I love my male friends. I really do. There are a billion reasons why, but one of them is because I find myself having the most random conversations with them about stuff that I probably wouldn't give too much credence to otherwise. Take bathing, for example. On the rest and relaxation tip, there aren't too many things that I enjoy more than soaking in the bathtub. Not only does it feel good, but it comes with all sorts of health benefits including the fact that it destresses us, reduces bodily inflammation, lowers our blood pressure, burns calories (some experts say even as much as a long walk does) and even strengthens our immune system.
As I was sharing some of this with a male buddy of mine, he wasn't moved in the least. He actually loathes baths and it's for one main reason. "Shellie, baths are gross. How are you getting clean when you are washing up in your own dirt?" I mean, he kinda has a point. Not a strong enough one for me to quit taking baths altogether, but definitely enough of one to make me do some digging around to see if I'm doing this whole bathing thing right. Come to find out, there were a few areas I could stand to improve on. Hmph. Bathing etiquette. Who knew?
And how can you know if you're bathing "right" or "wrong? Go down this checklist. How many things are you able to nod your head up and down about?
1. Thoroughly Clean Your Bathtub
Brace yourselves because, out of all of the things that I'm about to share, this point will probably evoke the most "ewws".
Did you know that the average bathtub contains 100 times more germs than—wait for it—a trash can? A TRASH CAN.
This is why, before I even get into the rights and wrongs of bath time, it really is important to mention that bathtubs should be thoroughly cleaned after each and every use. If you'd like a few refresher tips on how to get yours to shine and sparkle, there are a couple of good tips here, here and here.
2. Decide What Type of Bath You Want to Take
Not all baths are created equal. Yep, in their own special way, each one has a theme. Although there are dozens of combinations, the ones that come off the top of my head is the stress-relieving bath, the pain-decreasing bath, the "Calgon, take me away" bath, the insomniac bath and the romantic bath. Based on whatever it is that you're trying to achieve up in that tub of yours, that will let you know what to bring.
For instance, if you're taking a bath after working out (if this is the case, try and wait an hour; your body is "too hot" for hot water following exercising and cool water could "shock" your system), bring in some Epsom salt. If it's a bath to help you to sleep, some lavender oil could do you a world of good. Or, if you plan on bringing someone in there with you, a few rose petals and a bottle of wine—which you were probably going to use regardless—will set the scene perfectly.
3. Have Herbal Tea, DIY Body Wash and Essential Oils on Tap
One of the best ways to get herbs into your pores is to put a couple of herbal tea bags into your bathwater (if you want to learn how to make some lavender tea bags, click here). If you're wondering what some of the best herbs for bathing are—chamomile will relax you; ginger root will detox you; comfrey leaf will heal wounds and reduce scars; calendula will relieve muscle spasms (if you drink it, it can help to regulate your period too) and peppermint will boost your immune system.
Two other things that you should have close by is body wash and some essential oils that you can drop into your bathwater. On the body wash tip, I'm a huge fan of making your own (some cool YouTube videos include "DIY African Black Soap Acne Wash, Body Wash, and Shampoo", "How to Make Homemade Natural Bodywash" and "How to Make Natural Body Wash | Honey Coconut Body Wash"). As far as oils go, eucalyptus will help to clear your sinuses; bergamot will relax you; a combo of sage and mint will help to balance you out; citrus will reenergize you and cloves and cedarwood will relieve stress.
4. Use the Right Kind of Soap (and Not Too Much of It)
Is there such a thing as using too much soap? Indeed, there is. If you "over-wash", it can dry out your skin. Not only that, but sometimes too much soap can desensitize your skin to the ingredients in it to the point where the soap no longer fights off the germs that it's created to remove.
If you're wondering what kind of soaps will do your body good while you're taking a bath, Byrdie did a pretty cool write up on the best ones, based on your skin types and needs, for 2019. You can check it out here.
Speaking of feeling clean and smelling fresh, if you're still using a popular commercial brand of deodorant, another read that's worth your time is "How to Detox Your Armpits and Switch to a Nontoxic Deodorant". More and more reasons are coming out for why using "typical" deodorant is not good, but if you want to add another to your list, if you apply it right after getting out of the tub, it can dry out your armpits, making them all itchy and irritated. So yeah…don't do that (anymore).
