In this article, I’m going to answer, ‘can you meditate in the bath?’
I’m sure you are aware of the benefits of meditating, and maybe you meditate sometimes – but do you find it difficult to find enough time?
You don’t have to be sitting with crossed legs or lying down in a dark room to meditate.
You can meditate while doing all kinds of things; walking, driving, eating, doing chores, and in one place, in particular, I like meditating – in the bath!
Here’s why meditating in the bath is a great idea, some of the benefits, and how you can do it!
Can You Meditate in the Bath?
The answer is yes – you can meditate in the bath!
In fact, there are many benefits to meditating in the bath and for some people, it’s their preferred choice.
It’s important to note the type of meditation you’ll be doing in the bath, which is going to be mindfulness meditation.
You’re not going to be going into a deep meditative state. It’s not dangerous to do so per se, but you wouldn’t want to do that while you’re submerged in water.
Related – Here are the benefits of meditating in the shower, too!
How Do You Meditate in a Hot Bath?
The key to mindfulness meditation is to focus on the present moment and your senses.
So, when you’re in the bath, pay attention to the feel of the water on your skin, the temperature, the sound of the water, and the scent of any aromatherapy you might be using.
And if your mind wanders, which it will, simply bring your focus back to your senses.
Here’s how I meditate in the bath:
First, I start by gently closing my eyes and taking a few deep breaths.
I bring my awareness to my breathing and pay attention to how it feels as the air enters my nose and travels down my throat into my lungs.
I take big breaths in through my nose and breathe out through my mouth.
Even though I’ve been meditating for years, my mind still wanders sometimes, so don’t think much of it if your mind does – it’s completely normal.
This is your monkey mind chatting about your day or conjuring up random thoughts, just simply bring your attention back to your breathing.
After a few deep breaths, I allow my consciousness to move away from my breathing and onto the feel of the water against my skin, the sensations, smells, and what I’m experiencing in the moment.
Simply do this for a few minutes while breathing normally, and you should literally feel any tension, stress, and worries leaving your body.
An interesting thing about meditating in water – and this has happened to me a number of times – is that you can experience the feeling of weightlessness.
It feels as if I’m slowly floating to the surface of the water, it’s incredibly powerful and profound!
Benefits of Meditating While in the Bath
First of all, a bath is a great way to relax and de-stress. We all know how good a hot bath can feel after a long day, both physically and mentally.
But did you know that adding meditation to your bath can make it even more effective?
When you meditate in the bath, you are not only relaxing your body but also your mind.
And when your mind is relaxed, it’s easier to let go of stress and anxiety.
Another benefit of meditating in the bath is that it can help to ease physical aches and pains.
For example, studies have shown that meditation can help with conditions like arthritis or back pain, so in combination with a bath, it can have powerful healing effects.
This is because heat from the water – along with essential oils or other remedies you add to the water – can also help to relax tense muscles and ease any aches and pains.
Finally, meditating in the bath is a great way to boost your mood.
If you’re feeling down or stressed, a hot bath with some calming meditation can work wonders.
Not only will you feel more relaxed and de-stressed but the endorphins released by the heat of the water can also help to improve your mood.
Related – Did you know you can mindfully meditate while driving?
Is It Safe to Meditate in the Bath?
Yes, it is safe to meditate in the bath as long as you are mindful of a few things.
First of all, make sure that the water is not too hot as this can be dangerous.
You should also make sure that you will not fall asleep while meditating in the bath – which can again be dangerous.
To avoid falling asleep, it’s best to set a timer for your meditation so that you don’t have to worry about it.
And finally, if you are using any essential oils or other products in your bath, make sure that they are safe and won’t cause any irritation.
Oh, and if you’re lighting candles around your bath, which is an awesome way to add more ambiance and lower the lighting, make sure there is not a fire risk.
Best Meditation Apps to Use in the Bath
Personally, I use earphones and apps on my phone to experience guided meditations while in the bath.
I recommend downloading InsightTimer, which is one of – if not the – largest meditation apps available on iOS and Android devices.
You get access to more than 100,000 meditations in total, covering every type of meditation you could possibly think of – this is my favorite meditation app.
In Summary
I hope this article has inspired you to try meditating in the bath.
It’s a great way to relax, de-stress, and boost your mood – not to mention the other benefits like easing physical pain.
Just make sure that you are safe and comfortable, set a timer if needed, and enjoy!
Image credits – Photo by Isi Parente on Unsplash
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.