Working a corporate job definitely has it perks. But along with the many benefits often come exhaustion and stress. And when you don’t feel like your best self, you're more likely to make less-than-ideal choices for your body (those cookies in the office become way more appealing, for starters, while that morning workout, well, doesn't).
All that's to say that a stressful corporate lifestyle could lead to a toxic overload in the body—which means you need to detox to ditch the unwanted chemicals and pesticides. One way to do that: detox baths.
Not only are they cleansing, but detox baths are super relaxing—and the perfect way to wind down after a hectic day. Plus, by using certain ingredients, you can help relieve the daily ailments that creep up amid long working hours. The four bath recipes below are perfect for the busy professional, so choose the one that best suits your needs, drink plenty of water before and after and infuse a dose of Zen into your day. If you're a newbie to detox baths, start with a 10-minute soak and gradually work your way up to 40 minutes with no more than two or three baths a week.
Tension and stress
Soaking in Epsom salt, which contains magnesium sulfate to help relax muscles and sedate the nervous system, is pretty much the definition of perfection after a long day of your shoulders being hunched over a computer. To reap the benefits, add 1 to 2 cups of the mineral to a full bath of warm water. And if you need an extra dose of relaxation, add 10 drops of lavender essential oil to help you unwind and prep you for a solid night of sleep.
Insomnia
Got a huge presentation coming up? If it's keeping you up at night, you need a little somethin' somethin' to help calm your mind and get those much-needed zzz's (which, in turn, can help you nail that presentation since research shows that getting enough sleep helps improve memory function). Add 1 cup of bath salt and 1 cup of baking soda (which will neutralize unfiltered water from chlorine) to your bath. Then squeeze 10 drops of chamomile essential oil to allow for more restful sleep.
Cold and flu
When your job is beyond exhausting, it can cause a strain on your immune system that makes you more susceptible to catching a cold or the flu. To help prevent illness, add two bottles of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger to your detox bath. Ginger increases the body’s heat level, which promotes sweating and the removal of toxins, while the hydrogen peroxide oxygenates your body and allows for detoxification. You could also include 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to help clear up any congestion.
Skin issues
Toxic buildup in your body can cause a variety of skin issues, including eczema, dry skin, and nail fungus. If you have any of those issues, try adding 1 to 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to your bath—the vinegar helps regulate the skin's pH, which makes it difficult for skin issues to thrive. And since apple cider vinegar isn't the most pleasant-smelling, go ahead and add 10 drops of lavender or rose essential oil. You may want to rinse off in a cool shower after, too, to help get rid of any lingering odor.
by Amy Jarosky
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