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Human beings have known for millennia that immersion in water makes us feel better, connecting us as it does to one of the earth’s fundamental elements. That’s why we’ve used bathing for religious, therapeutic and recreational rituals throughout history. In a world in which we’re increasingly removed from nature, bathing reconnects us to the earth – and offers us space to recuperate and recalibrate.

With daylight drawing in and nights getting longer, now is when the bath really comes into its own. With a multitude of proven benefits, from soothing muscles to reducing stress and improving your sleep quality, it’s unsurprising that having a daily bath helps boost your overall mood.

I know that bathing is an entirely personal experience, but here are just a few of my tips on how to make bathtime the most relaxing it can be…

While morning baths can help ease and focus your mind for the day ahead, I have always been an advocate of an evening bath – dropping into deep, hot water marks the end of my working day and the start of my evening. When working from home, an evening soak helps me keep the two separate.

Bathing for me has always been a time during which I can relax my mind and body. Not only does the feeling of supported weightlessness induce a profound sense of calm and is incredibly centring, the heat improves circulation, warming up cold fingers and toes – the perfect self-care ritual to aid a good night’s sleep.

Temperature is personal, so you need to choose what will make you feel best. I love a hot bath, but your own body temperature might prefer a cooler, more invigorating one. Whatever it is, make sure you take the time to get it just right. This might mean standing over it and tweaking the balance. It might be boring, but it’s worth it.

Bath time is precious, so you want to make the most of the ritual with products that suit your mood. I would always recommend choosing plant-based products made with natural fragrances to immerse and reconnect yourself with nature; all of Verden’s are vegan and cruelty-free.

Different products have different benefits, so check in with your body – what are you in need of? 

 are my cure for sore muscles, as they soothe joints and tensions in the body. 

are indulgent and gloriously comforting for dry skin; old-school bubbles never fail to lift the spirit; and 

Aromatherapy is made better by steam. I find the uplifting botanical scent of Verden’s Herbanum fragrance helps me relax instantly, transporting me to a calmer headspace. The blend of rosemary, cedarwood, petitgrain and lavender ensures a truly relaxing soak.

I have always thought of the bathroom as a space I can retreat to, to decompress. Considering how the design of your bathroom can play an important role in your overall bathing experience. I find the right lighting really impacts on the enjoyment of mine. As overhead downlights can be quite unrestful for the eye, I like a dimmer switch, meaning you can add a gentle glow to the room. I find the best baths are accompanied by candlelight, music and a book; the best bathroom has a nook for these within reach of the tub.

Leisure

As the seasons change, the delights of the tub are truly revealed. We’ve asked Charlotte Semler, bathing expert and co-founder of natural fragrance brand Verden, to give us tips on creating the perfect conditions for a soothing soak…

Sud’s Law: perfecting the art of the bath, with Verden

As the seasons change, the delights of the tub are truly revealed. We’ve asked Charlotte Semler, bathing expert and co-founder of natural fragrance brand Verden, to give us tips on creating the perfect conditions for a soothing soak…