Little Step No. 48
What to do:
Try a magnesium bath.
Why this step works:
This little step is inspired by a chat I had recently with a lovely group of like-minded practitioners. The topic we were discussing was ‘stress’. More specifically, we were sharing strategies we find most effective when helping our clients with this.
This is such an important topic because ongoing stress can be a huge underlying factor sitting right at the root of so many different health problems, from hormone, mood and nervous system imbalances to fatigue, poor cognitive health, lowered immune function, disrupted sleep, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune problems and more. As you can imagine, if stress is part of a client’s picture, this is often a priority to deal with.
My first port of call is usually to consider what are the smallest and easiest steps that are going to make the biggest difference? Or in other words - what steps will deliver the most bang for their buck?
That’s where Little step no 48 - to ‘try a magnesium bath’ can come in very handy. All you need is a pack of Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate), 15 minutes and a nice warm bath. Follow the instructions and precautions on the packet but generally you can dissolve up to a cup of Epsom salts in a full bath.
Why is this so helpful?
Having a soak in a warm bath is already a relaxing thing to do; and adding a cup of Epsom salts may well enhance the relaxation even further. Epsom salts have a long history of traditional use, and whilst much of the evidence is anecdotal, it is likely that some of this magnesium will be absorbed through your skin.
Magnesium is an essential mineral which is often nicknamed nature’s tranquiliser. It helps to support energy production, nervous system, mood, sleep, a balanced stress response and much more. Essential means we need to consume it regularly but sadly, typical Western diets tend to be very low in this important mineral. Further compounding the problem is the fact that magnesium is used up rapidly during times of stress. Having an occasional Epsom salt bath not only encourages you to step off the hamster wheel and pause, even if only for 15 minutes, but may help to top up your magnesium levels too.
Personally, this is one of my favourite things to do at the end of a particularly busy day, and it’s a step I share frequently with anyone in need of a bit more rest and relaxation (most of us!). You can deepen the relaxation even further by adding a cup of calming tea, try the ones I recommend in little step no 12 or little step no 38.
Wishing you a relaxing and restorative weekend x