In our fast-paced world, finding moments of calm and relaxation can be challenging. Incorporating rituals into our daily lives can significantly enhance our mental and physical wellbeing. Rituals are a step up from routines, in that they carry a sense of purpose and intention and can transform mundane activities into meaningful experiences. At Salt & Oil we think that magnesium baths are simple yet powerful practices that promote relaxation, calmness, a time to be within and find some peace. We love to combine this with the ritual of lighting a candle and enjoying its hypnotic flickering light.
Why should you consider adding this to your week?
The Science Behind Rituals
Rituals are more than just habits. They are intentional actions performed regularly that carry personal or cultural significance. Research shows that rituals can reduce anxiety, increase emotional stability, and enhance our sense of control. When we engage in rituals, our brain releases endorphins, the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators, promoting a sense of enjoyment and wellbeing.*
The Benefits of Magnesium Baths
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, for example controlling our sleep/wake cycle, muscle function, and energy production. Unfortunately, many of us have a lack of magnesium due to modern diets and lifestyles. This deficiency can lead to symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, and stress.
A magnesium bath (this could be with Epsom salts, magnesium chloride flakes or Dead Sea salt) can be a luxurious yet cost-effective way to replenish this vital mineral. Here are some of the ways your regular magnesium bath can support your wellbeing:
Muscle Relaxation: Magnesium helps relax muscles and ease tension. A warm bath enhances this effect, soothing tired and sore muscles after a long day.
Stress Reduction: Magnesium plays a role in regulating the body's stress-response system. Immersing yourself in a warm magnesium bath can reduce cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
Improved Sleep: Magnesium supports the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. A relaxing magnesium bath before bed can help improve sleep quality, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
Skin Health: Magnesium baths can improve skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and even help with conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
How to turn a Boring Bath into a Relaxing Ritual
Set the Scene: Create a calming environment by dimming the lights, playing soothing music, and ensuring you won’t be disturbed. This sets the tone for relaxation and mindfulness.
Prepare the Bath: Add about 2 cups of your favourite bath soak (make sure it contains magnesium) to a warm bath. Stir until dissolved.
Incorporate Candles: Lighting candles can enhance the ritual's ambiance. The soft glow of candles creates a serene atmosphere, helping to quiet the mind and deepen relaxation. Choose scented candles with calming fragrances that appeal to your senses, like vanilla or something floral.
Mindful Soaking: Immerse yourself in the bath and take deep breaths. Focus on the sensation of the warm water and the calming scent of the candle. Allow yourself to be fully present, letting go of any stress or worries.
Reflect and Relax: Spend at least 20 minutes soaking in the magnesium-rich water. Use this time to reflect, meditate, or simply enjoy the stillness.
The Role of Candles in Rituals
Candles are powerful tools for creating rituals. The act of lighting a candle signifies the beginning of a special time, setting this moment apart from the rest of your day. The warm, flickering light of a candle can have a hypnotic, calming effect, helping to focus the mind and reduce stress.
Tips for Integrating Rituals into your Daily Life
Creating rituals doesn't require a lot of time or effort. Here are some tips for integrating them into your daily life:
Start Small: Begin with simple rituals, like a daily cup of tea enjoyed without distractions, or a few minutes of deep breathing in the morning.
Be Consistent: Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of rituals. Try to incorporate your chosen ritual into your routine at the same time each day or week.
Personalise It: Your ritual should be meaningful to you. Choose activities and elements that resonate with your personal preferences and needs.
Stay Present: Mindfulness is a crucial component of any ritual. Focus on the present moment and fully engage with the experience.
So, if you feel you don’t have time for a regular magnesium bath, you could start with an Epsom salt foot soak. For consistency, you pop it in your diary to remind yourself to do this every Thursday evening after you get back from yoga class. You personalise it by playing your favourite soothing music. But! You don’t look at your phone for the 10 minutes that you’re enjoying the relaxing experience.
We have an even quicker ritual shortcut for you, one that you can do daily in a couple of minutes or less. You can’t say you don’t have time for this:
Salt & Oil Magnesium spray is a topical solution containing magnesium chloride, a form of magnesium that is easily absorbed through the skin. This spray is designed for direct application to the body, allowing for fast and effective absorption of magnesium. No bath required! Simply spray it onto your skin, massage it in, and let the magnesium work its magic.
That takes only a few seconds. But you can elevate it into a ritual by:
Creating a Calm Environment: Dim the lights, play soothing music, or light a candle to set a relaxing atmosphere.
2. Using self massage: Gently massage your magnesium oil to your skin to enhance absorption and promote muscle relaxation.
3. Relaxing: Take a few deep breaths, allowing the calming effects of magnesium to soothe your body and mind. Focus on the sensation of relaxation spreading through your muscles.
4. Winding Down: Continue with other calming activities, like reading a book or gentle stretching, to fully unwind before bed.
In just a few minutes, you can transform your bedtime routine into a powerful ritual that helps you relax, reduce stress, and prepare for a restful night's sleep.
* From Psychology Today - researchers from the University of Minnesota found that enacting a ritual enhanced how much people enjoyed eating chocolate. Before getting participants to consume a chocolate bar, the researchers asked some of them to perform a ritual by breaking the chocolate bar in half without removing the wrapper, then unwrapping only half of the bar and eating it, before unwrapping the other half and eating it. Compared to people who simply relaxed before devouring the chocolate, the ones who had performed the ritual reported enjoying the chocolate more, savoured it more slowly, and thought it was more tasty!
If you’d like to add Salt & Oil magnesium to your daily or weekly wellbeing rituals, we’d love to help – use code RITUAL at checkout to get 20% off your first order.
Currently only available in New Zealand.
You can treat yourself to:
Epsom salt based scented bath soaks, as well as unscented Epsom salt, Magnesium Chloride flakes, and Dead Sea salt.
A selection of scented candles made for us by Mood Skin.
You might also like to add a gratitude journal to your ritual. There are many evidence-based reasons for why this can improve wellbeing.
All the best
Dionne x
PS - If you'd like to receive our Weekly Soak email updates, there's a welcome offer for you in your first email, and you'll be added to our monthly draw to win a bath soak for you and one for a friend as our Random Act of Relaxation.
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