The Benefits of Bathing: How a Simple Soak Can Soothe Your Nervous System
The benefits of a magnesium-rich bath go far beyond relaxation. In this blog post, we break down the science of how soaking with Calm Sea Soak can soothe your nervous system, calm your mind, and support busy mums in finding real moments of rest.
Let’s be real: when you’re juggling kids, work, and the never-ending to-do list, “self-care” can feel a bit… out of reach. But what if there was a way to calm your mind, relax your body, and support your health—all in the time it takes to run a bath?
It turns out, there is. And the secret is simpler (and more science-backed) than you might think: a magnesium-rich soak.
The Science: Why Bathing Actually Calms You Down
When you slip into a warm bath, your body isn’t just getting clean—it’s getting a nervous system reset. Here’s how:
1. Warm Water Activates the “Rest & Digest” System
Soaking in warm water helps trigger your parasympathetic nervous system—the part of your body responsible for “rest and digest.” This is your body’s natural counterbalance to stress, helping slow your heart rate, lower blood pressure, and promote a sense of calm.
2. Magnesium: The Mighty Mineral for Calm
Magnesium is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in your body, including those that regulate mood, muscle tension, and sleep. When you soak in a magnesium-rich bath (like with Calm Sea Soak), your skin can absorb magnesium transdermally (through the skin).
Bonus: Studies have shown that bathing in magnesium salts may increase blood magnesium levels and help ease muscle tension and anxiety.
3. Aromatherapy for the Mind
Essential oils like cedarwood and rose geranium (found in Calm Sea Soak) are known for their calming, grounding properties. Inhaling these gentle scents while you soak can help quiet racing thoughts and bring you back to the present moment.
The Real-Life Benefits for Busy Mums
1. Eases Muscle Tension & Aches
Whether you’ve been lifting toddlers or hunched over a laptop, magnesium soaks help relax tight muscles and support recovery—so you can move (and sleep) more comfortably.
2. Calms a Frazzled Mind
The combination of warm water, magnesium, and calming essential oils is like a “reset button” for your nervous system. It’s a gentle way to unwind after a day of running your batteries down to empty.
3. Supports Restful Sleep
Magnesium and relaxation go hand-in-hand. A soak before bed can help you drift off faster and wake up feeling more refreshed (no counting sheep required).
4. Gives You Permission to Pause
It is just 10 minutes! Stop with the guilt and give yourself a talking to. Taking even 10 minutes for a bath is a powerful act of self-care. It’s your chance to step away from the chaos and remind yourself: you matter, too.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Bath (Even If You’re Time-Poor)
- Set a timer for 10–20 minutes—enough to get the benefits, even on a busy night.
- Add Calm Sea Soak to your bath as the water runs. The blend of magnesium chloride, Dead Sea salts, cedarwood, rose geranium, and rose petals is designed to nourish your body and soothe your mind.
- Try a body scrub if you don’t have time for a full bath. Massage a handful of Calm Sea Soak onto damp skin in the shower for a mini spa moment.
- Pair with a calming routine: Dim the lights, play some music, and take a few deep breaths. Even a short ritual can signal your body it’s time to unwind.
Mum-to-Mum: You Not Only Deserve This, You Actually NEED To Do This To Function Optimally
So, next time you’re feeling frazzled, remember: a bath isn’t just a luxury. It’s science-backed self-care, bottled up and waiting for you at the end of a long day.
By Bec Farthing
Bec is Salt + Earth Co.’s founder, chief magnesium mixer, and go-to wellness storyteller. She’s the brains (and heart) behind our calming creations, science-made-simple blogs, and those honest “mum life” updates you see on our socials. If you spot a post about juggling kids, sleep, or self-care, that’s probably her. Fun!
