How to Stamp Out Stress with a Hot Foot Bath

The benefits

a slate board says 'take time for yourself' beside an alarm clock
Taking time to soak your feet in a bath of hot water is a soothing and relaxing activity to add to your home self-care routine. Hot foot baths have many wellbeing benefits, such as: assisting sleeping habits, relieving aches and pains, stamping out stress, and improving your mood. It is an activity that grounds us to the moment. Perhaps put on some relaxing music, and, or make a hot cup of tea. Take this time out for you to unplug your busy mind from electronic devices and other distractions.

A “hot footie”, as we like to call them, can be a daily self-care activity or perhaps something that you do weekly. It is best done at night once the kids are in bed to ensure little ones’ toes and fingers are kept away from the hot water.

Getting started

We suggest soaking feet for about 10-15 minutes whilst the water is at a nice warm temperature. You can add boiling water from your kettle, or lukewarm water from your tap to get the temperature just right. It can be handy to have some cold water at the ready in a jug to add in case it’s too hot at first.

The perfect bathing bucket

Make sure that your bucket is big enough for your feet to be fully submerged. Take time to consider which bucket you should use, one used for cleaning may have chemical residue and therefore is not suitable for a soothing activity. We have found rectangle or square buckets are best.

Create the ultimate soothing experience 

For the ultimate stamping out stress foot bath, add Epsom salts. Epsom salts are thought to soothe tired muscles and reduce swelling and are easily absorbed by the skin and soles of your feet. They replenish the body with magnesium which has many wellbeing benefits. You can buy them at the supermarket or chemist. To add a soothing smell to your hot foot bath you might add a few drops of a pure essential oil to the Epsom salts.

essential oils and flowersPlace four large tablespoons of Epsom salts into your foot bath and simply add 1-2 drops of pure essential oil, then mix together with a spoon. Essential oils that are calming like lavender, cedar wood or geranium are recommended, while uplifting citrus oils might be avoided. The idea is to create a soothing aroma.

Consider adding a hot footie to your self-care routine – they are a wholly satisfying way to unwind after a stressful day. It is also a lovely idea to support other adults within your household to embrace the hot footie. You might be surprised at the positive effects such a simple activity can have on your mind, body and soul.

Helpful ‘Hot Footie’ Hints

a candle

  • Make sure that the temperature of the water is not so hot that it could hurt or scold your feet. But it should be warmer than lukewarm.
  • Take care not to overfill your bucket. Submerged feet will raise the water level, and you don’t want your living room to become a sea of foot bath water!
  • Place a towel under the bucket to ensure any spilling water is soaked up. This towel can then be used to dry your feet when finished.
  • Create a peaceful and relaxing place for your hot footie bath. Use of lighting, music, herbal tea, Epsom salt and pure essential oils can all help to set the sensory scene for your mental and bodily relaxation.

You can contact the YRC Family & Children’s Services team on 1300 368 333 or by email at earlyyears@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

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