5. Do Not Shave Immediately Before Bathing
A mistake that I sometimes make on my pedicure appointment days is shaving my legs. The reason why this is such a no-no is because when you shave, it opens up your pores and sometimes creates nicks in your skin too. The bacteria and germs that are in your pedi or bathwater can get into those places; you definitely don't want that. Another problem that can arise from shaving before bathing is it could cause your pores to look dry and dull. So yeah, wait until you are out of the tub before pulling out your razor.
By the way, if you're in the market for a new all-natural shaving product, check out "7 Best Organic & Natural Shaving Creams For Men + Women".
6. Warm Up the Bathroom
Here's something that I found to be interesting. Did you know that it's always best to have your bathroom temperature and the temp of your bath water to be as close to being the same as possible? The reason why is because our body is best able to perceive temperatures, in general, by comparing our internal temperature to that of the temps that are around us. I'm pretty sure you don't want it to be a sauna up in there, so around 70 degrees is pretty good.
7. Make Sure the Bathwater Is Lukewarm
As far as bathwater temperatures go, anything above 39 degrees Celsius or 102.2 Fahrenheit can result in a psychological effect that could be counterproductive for your health. The reason why super hot water isn't the best is because the blood vessels on our skin's surface dilate when they touch hot water; that can sometimes result in a heavier blood flow than we need which could put a slight amount of strain on our heart. On the flip side, if the water is too cool, it narrows our blood vessels which isn't good either.
If you want to use cold water, reserve it for showers that are under seven minutes instead. It's a good final rinse on hair wash days because it will seal your cuticles, and a good final rinse for your skin because it can relieve sore muscles while closing up your pores.
8. Add Some Honey and/or Olive Oil to It
If it seems like, no matter what you do, you can't seem to get your skin soft enough, try adding a ½ cup of honey and/or ¼ cup of olive oil. Honey is a natural humectant (it draws moisture into the skin from the water that it's around) and olive oil is loaded with all sorts of antioxidants and antibacterial properties that will protect your skin, seal in moisture and keep your skin baby soft smooth.
Just make sure to pour these things under a faucet of warm running water. That way, they will dissolve fully.
9. Cleanse, Then Remove Your Loofah/Sponge/Scrubber Immediately Following
The thing that you're using to exfoliate your body is removing tons of bacteria and dead skin cells. That's why, once you're done using it, it's not good enough to simply run it underneath your faucet and hang it up. You need to wash your loofah, sponge or body scrubber and then place it somewhere where it can thoroughly dry out. Otherwise, you are setting yourself up to have a moldy situation on your hands.
As far as how to clean these items, some experts recommend soaking them in bleach for five minutes and then thoroughly rinsing them out. They also say that it's a good idea to replace your loofah or sponge every 3-4 weeks (how long have you had yours?), that you should never use it on your face or va-jay-jay and, to keep bacteria from creeping into your skin, you should definitely avoid using it for 1-2 days after you shave.
10. Time Your Towel Drying
Your towel is going to dry you off and keep your warm, no doubt about that. But it's also going to remove any remnants of bacteria off of your skin; that's why it's not a good idea to keep it wrapped around you for longer than 15 minutes or so.
Between the dampness of your skin and the towel itself, that could trap in moisture and bacteria which is a breeding ground for more germs.
Also, make sure not to use the same towels for the rest of your life. If you're curious about why I say that, I wrote more about it in the piece "When Should You Replace Underwear, Make-Up, Bedding, Washcloths & Towels?".
BONUS: Considering Taking a Shower---First
And then, a bonus, for my male friend and anyone who thinks like him. If, no matter what, you just can't seem to shake the thought of dirt and soap scum floating in your bathwater, you can always take a shower, clean the tub and then soak in the bath. That way you can feel clean and still reap the rewards of bathing. Hey, it's just a thought.
Now let me get off of this thing and take a bath. The right way.
Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here and check out the related reads below:
Why I Am No Longer Using Washcloths & Loofahs To Shower
9 All-Natural Ways To Quench Dehydrated Skin
Love On Yourself With These 7 All-Natural DIY Vaginal Washes
Feature image by Shutterstock
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RELATED
I put on my headphones and climbed into the car that abruptly stopped in front of me. It's June 27. As I take a deep breath, I join the millions of viewers who are displeased, thwarted, and possibly haunted by what November holds and what the next four years could become. We don't want either candidate and after twenty minutes of listening to the first debate of this year's presidential election, I finally feel the sting of its doubled edge. It was a mess. Trump lied the entire time and claimed a yesteryear none of us ever saw. Biden couldn't complete a thought, which confirmed Robert Hur's assessment of him as an "elderly man with a poor memory."
We were--as the kids would say---"cooked."
From there on, every discussion on the election was more dreadful than the last. Every appearance Biden and Trump made was more debilitating than the other. Trump made fun of Biden's age. Biden called Ukraine's president "President Putin" and Trump his VP. Trump was almost assassinated and called it "divine intervention." The Republicans cheered for their "inevitable" win. The Democrats began infighting and called for a redo that many weren't sure they'd ever see. And in the midst of all of this, the American people--myself included--just grew... enervated.
A month had passed, and this indefatigable election barely had an ounce of life left to live, and it continuously asked for more with every news report. At this time, millions of Americans began considering their roles in the upcoming election. Many refused to give it any more energy, which included their vote. They hadn't been listening anyway.
That is, until they did. After years of being starved for another option, a candidate arose from the ashes of her predecessor. And although it wasn't (isn't) pretty, Vice President Kamala Harris' ascent has started looking like the green light at the end of the lake. Instead of enduring weeks of discord and egocentrism, Americans have been urged to come together and cooperate to obtain a shared common goal. Harris arrived on the presidential walkway with her hand held out and many were so broken and bent, it seemed the inevitable option.
Like a call to the chants of former President Barack Obama's 2008 "Yes We Can," Harris has encouraged Americans to find unity in the Divided States of America. This revival has many people displaying a more optimistic outlook towards the 2024 election.
Though the road in the final 100 days won't be easy, Harris has given many people cause for optimism over what the next four years can be. With the chances of her becoming the first female president who is Black and Asian, the country that once began embracing inclusion, diversity, and progression may return.
At an Indianapolis event in late July, Harris spoke to members of the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta, saying, "In this moment, I believe we face a choice between two different visions for our nation: one focused on the past. And I am fighting for the future of our country with your support."
Here's how she plans to do that:
Inspiring the Young Voter
Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks onstage at her campaign rally at the Georgia State Convocation Center on July 30, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Julia Beverly/Getty Images
In 2020, the Biden-Harris campaign was known for inspiring young voters and voters of color. So much so, that young voters and Black voters were seen as the biggest contributors to Biden's presidential win. However, in 2024, this reality had quickly become inverted. Despite the fact that most of his policies catered to young voters, Biden found it difficult to connect with them, and this issue only persisted as the months continued to drag on. Instead of inspiring young voters to run to the polls, his campaign was thought to inspire young voters to "remain on the couch."
Nevertheless, since Harris has taken over the campaign, she has seen a spark in young voters that Biden and Trump have struggled to ignite since announcing their reelection bids. Voter registration has increased immensely since Harris entered the race, and according to the NYT/Siena College poll, Harris leads Trump by nearly 20 points among registered voters under 30.
In Harris' virtual address to the Voters of Tomorrow summit, Harris claimed, “In this election, we know young voters will be key, and we know your vote cannot be taken for granted. It must be earned, and that is exactly what we will do."
Using Meme and Gen Z Culture
Speaking of inspiring the young voter, Harris' campaign seems to focus on Generation Z, specifically. After Biden's withdrawal from the campaign, his TikTok account shifted to Harris, and upon announcing her candidacy, the number of followers rose from 440,000 to 2.7 million. As a result, many young voters have started engaging with the campaign in a more positive manner.
