A Guide to Wellness Through Bathing

Bathing has long been considered a positive influence on both emotional and physical wellness, and can help with: relieving aching joints; improving circulation; detoxifying the body through opening pores; and making it easier to fall asleep and improving the quality of sleep. It’s also a great way to get in some “me” time during the day.

Defined as a ‘state of complete physical, mental and social well-being’ by the World Health Organisation, wellness is often something we think about, but how often do we actually make it happen?

Living a higher quality life always relates back to our wellbeing. This can be achieved through subduing stress, reducing risk of illness and ensuring we have positive interactions throughout our day. One of the ways to keep on top of wellness is through the simple act of taking a relaxing bath.

Hot water bathing has been around for thousands of years, with earliest traditions found from the time of the Egyptians, and the Romans soon following suit, even pioneering engineering techniques to bring hot water to the masses.

Becoming an important part of domestic life in the home, bathing has long been considered a positive influence on both emotional and physical wellness. Aside from cleanliness, physical benefits include relieving aching joints, improving circulation and detoxifying the body through opening pores. Mentally, a hot bath before bed can make it easier to fall asleep and even have a positive impact on the quality of sleep, which for children and babies, plays an integral part of their routine. As an adult, taking a bath is a great way to disconnect from the work day and make some “me” time.

To enjoy true wellness and make the most of your “me” time, here are some points to keep in mind when creating your relaxing space:

How do you take your bath – think about what you like to do while bathing. Do you read in the bath? Do you lounge by yourself or do you enjoy bathing with someone else? Does the bath need to be easily accessible and are you bathing your children in it?

Try before you buy – you would never purchase a bed without first testing the springs, so why would you not try out with a bath?

Consider the space – not all bathrooms are the same; some have more space than others. Work with a professional to carefully plan the room. Also keep in mind the style. Is the decor clean and modern, or classic and traditional?

Don’t discount freestanding baths – freestanding baths are a statement piece in any bathroom, but beyond that, they allow for space on the floor and walls, creating a sense of space. A range of freestanding baths are available for rooms of all sizes, such as the ios (below, at 1511mm long).

Victoria + Albert is a British company with a worldwide reputation for creating beautiful freestanding baths. The group has offices in Australia, Spain, USA, Canada, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

All products are made at the company’s wholly-owned production and logistics facility in South Africa where every Victoria + Albert bath and basin is made of 100% QUARRYCAST®. This is a unique material rich in natural volcanic limestone which is strong, stable and easy to clean. Unlike traditional enamel, the surface of a QUARRYCAST® bath can’t be damaged by household cleaners that contain bleach and basins won’t craze or crack if hit by a falling object. The material has a natural high gloss finish – a light polish will keep it as good as new. Due to its high stone content, the surface is abrasion resistant; however accidental scratches can be simply polished out in a matter of minutes. QUARRYCAST® baths are much lighter in weight than traditional cast iron or pressed steel and a large bath such as the Napoli can easily be moved by two people.