Sink Into Self-Care: Bathing as a Daily Occupation
By Lauren Hopkins, Occupational Therapist
July 24th marks International Self Care Day, a day to remind us to pause and reflect upon our habits and rituals that nurture our wellbeing.
Too often wellness is considered as a once in a while indulgence, something we fit in “when we can”. Self-care is a daily commitment to ourselves and others.
When I think about my own self-care in my own life, it begins with something simple yet profound; bathing. More than routine, it’s a ritual and one of the only times I experience peace (I imagine many reading this blog might also feel the same).
Being an occupational therapist, I experience first-hand how bathing can play a role in an individual’s rehabilitation, independence, preservation of dignity and emotional wellbeing. It’s easy to dismiss bathing as “just another task”, what if we reframed it as intentional practice? A sensory ritual. A moment of calm to reflect, reset and reconnect with ourselves and others.
For people of different ages and abilities, bathing can be deeply therapeutic. Warm water can help soothe sore muscles, relieves pain and helps regulate breathing. The predictability of the routine can provide structure, reduce stress, relieve anxiety and even improve sleep hygiene. When the bathing environment is safe and accessible, it doesn’t just serve a function but it can transform how individuals experience their day and their sense of self.
Self-care is ultimately about choice and control, it’s deciding when, how, and where we can care for ourselves. Unfortunately, for many individuals, environmental barriers inhibit autonomy and deny people choice. Bathing should be a space where the individual feels in control, not rushed and not at risk.
Abacus offers a range of specialist solutions to restore dignity and support self-care rituals for bathing. The Gemini MX, Libra bathing system and Aries hi-lo bath are examples of this. For example,
- Dignity – powered seats and antimicrobial surfaces ensures comfort and hygiene.
- Regains control – height-adjustable designs empower the individual to choose when and how they bathe.
- Supports carers
- Enhances experience
Of course, equipment alone isn’t enough, small adjustments and strategies in the environment and mindset can also transform the bathing routine and support self-care.
- Adding calming elements such as, soft lighting, essential oils, soothing music.
- Practice mindfulness; focusing on the temperature of the water, texture and sounds.
- Adjust timings – aim to engage in bathing activities at times of the day that feels most energising and rewarding for you.
- Celebrate the small wins – something I think is often overlooked in everyday life. This might include getting up to have a wash, turning on the water, washing your face etc.
This International Self-care Day lets expand our definition of what self-care looks like for us and those that we are supporting. Bathing isn’t just a task or a tick-box activity, it’s a moment for connection, restoration, and empowerment. Let’s take one step closer to more sustainable and compassionate care for ourselves and others.