If the kitchen is the bustling center of the home, the bathroom is a private retreat, possibly the only quiet time a body can get in a house filled with family and pets and a to-do list a mile long.
Bathrooms are kinda magical – hear me out!
Each day, we strip ourselves of artifice even as we step out of our clothes to shower. It’s transformative, going from dirty to clean. It’s elevating, doing our make-up, styling hair. It’s empowering, taking good self care of the body that moves us through the world. And it’s restorative, providing a necessary moment of personal reflection to take stock of the day.
With a few simple tweaks and updates, creating an elevated space worthy of this quotidian magic is easy peasy.
A Li’l Feng Shui
According to National Geographic, “feng shui is an ancient Chinese art of arranging buildings, objects, and space in an environment to achieve harmony and balance in a way that will bring peace and prosperity.” It can take years, even decades, of intense learning to truly master the practice, but incorporating a few key principles of feng shui can transform your bathroom into an energizing space to begin your day or a peaceful retreat to relax and unwind.
Of the five principle elements of feng shui, water is most closely associated with wealth, wisdom, and personal relationships. Anjie Cho, certified feng shui consultant, professional architect, and author, stresses the importance of preventing this energy from escaping especially in the bathroom where sinks and toilets can literally drain the space of good vibes.
“On the most basic level, thoughtfully conserving the water that you use in the bathroom creates good energy,” writes Cho. “Your mindfulness and care in using this precious resource will trickle into the other areas of your life, including how others treat you.”
Want to benefit from a better bathroom experience? Cho suggests a few simple ways you can create a more harmonious environment:
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Conserve water. Keep an eye out for leaky faucets or running toilets and consider swapping in a water-saving shower head.
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Toilet lid down. Not only does it prevent prosperous energy from getting flushed away, it’s just more sanitary.
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Install a mirror on the outside of the bathroom. According to Cho, “the mirror will energetically erase the bathroom which also removes any feng shui issues.”
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Potted Plants. If sinks and showers pull water down and away, plants move water up from the soil and out into leaves, creating Qi, or vital life energy. Plus, plants can improve your mood in 5 to 10 minutes or less.
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Trash expired products and declutter your space. Board-certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sheila Nazarin recommends replacing cosmetics and skincare products regularly:
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Mascara & liquid eyeliner: 3 months
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Lipstick, sunscreen, and nail polish: 1 year
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Liquid and cream foundation: 6 months to a year
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Perfume: 8 to 10 years
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Replace bath towels. With proper care and regular deep-cleaning, towels can last years. It’s time to buy new ones when:
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They’re scratchy
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They smell even after laundering
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They’re no longer absorbent
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They’re fraying
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Deep clean on the regular for obvious reasons, and especially because you deserve a fresh space for your daily ablutions.
A few other ways to positively tweak your bathroom experience is by appealing to your senses:
Swap in a pink light bulb for a softer, more romantic vibe. Rose-colored light has been known to improve the quality of sleep, imbue feelings of peace, and – bonus – it’s universally flattering. If the only source of light is overhead, consider layering light by adding lamps, under-cabinet light strips, or wireless sconces to create a more cozy, intimate space.
Play with scent – aromatherapy has a powerful effect on our energy levels and mood. Eucalyptus and citrus can revitalize lagging energy, or wind down at the end of the day with lavender and vanilla. Use candles, diffusers, or body bars like our Anti-Stress Massage Soap infused with peppermint, citrus, and lavender.
If you prefer soft textures underfoot, there’s no rule that says you can’t exchange your bath mat for a small rug or runner. Try layering if you’re a bathmat purist, and when shopping, stick to synthetic weaves if you’re concerned about mold or mildew.
Lastly, just like your cosmetics and skincare products, the tools that keep you buffed and beautiful need regular replacing. Organic exfoliating gloves and mesh body sponges for example, can last around four to six weeks.
