Slowing down has never come naturally to me. My days often filled themselves with looming deadlines, seasons of busyness, and the joyful chaos of wedding planning. Earlier this year, though, I had finally found a rhythm—a morning practice of mindfulness that taught me the difference between hustling and being truly productive. For a little while, it felt like I had struck a balance.
Then, almost overnight, everything shifted.
Like so many of us, I found myself grappling with the abrupt halt brought on by COVID-19. The pause in normal life came with its own mix of emotions: uncertainty, disconnection, the ache of missed plans, and the uncomfortable stillness that forced me to sit with thoughts I’d usually sweep aside. With work on hold, trips canceled, and time with family and friends reduced to virtual hellos, it felt as though I was back at square one—searching again for steady ground.
But hidden within this sudden isolation was a gift: the chance to slow down. Time itself had been handed back to me, and it was up to me to use it well. That’s when I realized something I’d been neglecting all along—self-care. It had never been canceled. And if I let it, slowing down could still be a source of happiness.
Returning to Ritual
Yesterday, I made a small but significant choice: I turned off the endless stream of news and decided to focus on the quiet joys available to me right here at home. I started with something simple yet deeply restorative—an evening bath.
My apartment, a charming prewar building from the 1920s, still has its original porcelain tub. It’s deep, vintage, and holds the kind of old-world character that makes it feel like a treasure. For years, it’s been my sanctuary, but life had pulled me away from the habit of using it regularly. When I finally slid back into that steamy, familiar cocoon, I realized just how much I had missed it.
There’s something transformative about a bath. The sound of rushing water fills the room like a melody, calming both mind and body before I even step in. Maybe it’s because I’m a Cancer sign (and naturally drawn to water), but being submerged instantly grounds me. Add a handful of Epsom salts, and the soak takes on a healing quality. On stormy nights, I even crack the window, letting cool raindrops sprinkle into the tub. The rhythm of rain outside, mingling with the warmth inside, feels like a private symphony. By the time the mist rises and the bathroom fogs, my mind is clear, my breathing steadier, and my heart is ready to dream again.
Layers of Comfort
The experience becomes even more soothing when I surround myself with small, thoughtful details. Aerin’s tuberose and jasmine candle fills the room with a soft floral glow, what I like to call my personal aromatherapy. Depending on the evening, I’ll sip a cup of mint tea, pour a glass of red wine, or dive into articles from Business of Fashion.
Sometimes I leave my phone in another room and let myself drift into an old paperback by candlelight. Other nights, I play jazz or classical music softly in the background, the melodies blending seamlessly with the sound of water. And yes, on busier days, I might sneak in a few emails (though only a few!).
No matter what the details are, the outcome is always the same: after an hour or so, I emerge completely renewed. My body cools naturally, signaling that it’s time to slip into pajamas and prepare for deep, restorative sleep. It’s as if the bath has pressed “reset” on both my mind and my body.
A Space for Self-Care
One of the unexpected benefits of bathing is the sense of quiet it creates. Tubs, in a way, are soundproof vessels. Once inside, the noise of the outside world falls away, and you’re left with nothing but comfort, warmth, and ease.
Right now, as so many of us find ourselves at home more than ever, there’s no better time to lean into these small rituals. If you have a tub, treat yourself to an indulgent soak. Add your favorite candle, a playlist that soothes you, or a favorite drink. Make it yours.
Because here’s the truth: while the world outside may feel uncertain, we can still create sanctuaries of calm within our homes. For me, the bath is that place—a simple but powerful reminder that slowing down doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, happiness is as close as a quiet hour spent with hot water, candlelight, and the permission to simply be.
