Hit by Winter blues, heartbroken or frustrated by office politics? There’s only one place to go: The loo. Turn it into your oasis of soul-satisfying pampering, says Ruchira Bose

IMAGINE yourself floating in a warm, aromatic cup of tea, breathing in the essences of healing herbs and letting them wash over your skin. Your bathtub can easily be transformed into a giant teacup and your bathroom can be transformed into an oasis of relaxation — a place you go for healing, retreat and rest. Make it your private place that takes you away from the hectic side of your life. It can be magical if you lend it the power to transform and make you whole again.

Bath-o-holic
A bath not only relaxes you, but also serves the basic function of cleansing you. So adopting a bath-time regimen that includes cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising, that keeps your skin healthy and allows much-needed downtime in an otherwise stressful life.

A soothing soak is pure pleasure. It is a gentle way to start the day or a sumptuous send-off before going to bed. And while a steamy bath feels soothing, be sure the water is not too hot, or you‘ll find yourself feeling tired and depleted afterwards.

It‘s best to start with a warm bath and gradually add hot water as your body adjusts to the heat. When your bath water starts to cool down, you'll want your environment to be warm and cozy, so be sure to prevent your bathroom from being draughty.

Make sure your bath time is a time of solitude — no interruptions allowed! The bathroom becomes your personal property for at least the next 30 minutes. Put down your to-do lists and let yourself luxuriate in this watery retreat. And put a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign out.

Tub Tea
To create your tub of tea, all you have to do is make tea bags by placing a bunch of herbs in a large square of muslin tied in a pouch with a ribbon. Using old stockings works too. After you've filled your bag with herbs, place it in your bath as the tub is filling with water and deep bath bubble, salts and skin and hair conditioners handy!

Clean Up
repare for your bath by starting with a clean, fresh bathroom, rinsing the tub with warm water and a sponge (or use a bathroom cleaner if needed). Pick up any towels or dirty clothes that have been left behind. Rearrange bathroom bottles so only those you need are within arm’s reach (less clutter clears the way for renewed energy).

Take the time to consider what else you might want to add to your aquatic environment to be sure it is as comfortable as possible: A stack of towels, fragrant soap, loofah or brush, bath pillow, your favourite bath salts, after-bath queeze it a couple of times to let the herb juices flow.

Gentle and relaxing herbs to bathe with include dried marjoram and thyme. Add a quarter cup of each to your pouch and let the water rush through. For an extra treat, add a cup of bath salts and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar directly to the bathwater. The combination is nourishing for your skin.

Citrus leaves and dried citrus peels make a sweet tea bath that aids in the elimination of toxins. You can crunch up the leaves and put them in a tea bag, or simply drop the leaves and rinds directly into your tub and let the aromatic forces flow. Dried rose petals and dried lavender flowers can induce the ultimate relaxation. Two tablespoons of each in your ‘tea bag’ will soothe a tired mind.

The Latte Chica
Cleopatra knew well the therapeutic properties of milk and regularly filled her swan-shaped tub with camel milk to ensure that her skin remained soft and supple. Two thousand years later, the benefits of milk baths are being rediscovered. Milk-based products for the bath and shower are now used for everything from cleansing to moisturising to masking.

Milk, which contains natural beta hydroxy acids, not only exfoliates old skin, it also soothes it. Milk conditions skin so it is soft and glowing, and not flaky. It’s also good for the hair. Hair has scales on the cuticle that make it look dull. Milk proteins close the cuticle to give it shine.

While milk-based products can be found in many beauty boutiques and stores, making your own milk bath is easy. Add two to three cups of slightly warmed milk (or use milk powder) to a tub of warm water and soak for 15 minutes for a sensual beauty bath. A few drops of almond oil can be added for extra softening. If you want, use a loofah to exfoliate dead skin. Creamy, glowing skin is the result.

Other Spa-In-The-Loo Tricks
If you did nothing but lie back and luxuriate in your tub, you'd still be doing plenty to promote relaxation. If, however, you want to do more, here are some delightful ways to relax your body, beautify your skin and allow yourself the pleasures of pampering. The following suggestions turn an ordinary bath into a spa-like retreat.
Sponges and brushes:

Scrubbing your body in warm water is an invigorating way to stimulate circulation, remove dead skin cells and leave your skin healthy, soft and vibrant. Your body will relish the attention. Try using any or all of the following while relaxing in your bath: Body sponge, body glove, body brush, loofah and pumice stone (for your feet).

Soothing compresses
The skin around your eyes tends to reveal your exhaustion. Compresses are a gentle way to both soothe and rejuvenate aching eyes in need of attention.

Chamomile contains tannin, an astringent that firms the skin. Place one tablespoon of dried chamomile in a cup of boiling water. Let it cool for 30 minutes, then strain and soak two cotton pads in the solution. Gently squeeze out the pads and place on closed eyelids for 10 minutes.

While resting, release any tension you might feel. As an alternative, place two chamomile tea bags in a saucer and pour some hot water over them. Cover with another saucer and allow to cool. Squeeze the excess moisture from the bags and place them directly on your closed eyelids.

Cucumber tones the skin and restores tired eyes. Place a cold slice over each eye and rest for 15 minutes.

Potato compresses are an excellent astringent for the eyes. To make, finely grate a raw potato and place the gratings between two layers of muslin. Draw up the corners and tie, making a pouch for each eye. Wet the pouches, then settle into the tub and close your eyes, placing one on each eye.

Leg and neck rests: Towels can be used to support your legs and lower back and to enhance relaxation as you bathe. Simply roll a terry towel and submerge it in the water. Place the roll under your outstretched legs, beneath your knees or behind your back for lower-back support.

You might also try moistening a towel with warm water and rubbing it with fresh ginger, which helps to relieve stress and aching muscles. Place the towel behind your neck, lie back and relax, breathing deeply.

Luxurious moisturisers, milk, bath thingies all help make that
me-time fabulous!