This moment in time brings utmost stress and uncertainty for many of us — even in normal times, when we have to juggle work, family and recreation, it’s not east to truly allow yourself to take some time to fully relax, unwind and let go. With heightened tension and anxiety amidst the pandemic and during a very tight election race where a lot is at stake, it’s especially important to create a safe, calming environment or routine that will help you let loose and recharge in your home abode.

One of the ways to achieve that calm and relaxation is taking a long, indulgent, bubbly bath — and V is here to help you along and nudge you in the right direction. Whether you’re looking to release muscle tension, debloat or raise your vibration, we got you covered with these bath essentials for ultimate stress relief.

From epsom salts and baking soda to healing herbs, essential oils and even alcohol — discover your new favorite bath rituals below:

EPSOM SALT

This classic ingredient in every bath is likely to be endorsed even by someone as picky as your great-grandma. Great for easing muscle soreness and relieving tension, the high-magnesium crystals are not only wonderful for digestion and assisting to maintain a healthy release in the colon, but will also allow you to maintain a calming, ease-filled presence. With most of us being deficient in this calming mineral, epsom salt soaks are great for when you’ve had a particularly taxing day — or after an exceptionally brutal workout: simply dissolve a cup of this stuff under running water and let it do its thing.

DETOX Soaking Salts, Herbivore ($18)

HEALING HERBS

Taking a bath is more than just a way to relax and let loose. The effects of this powerfully healing and detoxifying self-treatment can be amplified by adding a range of therapeutic herbs to your soak.

• Chamomile — with compounds that bind to the same brain receptors as Valium, this natural calming remedy is great for inviting deep relaxation as well as inducing restful sleep
• Lavender — another natural remedy known for its ability to relax the mind and ensure a good night’s sleep
• Rose — in addition to being incredibly aromatic, rose petals and rose water boast antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties
• Skullcap — sightly bitter and vegetal in flavor, this herb is known for being a tonic to the nerves; to use, steep in hot water and add to the bath or simply toss in some loose leaves for a sweetly sedative effect
• American ginseng — in addition to being great when used internally, this ancient herb can also work wonders in your bath — supporting the overall immune system and constitution, relieving fatigue and debilitating indecision; for best results, peel and toss the root right into your tub and allow to work its magic
• Tea — this stimulating herb makes for an easy recipe for more revitalized, brighter skin; adding a few green tea teabags to your bath routine will help your skin fight the effects of the environment and aging
• Ginger — though technically not an herb, this healing root (freshly grated or ground) will help you release toxins and cold/flu aches through sweat, leave you feeling cleansed and congestion-free; however, ginger can cause sensitive skin to react — so test on your skin first before incorporating it into your favorite bath ritual
• Other notable mentions: lemon balm, verbena and ashwagandha — to soothe your nervous system and reduce inflammation

COCONUT OIL

Soak in all of this superfood’s moisturizing benefits by mixing a tablespoon of coconut oil into running water. Notorious for being one of the best bath ingredients for soft skin and healthy hair, coconut oil also has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic and antifungal properties. What’s not to like?

OATMEAL

These hulled oat grains can do wonders for sensitive, itchy or irritated skin. Soothing and nourishing the epidermis, it’s a life-saving remedy for when someone in your household gets poison ivy or sunburn.

BAKING SODA

A stellar natural exfoliant that will help you fight acne while simultaneously soothing and detoxifying your skin. Just like epsom salt, this is a great ingredient to add to your post-workout bath. And if you’re really into arts and crafts, get together with a group of close friends and experiment with making your own bath bomb variations!

ESSENTIAL OILS

Lavender, rose, vetiver, chamomile or sandalwood — when it comes to essential oils, you truly do have a myriad of options to choose from. It’s a perfect way to tailor your bath for your needs — whether you’re striving for that healthy skin glow or just need something to help calm you down after a long day. Add them to bath salts to reap all the aromatherapy benefits, or dilute in a carrier oil or emulsifier to incorporate them into your bath soak recipe.

• Lavender oil — for relaxation, balance and stress relief; great for headaches and migraines
• Lemon and other citrus oils — antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial, astringent and detoxifying properties to boost immune system function; do not go out in the sun with these oils on your skin, as they are likely to make your skin very sun-sensitive
• Eucalyptus — refreshing and stimulating, it is especially great when combined with sweet orange, geranium and/or sandalwood
• Other notable mentions: chamomile, frankincense, ylang-ylang, grapefruit and bergamot essential oils

Pocket Farmacy Black Oil Blend, Saje Natural Wellness ($65)

CRYSTALS

Bathing with crystals is the epitome of relaxation, allowing you to put yourself first and focus your energy on a particular moment of time that is exclusively about recharging your life force. Every once in a while, take the time to pause the negative cycle that leads to bad feelings and unfavorable decisions and give yourself a moment to unload. It’s a very intuitive way to recharge and satisfy that treat-yourself need in the most soul-filling way.

• Blue Lace Agate — with healing properties that emit a frequency that is calming and soothing, this is an exceptional stone for melting anxiety and allowing the nervous system to relax; reap the benefits by either holding the stone in your hand while bathing or placing right in the tub to infuse the water around you
• Amethyst crystals — a natural stress reliever, these are wonderful to have during bathing relaxation thanks to their ability to give clarity and allowing you to reach a deeper understanding of yourself; connect the stone with your crown chakra by placing it at top of the bath by your head and observe all of your negative thoughts being washed away
• Selenite and quartz crystals — both work to replenish the energy that you have lost working — selenite clearing that negative energy, clear quartz reactivating your sense of self that has been depleted; make sure that you do not place your selenite in the water or get it too wet, as the rock will quickly dissolve
• Rose quartz — these heart-based crystals program your bath water to hold the energy of love; surrounds your body and replenishes your skin with this loving energy that can raise your vibration and reprogram your being on a cellular level
• Citrine stone — set it by your solar plexus chakra (or upper abdomen) to channel bright energy and usher in clarity, creativity and positivity; this one is capable of reenergizing your self-esteem and aiding in future manifestation
• Hematite — best when placed by the root chakra at the base of the spine, this stone promises to restore a sense of calm and balance; reflective in essence and beneficial for times of self-reflection, it is also good for stress relief, grounding chaotic thoughts and recentering your sense of focus

MILK & HONEY

The lactic acid in milk will soothe and exfoliate, while honey will bring moisturizing, anti-aging and antibacterial properties to your calming ritual. Come up with creative milk bath recipes — and if you are sensitive to milk, try substituting with a nourishing, plant-based coconut milk alternative. Just make sure to rinse off well when you’re done soaking up all the creamy goodness!

ALCOHOL

Throwing you a curveball over here! 😉 The kind of happy hour for your body and soul we’ve all been waiting for — full of anti-aging properties and polyphenols that can reduce inflammation and redness. A perfect excuse to pair your nightly ritual with a glass of chilled rosé of your choice!