Starting with British pop star Charli XCX, Harris blew up on social media when the icon coined "Kamala IS brat," a reference to her music's carefree nature and being your own authentic self. As a result, the campaign embraced the title and created videos that leaned into a more insouciant, awkward, and exuberant Harris, which has bemused media commentators, yet reinvigorated young voters.
@kamalaharris Thought it was about time to join!
Groups like The Sunrise Movement and NextGen America have noted an increase in volunteers eager to assist with community outreach and an increase in community and campaign communications, respectively. Harris spent two weeks as a viral, internet sensation, showing up on multiple timelines and stories with her coconut tree memes and viral video edits set to Chappell Roan's "Femininomenon" or Beyoncé's "Freedom." Her social media accounts -- including her personal account, which gained 4 million followers--have received 70 million engagements, with nearly 55 million views on TikTok.
Not to mention, Harris has received several endorsements from celebrities and icons like Barack and Michelle Obama, Rosie O'Donnell, Shonda Rhimes, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Barbra Streisand, George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Janelle Monáe, John Legend, Carol King, Kerry Washington, and more, gaining some of their follower support.
Looking Towards the Future
Since 2016, Donald Trump has gained popularity by calling on the grievances of others, who remember the yesteryears fondly. With his slogan "Make America Great Again," he denied the kinder more inclusive vision of the United States, established by Obama's presidential terms. Instead, he welcomed a more divisive and backward-looking motto that purposefully pushed aside the idea of diversity, civility, and progress.
As a result, the nation has regressed in legislation and inclusive thinking, creating more conflict and division among American citizens as the years continue. Nevertheless, Harris' presidential campaign calls for more unity and inclusion among the American people.
Unlike Trump's regressive slogan, Harris looks towards the future and its endless possibilities, should we work together. Claiming determinedly that "we are not going back," Harris challenges the American people to begin working together for the greater good.
In her more inclusive, unifying, and advancing slogan, "Together, we can win this!" Harris encourages us to see the future in a more positive, collaborative light. In focusing on abortion, the economy, consumer debt, health care, climate, police funding, and immigration, Harris challenges the American people to begin to work together to ensure we thrive as a community.
Representing the People
During her campaign rally in Atlanta, GA, U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock introduced Vice President Harris as a representative of the American and its infamous reputation of being a melting pot. "Her dad is of Jamaican descent; her mother is of South Asian descent; and then she went to the great Howard University," Warnock says. "Worked in California. Worked in the United States Senate. That is the American story, and she brings all of those strands together. She sees us because, in the real sense, she is all of us. So, we have to send her to the White House."
Since declaring her campaign, Harris' identity has compelled many to discuss the intersectionality and complexities of race and ethnicity in politics, which are sometimes disregarded or overlooked."
Look at my own life, where a daughter of a South Asian mother and a Jamaican father concluded her own interfaith wedding with her husband breaking a glass and everyone yelling, ‘Mazel tov,'" Harris said of her life in a March 2017 speech.As a representative of the people, Harris and her campaign believe that she understands the issues of the American people more than an "other"-especially Trump- because she has experienced many different backgrounds and cultures. In contrast, Trump attempts to place Harris in a box, by seeing her mixed race as duplicitous and deceitful. She continues to defy this perspective by seeing it for what it is: a tool of oppression.
Unlike Trump, "Kamala Harris represents -- demographically -- our current reality: mixed-race individuals, multiracial families, multiracial communities, multiracial friendship groups, multiracial workplaces. That is our current reality," said Ji-Yeon Yuh, an author and professor of history at Northwestern University.
Becoming Multidimensional
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the American Federation of Teachers' 88th National Convention on July 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. The American Federation of Teachers was the first labor union to endorse Harris for president since announcing her campaign.
Montinique Monroe/Getty Images
"You think you just feel out of a coconut tree."
Upon hearing this quote, Republican opposition researchers believed this comment could damage the way many viewed Vice President Kamala Harris. However, instead of this quote appearing embarrassing, the comment won over many, making Harris appear likable for the first time in a long while.
In her previous presidential campaign, Harris' biggest weakness was her inability to connect to the American people. Though she had a moment here and there, she faded into the background because many voters were unsure of what she stood for and truly represented. She was hard to categorize.
