In times of uncertainty, simplifying things in our life can help steady the ground beneath our feet, which means that it’s more important than ever to find ways to soothe frazzled nerves and calm panicked minds. Happily, there are myriad ways to do this – from deep breathing exercises to mindful meditation – but the good news is, that one of the very best ways to relax and unwind lies in the humble bath.

In normal everyday life, our circadian rhythms, the daily biological changes that affect our body and brain, tell us when it’s time to wake up and when it’s time to sleep. As part of this, we experience normal fluctuations in our core body temperature, characterised by a rise during the day and a dip at night-time. When people suffer from depression and anxiety, this temperature rhythm can often be flatter, out of sync or delayed by several hours.

Submerging yourself in warm water isn’t just one of life’s great sensory pleasures, it also creates an increase in core body temperature, helping to get this rhythm get stronger and kick start it back to life, raising your mood in the process. As well as improving these biological functions, a warm bath is thought to be linked to an increase in serotonin and endorphins, two of the neurotransmitters responsible for wellbeing and happiness. In the face of the current climate, there really has never been a better time to turn to the tub.

Here’s how to enjoy your bath

Try adding salts, oils or bubbles to your bath that are laced with essential oils. de Mamiel Bath Soak is a triple salt blend of mineral-rich Himalayan and Dead Sea salt to help calm skin and reduce irritation and Magnesium-rich Epsom salt for soothing sore muscles and aiding sleep. It also contains soothing Lavender oil, famed for its ability to calm, and Fragonia oil, known for its immune-boosting properties.

Your bathwater should be around 40-45C, essentially a little warmer than body temperature, which is about 37C.

Resist the temptation to bring any distractions such as devices, into the bathroom with you and allow yourself to completely switch off. Instead, close your eyes and just breathe.