8 Easy Ways To Add Aromatherapy To Your Shower Routine

Sometimes adding a little intention to your daily activities can make them feel more like an act of self-care rather than something mundane to check off a to-do list. There are many ways to do this, such as practicing mindfulness as you walk, playing your favorite song when you wake up, engaging in a relaxing skin care routine, and what we're discussing today: shower aromatherapy. 

If you're a fan of bath bombs but don't exactly have the time or the resources to take a leisurely bath every day, don't fret. There is a shower version of bath bombs that not only make your shower feel more luxurious but can also be made at home. Enter, shower melts. 

As you may guess, the star ingredient in these shower bombs, we'll call them, is essential oils. Although you can fully choose which oils you prefer based on scent, different oils can actually affect your mood in different ways. For example, lavender is a great essential oil when it comes to relaxation1 and better sleep2, whereas peppermint can increase alertness3. For this reason, you may choose to have different shower melts for different times of the day you choose to cleanse—based on whether you're looking to relax before bed or wake up your brain in the morning. 

If you're already one to romanticize your daily cleanse, you're probably familiar with the act of hanging eucalyptus from the showerhead. Although this plant does add some nice visual décor, the benefits of eucalyptus in the shower go far beyond the eye and actually have a much longer history than you might think. 

When you hang eucalyptus from the shower head after rolling out the bundle, the aroma will seep out in spa-like steam. This can help soothe your respiratory system and invigorate your senses without overstimulating. This makes eucalyptus an amazing addition for both the morning and evening. 

If you like the idea of a eucalyptus bundle but crave even more than just the eucalyptus scent in your shower, you can level up by creating a full shower bouquet. This means adding more botanicals to create a custom blend of natural oils that can make you feel, well, any way you want really. 

This Calm Shower Mist for Parachute by OSEA is perfect for the pre-sleep evening rinse. With notes of bergamot and lavender, you're sure to feel that ahh-inducing feeling that will set you up for deep sleep. 

If you're partial to an a.m. cleanse, the Wake Up Call Shower Steamer Spray by Uncommon Goods will be a better fit. This blend has spearmint and citrus notes to awaken the senses in a gentle and natural manner. If you need something to look forward to in order to get out of bed on time, this product will help fill that gap. 

This one is especially great if you're looking to extend your aromatherapy experience beyond the shower or if you already have an essential oil diffuser. Simply relocate your diffuser to the bathroom, add in your desired oils, and turn it on. Let it diffuse for a little bit before hopping in the shower to ensure the oils have had time to spread throughout the space. 

Now this one is perfect for those who shower in the morning. As we mentioned, citrus scents can be stimulating and help elevate your mood and awaken the senses, making them perfect for the a.m. rinse. One way to do this without having to buy any essential oils or other products is to reuse your citrus peels. Simply store your peels in the freezer over time and pull out a few peels when you're ready for that spa-like experience. 

So you want the full-on aromatherapy experience but you're not trying to spend too much time or money to get there; we hear you. Here's a simple option: adding essential oil drops to your shower directly. The same rules apply when it comes to choosing your desired scent profile—relaxing, stimulating, sinus-clearing, what have you—but now you just have to select the oils.

Before you turn the shower on, place a few drops of your oils in the corners of your shower where the water flow is minimal. This way you'll reap the benefits of the oils for longer since they won't wash down the drain. All you have to do is, well, enjoy! The oils will diffuse as the hot water hits the floor and steam fills the air. You can even keep your oils in the shower if you want to add more throughout your rinse. 

This may be the most efficient way to create a spa-like aromatic experience in your shower. All you have to do is put a little bit of intention into your body wash selection. Although most of us always reach for a body wash with a scent we enjoy, going for natural body washes with essential oils is an easy way to level up your body care and your shower experience. 

Our pick? The Shower Gel by Rahua. This natural cleanser contains lavender, eucalyptus, sweet vanilla, and notes of Palo Santo. It's packed with hydrating oils to keep your skin smooth while also providing that luxurious shower experience.