This time around though, Harris uses this to her advantage. This time around, she is gradually presenting herself as multidimensional and can appeal to everyone. She can be a courtroom prosecutor who has seen "perpetrators of all kinds. Predators who abused women. Fraudsters who ripped off consumers, who broke the rules for their own gain."
Or she could be the 'little girl in California' who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools. And she was bused to school every day." The person who "loves Venn Diagrams."
Or as "Hard Fork" describes her, this quote makes her seem like one's relative. "It reminds you of your aunt who has had too many wine and starts giggling and saying random phrases. It had goofy aunt energy." Whatever she chooses to be, she wants the American people to know that she can't be put into the box that Trump and other Republicans so desperately want her to be.
Record-Breaking Millions
In recent months, the Democratic campaign saw its finances take a significant hit under Biden's leadership. After his terrible, alarming performance in the June debate, Biden's donors canceled fundraising events and withheld donations to show their disappointment in the Democratic nominee. However, since Harris has taken over the campaign, donations have increased substantially, surpassing Trump's record-breaking fundraising since May.
In July, Harris' campaign raised $310 million. Let me say that differently: Since July 21, major Democratic donors and small-dollar donors have pledged $150 million to Democratic presidential super PACs. Zoom fundraising coalition calls from HBCU organizations, Black sororities and fraternities, and groups like Black Women for Harris, Black Men for Harris, Latinas for Harris, and White Dudes for Harris, raised more than $20 million. First-time donors, the majority from Gen Z and millennial generations, contributed up to $200 each. With the help of other affiliated committees, the Harris campaign has totaled their funds to $377 million.
This amount is more than double the amount reported by the Trump Campaign after he saw an increase in donations since his assassination attempt. This record-breaking sum shows just how much the new presidential candidate has sparked the interest of voters, who originally believed the election to be a waste of time.
Using People-Powered Campaigns to Close Margins against Trump
According to the latest polls, Vice President Kamala Harris has now erased the lead Trump once held in the presidential race. Now in a deadlock, Harris has managed to revitalize the Democratic party with the assistance of women, young, and Black votes. In relation to the battleground states, Harris and Trump are tied, in most cases, though this outcome is the more optimistic one, considering Biden had been behind Trump in these states by five points.
Since Harris' announcement for the presidency, the proportion of Democrats claiming they will "definitely vote" has increased to an all-time high. In this number, a large portion of Black voters have said they plan to vote today, than they had in July when Biden was still running.
Harris leads in the women's vote at 54% to 45% and in two of the battleground states, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Not only this, she has reduced the percentage of people planning to vote for a third party. Shortening the number from 12% to 5% with 4% of these voters choosing the Democratic party since her nomination.
Fight for Freedom
Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz appear on stage together during a campaign event at Girard College on August 6, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Harris ended weeks of speculation about who her running mate would be, selecting the 60-year-old midwestern governor over other candidates.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Since the year started, this election has been shaped as the "Fight for Democracy." With 34 convictions, Project 2025's regressive and oppressive ideals, Trump's desire to take Voting Rights, Women's Rights, individual rights, political revenge, and his vow to be a dictator starting on his "first day back in office," it is hard to disagree with the Democratic's existential rhetoric. Trump is a threat to democracy.
He tried to overturn the 2020 election and continues to assert lies that the election was rigged. He has mentioned his desire to change how we vote, marriage laws, and education, and has leaned more into authoritarian tendencies. If given the presidency again, he will permanently change the fabric of the country and negatively affect generations to come.
“Ours is a fight for the future — and it is a fight for freedom,” Vice President Kamala Harris said. “Do we wanna live in a country of freedom, compassion, and rule of law? Or a country of chaos, fear, and hate?” she asked.
In Harris' "Fight for Freedom," she challenges voters to choose the "freedom to not only get by, but get ahead. The freedom to be protected from gun violence, [and the] freedom to make decisions about your own body." She encourages voters to "choose a future where no child lives in poverty, where we can all afford health care, and no one is above the law." In Harris' "Fight for Freedom," she uplifts voters to come together, "fueled by love of country," and "fight for the best of who we are."
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Featured image by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images