Shower Routine for Better Health

5 ways to pimp your bathroom routine for better health

You shower everyday but did you know that you could be using this time to increase your health and wellbeing? Start incorporating these cheeky shower-time hacks into your life and say hello to glowing skin, reduced cellulite, better sleep, less stress, decreased tension, humming hormones and improved energy.

Didn’t think all that was possible to do between stripping off and towelling dry? Read on.

1. Dry brush – Before you get wet, brush over your entire body with a natural bristled brush to improve circulation, remove dry skin and support the lymph system. ‘We dump tons of toxins out of our skin so it’s important to keep the pathway clear,’ advises wellness guru Kris Carr, author of Crazy, Sexy Diet. Start at the hands and feet, gradually working your way inwards and upward to the heart area, using gentle circular motions. Ladies listen up: this is especially great for helping rid unwanted cellulite, so spend a bit longer going over problem areas.
2. Fluctuate water temperature – Alternating between hot and cold during your shower can increases alertness, support smooth skin and even improve cardiovascular health. When the body is subjected to hot and then cold temperatures, the flow of circulation is encouraged inwards and then back outwards, helping increase the rate of blood flow and detoxification. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, turning the shower to freezing leads the arteries to pump blood more efficiently and therefore boosts heart health. The easiest way to try this is to simply end your usual shower with a cold bout, which also helps to tighten your cuticles and pores for supple skin. Bonus!
3. Massage your scalp – You know how when you go to the hairdresser, the best part is when they wash your hair at the basin, giving you that heart-wrenchingly good head massage? Well, time to do it to yourself next time you shower. The scalp is one of the places where tension is commonly stored in the body and stimulating the area can help release this. In addition to helping with muscle stress, some studies have shown that massage can increase production of feel good chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins, helping promote a relaxed and happy mood. Put your hands in and massage around with firm pressure, so that it feels good – it’s not rocket science.
4. Use natural and organic products – ‘Our skin absorbs up to 60% of what we put on it and is our largest organ,’ warns naturopath and Edible Beauty founder Anna Mitsios, ‘that’s why it’s so important to only use truly natural skin and hair care products.’ Read ingredients to check what’s really in there, taking care to avoid common nasties like alcohols, artificial fragrances and parabens.
5. Add a drop of essential oil – Aromatherapy is a powerful age-old modality. Try applying a few drops of essential oil to your skin before you get into the shower, adding it to your shampoo, or simply putting it on the corner of the shower floor. As the hot water steams up the area, the scent will be diffused around you. Inhale deeply and enjoy! Tip: choose the oil depending on your needs.  If you’re unwinding at the end of the day, lavender is a great calming choice. Need a pick me up? You can’t go past invigorating peppermint. Blocked nose? Eucalyptus is your friend.