Hot showers are already soothing and relaxing, but you can turn yours into a luxurious spa experience. All you need is an essential oil and a simple wooden clothespin. All of a sudden, morning showers can make you feel more awake, energized, and in a good mood. And showers before bed can reduce stress and relax your body in preparation for sleep.
The Clothespin Essential Oil Shower Hack
You will need:
- Wooden clothespin (plastic won’t work)
- Your favorite essential oil scent
Directions:
Best of all, this trick requires only a few minutes to prepare.
1. Pick your oil
Not all essential oil brands are equal. Look for high-quality products that contain only plant compounds with no additives or synthetic oils. Research the brand before buying to ensure their products have a good reputation. Here are some scent suggestions:
- Lavender is a popular, subtly floral scent that can aid with sleep and relaxation.
- Roman chamomile is also calming, with a lightly floral and herbal smell.
- Rose can help with anxiety, and its scent may be familiar to those new to essential oils.
- Vetiver has a smoky, woody, sweet scent to relax the body and boost moods.
- Citrus oils, like orange, grapefruit, and lemon, can give a shower a fresh and energizing feeling.
- Any essential oil that smells pleasant to you. You can also use a combination of two or three scents.
2. Apply the oil
The clothespin has to be wooden so it can soak in the oil. Simply place a few drops of oil onto either side of the clothespin. You don’t need to drench it since you will eventually have to reapply the oil anyway, depending on how often the shower is used.
3. Clip it to your showerhead
Next, clip the clothespin to the top edge of your showerhead so it won’t get wet. Instead, the steam of the hot water will release the scent into your shower, like a diffuser. If the pin won’t fit on your showerhead, clip it onto your shower curtain or any other area where the steam will reach it but the water won’t.
4. Enjoy heavenly aroma
The healing and restorative effects of essential oils are often exaggerated with little to no scientific backing. Don’t expect these scents to cure mental illnesses or chronic pain, but pleasant-smelling oils can improve people’s moods and make them feel more relaxed and energized. They can also encourage deep breathing, which can lead to health benefits like reduced stress, improved digestion, relief of pain, lowered blood pressure, etc. So, take a few deliberate breaths to reap the extra benefits of a soothing shower with your favorite essential oil. Whether you shower in the morning or before bed, a simple refreshing, and calming smell can have many positive effects for the rest of the day/night.
