Bathing

"There must be quite a few things a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them. Whenever I'm sad I'm going to die, or so nervous I can't sleep, or in love with somebody I won't be seeing for a week, I slump down so far and then I say: 'I'll go take a hot bath.'" - Sylvia Plath

Bathing has a long and fascinating history. It has been used as a method of hygiene and relaxation for thousands of years. Long before bathing as we know it came into existence people used hot springs for those purposes. Cleansing in rivers, streams, and lakes has also been in practice for human beings for as long as we know of. Bathhouses have been popular over the centuries all over the world. 

However, bathing was not always in fashion for hygienic purposes. People would only bathe for special occasions, like weddings, or they would bathe for medicinal purposes. It's been documented that royals like King Louis XIV only ever washed three times in his life. Queen Isabella of Castile was supposedly only ever bathed twice.  It was more common for people to wash their faces and hands, but what we know about Typhoid Mary shows maybe that isn't even completely accurate. 

One thing we know for certain is that baths are luxurious. Cleopatra was one of the most prolific perpetrators of beauty and refinement. She made it a point to make scented oils, perfumes, and even tried her hand at making a balding remedy for Julius Caesar. She is still well thought of for taking milk baths. According to McGill University, she would bathe in donkey's milk because of the anti-aging properties of the lactic acid which is good for fighting fine lines and wrinkles. 

For me, bathing is definitely both hygienic and relaxing. Especially after being on the road for a long time, coming up with new routines, or just taking a quiet moment for myself. What soothes your soul? How do you take time to luxuriate and love on yourself?