BRING BACK BATHING
Why Quick Showers Are Replacing Baths—and What We’re Missing
Recently I took my first bath for months. I had been suffering from some injuries and simply felt the need to warm and soak them away. Yes, the bath helped with my aches and pains but the biggest benefit was that I had the best nights sleep I have had in ages. You would think I would have then sewn evening bathing into my weekly routine but no, I carried on with my quick morning showers. A few weeks later I took another bath for the same reasons and hey presto - soothed muscles and joints and a glorious nights sleep. This easy, at home, economical remedy is surely being overlooked!
In a world that glorifies speed and productivity, bathing has quietly fallen out of favour. Once a daily or weekly ritual, the bath has been replaced by the quick, functional shower—efficient, convenient, and over in minutes. But as showers dominate modern routines, we may be losing more than just time in the tub.
It’s time to bring back bathing—and with it, a deeper sense of relaxation, wellness, and intentional self-care.
The Rise of the Quick Shower Culture
Modern life is busy. Early mornings, long commutes, packed schedules, and constant digital connection have reshaped how we care for ourselves. The shower fits neatly into this pace: fast, practical, and task-oriented.
But this shift reflects more than convenience. It signals how self-care has become compressed—something to squeeze in rather than sink into. As bathing declines, so does one of the simplest ways to slow down and reset both body and mind.
What We Lose When We Stop Taking Baths
1. Deep Relaxation and Stress Relief
Bathing isn’t just about getting clean—it’s about calming the nervous system. Warm water immersion helps relax muscles, slow breathing, and reduce physical tension. When paired with aromatherapy or essential oils, a bath becomes a powerful stress-relief tool that a five-minute shower simply can’t replicate.
Without baths, many people miss out on one of the most accessible forms of full-body relaxation.
2. Mental Space and Mindfulness
A bath creates natural stillness. There’s no rushing, no multitasking, no checking notifications. This pause encourages mindfulness—being present with your thoughts, breath, and body.
Showers tend to be transitional. Baths are immersive. And that difference matters in a culture increasingly affected by burnout and mental fatigue.
3. Ritual and Emotional Well-Being
Historically, bathing has been a ritual across cultures—associated with cleansing, renewal, and care. Rituals signal to the brain that it’s safe to rest. When bathing disappears, so does an important emotional anchor that helps regulate stress and mood.
Reintroducing baths isn’t indulgent—it’s restorative.
Bring Back Bathing: Start Small, Make It Intentional
You don’t need hours or elaborate setups to reclaim bathing.
Start with intention:
-
Take one bath a week instead of another shower
- Add calming elements like essential oils or bath salts
- Dim the lights, unplug, and treat it as non-negotiable time
- Focus on how your body feels, not how fast you’re done
Bathing doesn’t compete with showers—it complements them. It offers what speed can’t: restoration.
Slowing Down Is the Point
Bringing back bathing is about more than water and soap. It’s about reclaiming time, honouring the body, and remembering that care doesn’t have to be quick to be effective.
Sometimes, the most radical act of self-care is simply choosing to slow down—and soak.
But Do Baths Use More Water Than Showers?
One of the most common arguments against bathing is water use. At first glance, baths may seem less environmentally friendly than showers—but the reality is more nuanced.
The Water Use Comparison
On average
- A standard bath uses approximately 120–150 litres of water
- A 5-minute low-flow shower uses around 45–75 litres
- A 10-minute standard shower can use 95–190 litres or more
This means that while a short, efficient shower typically uses less water than a bath, longer showers can easily equal or exceed the water used for a bath. In a culture where showers often stretch far beyond a few minutes, the assumption that showers are always more sustainable doesn’t always hold true.
Why Frequency Matters More Than Format
Sustainability isn’t just about how we bathe—it’s about how often and how mindfully.
Baths were traditionally:
- Taken less frequently.
- Viewed as intentional rituals.
- Used for both physical and mental restoration.
Modern shower habits, by contrast, often involve:
- Daily or twice-daily showers
- Extended water run times
- Little awareness of total water use
When a long daily shower replaces an occasional bath, total water consumption can actually increase over time.
How to Bring Back Bathing—Responsibly
Bathing and sustainability don’t have to be opposing ideas. With a few conscious choices, baths can fit comfortably into a water-aware lifestyle.
Choose Baths as Intentional Rituals
Instead of daily soaking, consider baths as a weekly or occasional practice, replacing one longer shower rather than adding extra water use overall.
Shorten and Optimise Showers
Pair occasional baths with:
- Low-flow shower heads.
- 5–7 minute shower limits.
- Turning off water while lathering.
This balance often results in equal or lower weekly water use.
Think Holistically About Wellness
A restorative bath can:
- Reduce stress and burnout.
- Support better sleep.
- Replace multiple long showers driven by fatigue or tension
Wellbeing and sustainability are connected—caring for the body can also mean consuming less elsewhere.
so.....
Yes, baths can use more water than short showers—but they don’t have to. When practiced intentionally and paired with efficient shower habits, bathing can be both restorative and responsible.
The real issue isn’t baths versus showers.
It’s unconscious habits versus mindful choices.
Bringing back bathing isn’t about excess—it’s about slowing down, using resources with intention, and redefining self-care in a way that respects both personal wellbeing and the planet.
FAQS
Are baths worse for the environment than showers?
Not necessarily. A long shower can use as much or more water than a standard bath.
Is it sustainable to take baths regularly?
Yes—when baths are taken intentionally, less frequently, and balanced with efficient showering.
Do baths waste water?
Only when overfilled or used excessively. Mindful bathing can fit within a water-conscious lifestyle.
Can I be eco-friendly and still enjoy baths?
Absolutely. Conscious water use, modern tubs, and efficient showers make it possible.
Angelico Bath Products
BATH SALTS
DEEPLY RELAXING BODY OIL
GENTLE MUTI PURPOSE LIQUID SOAP.
ESSENTIAL OILS
lavender
chamomile
sandalwood
frankincence
petitgrain
mandarin
myrtle
Important. Essential Oils can be poured straight into the bath after the water has run. It is best not to pour them under the running tap as this make them evaporate too quickly. Up to 10 drops in total is the perfect amount for adults. They will need to be ‘swished’ around in the water to dissipate them. Essential oils are not ‘oily’ as such but you want to avoid sitting on drops as this could cause irritation to the skin.
If you want your blend to be moisturising you can add the essential oils to some Jojoba oil first and the add the mixture ( blend) to the bath.. This will leave your skin silky smooth. You will see that all the blends below have lavender in them. This is just something that I do because I feel it balances the blend but if you are not a fan of Lavender you could leave it out or replace it with another essential oil.
AROMATHERAPY BATH BLENDS
RELAXING BATH
sandalwood - 3 drops
chamomile - 3 drops
lavender - 2 drops
BALANCING BATH
Petitgrain - 4 drops
Mandarin - 4 drops
lavender- 1 drops
SLEEPY BATH
frankincence - 3 drops
Myrtle - 2 drops
lavender - 3 drops
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