of your home's most comfortable seat, lay out a towel. Place the bowl on the towel with the pitcher to the side. Sit and slooooooowly (it's hot!) lower your feet into the bowl of scented water. Sit back and relax in the dimness. As the water cools a bit, top it up with hot water from the pitcher.

If you have a hot-water bottle or a heating pad, set it up to use at the same time. Mmmm, relaxxxxxxxing.
posted by Elsa at 6:10 PM on February 25

Oh, I hate being bathless too.

My substitute is not perfect, but I find it helps a bit.

1) Make your bed. Fragrant, freshly laundered sheets, and pop in a hot water bottle if you have one.
2) Eat some tasty food, and have a glass of wine.
3) Have a good long hot shower. Come out clean and scrubbed looking.
4) Dry off quickly and get into clean cosy PJs - move fast and keep that warm glow!
5) Get into bed. Re-read an old favourite book, for preference something you read when non-stressed. Nothing too complex.


Nice smells + full belly + toasty warmth + good reading = totally relaxed me

I imagine your experience will vary. But it's good to experiment, almost make a ritual out of it. Try layering up a couple of things you already find relaxing.
posted by Tapioca at 6:20 PM on February 25 [11 favorites]

I have belonged to gyms for their hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms. Not the same as being at home, but sometimes worth it nonetheless.
posted by salvia at 6:27 PM on February 25 [2 favorites]

All of the above are excellent suggestions. I would add a peppermint foot lotion for your feet after the footbath, and coat your skin in warm lavender oil or lotion. If you indulge, I highly suggest a glass of (even cheap) champagne and some strawberries, and some very soothing music (for me, Maria Callas arias). Finish by settling into that comfy bed you prepared according to Tapioca's suggestion with a good book and a warm mug of lavender tea.
posted by bunnycup at 6:27 PM on February 25

I enjoy soaking a wash cloth in hot water and then resting it on my eyes while i lay in bed, especially if it's post shower. Definitely invest in some good quality body butter and make a habit out of giving yourself a thorough rub after each shower. I swear I feel better all day when I do this. The footbath is also an excellent idea.
posted by big open mouth at 6:27 PM on February 25

Get a heated blanket turn it on high and wait about 15 minutes. When you crawl into bed it will be the most wonderful feeling, and then of course turn it back down to a more moderate temperature since it will start to get too hot.
posted by MaryDellamorte at 6:36 PM on February 25

2nd ing the gym -- find one with a hot tub and ask for a pass to try it. Also, maybe a spa? Or bathhouse (no, not that kind) if there is one nearby.
posted by cestmoi15 at 6:54 PM on February 25

Or apt sit for someone with a tub?
posted by cestmoi15 at 6:54 PM on February 25

Ditto the heated blanket idea - a good electric blanket cranked up to 11 is positively blissful on a cold night.
posted by deadmessenger at 7:19 PM on February 25

Go to your local "rent by the hour" hotel and use theirs.
posted by Confess, Fletch at 7:53 PM on February 25

I love a nice heating pad when I'm tired and achey. I particularly like this fuzzy one from Walgreen's.
posted by radioamy at 8:09 PM on February 25

Get one of those shower heads where you can adjust the flow and that sprays a very fine mist. Set it for dribble and turn the hot all the way on.
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 8:10 PM on February 25

A bath seat and bath pillow with suction cups could make your sitting-in-the-shower experience more comfy, along with the foot bath others have suggested. Heck, that's sounding kinda tempting to me right now, and I've got a bathtub.
posted by tomatofruit at 10:16 PM on February 25

not at all related to water, how about some yoga? maybe a couple sun salutations, or just skip straight to savasana?
posted by bellbellbell at 10:26 PM on February 25

A hot water bottle and a big fuzzy blanket can also give me approximately the same feeling of coziness and relaxation as a bat.

bubukaba, that's pretty hard to believe. My bat is trained to fetch beers, and makes a pretty warm, furry footrest.

Yeah, I know, you caught your typo, but I just had to...
posted by IAmBroom at 10:35 PM on February 25

Buy an ofuro or have someone build one for you?
posted by codswallop at 11:12 PM on February 25

Those furos look awesome Codswallop. I haven't had a soak in years, I could really go for building one, but I've got no place to put it save outside : /
posted by jellywerker at 12:32 AM on February 26

Music! After a hot shower, I always like to play a chilled out playlist, anything from Sigur Ros to Goldfrapp. I recommended lying like a starfish, eyes closed on the bed or cushions on floor whilst listening:)

Guided relaxation cds is another option, just closing your eyes and listening to a pleasant voice guide you through a forest or walk along a beach.
posted by tokidoki at 4:20 AM on February 26

You can have a bath and you don't need to be pregnant!: indoor birthing pool
posted by tokidoki at 4:33 AM on February 26

When I didn't have a bath I would totally do this:
1. Put fresh clean sheets on my bed and organize my pillows so I will have my head supported and I'll put a pillow down where it will go under my knees (as if I were getting a massage)
2. Put my blanket in the clothes dryer on high and set it for half an hour (or whatever)
3. Take a ridiculously hot and ridiculously long shower to get all loosey goosey, but have it only last about as long as the dryer
4. Get out of the shower, put the now warmed blanket on the bed, and lie very still.


Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh..... :)
posted by gwenlister at 7:52 AM on February 26