Spa bathroom ideas to make your shower more serene.

How many minutes a day do you get just for yourself? We mean no phone, no distractions, and no obligations. If you're nonstop from when you wake up until you go to bed, then your daily shower might be the only time you have to relax.

That's why it's worth thinking about how to make your shower more serene. We’re not saying you need to turn your bathroom into a full-blown spa (although, that would be amazing), but there are some small changes you can make to transform shower time into a grounding, reenergizing ritual.

If you’re ready to reimagine your daily shower routine as a full-blown self-care session, here are a few suggestions on where to start.

Add natural touches.

Bringing the outdoors in is ideal for creating a relaxing ambiance. If you have the space, try adding plants inside your shower. Set potted plants on a windowsill or hang vines from the ceiling. You'll feel like you're showering in a lush rainforest. Plus, plants are known for their ability to purify the air. Choose plants that can tolerate high humidity, like Snake Plants or Boston Ferns.

If you don't have room for potted plants, try hanging bundles of fresh eucalyptus or lavender from your showerhead. The steam from hot water will release the essential oils, filling the air with a refreshing, spa-like scent.

You can also add accents made from wood and stone to contribute to your spa-like experience. We love smooth stone bath mats because they look luxurious, feel grounding, and are ultra-absorbent and sustainable. Plus, they don't require constant washing like their fabric counterparts, which means less water waste and a more eco-friendly bathroom.

Amplify self-care through sounds and essential oils.

Cater to your senses and relieve stress by filling your shower with calm scents and sounds. We love using essential oil diffusers to fill the air with fragrances like lavender or mint, which can help relax the body and mind. You can also try scented candles or shower steamers (also known as a shower melt), which go directly on your shower floor and release essential oils as they melt for a soothing aromatherapy session.

To up the ante on your relaxing shower play music to match your mood — or the vibe you're trying to create. You can play any type of music you find relaxing. Spa-inspired soothing tunes will help you wind down while a more energetic playlist will help you get invigorated for the day ahead. Use a high-quality, waterproof shower speaker to avoid ruining your phone.

Bask in a good glow.

The right lighting can help you relax — especially as you wind down for the evening. Take advantage of natural light for a more serene spa-time environment in your shower. Let sunlight stream in during a daytime shower or turn off the overhead lights and let candles create a soft glow at night.

If you don't have a natural light source in your bathroom, try using LED lights in your shower. You can find waterproof fixtures that are easy to install and will help set the mood for a relaxing experience. And since they're LED, they'll use less energy than traditional bulbs, which is good for both your wallet and the environment.

Use indulgent products.

Find a body wash, shampoo, lotion, or body butter your love and turn a hot shower into an indulgent treat. Better yet? Create your own custom blends.

Combine coconut oil or shea butter with Himalayan salt and a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Gently massage it into your skin using circular motions for a melty homemade body scrub that whisks away dead skin cells, leaving your skin touchably soft. Add active ingredients like vitamin e oil for even more skin-boosting benefits.

Apply your products with a luxurious shower sponge or brush. These tools can help give you a deeper cleanse, leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated. They can also help get rid of dead skin cells, making your skin softer and smoother.

Swap out your shower head.

Changing your shower head can transform your shower from a functional space to a luxurious one. If you don't have the budget for a full remodel, upgrading your shower head is a quick and easy way to add some luxury to your shower experience without draining your bank account.

We suggest a hai shower head, which comes in a 2.5 gal/min model and a WaterSense 1.8 gal/min model. Both have luxurious features like a detachable hand shower, rainshower-like coverage, and a spa control slider to let you customize your spray. Adjust it to your favorite flow – from strong, concentrated streams of water to ethereal mists. 

hai helps you treat the planet right while you're treating yourself. It's Bluetooth-enabled, so you can track your water and energy use over time in the hai app. You can also set a custom LED alert to let you know when your shower reaches your preferred temperature. That means you get in at just the right moment without wasting lots of water.

Try a hot shower — then a cold shower.

If you've ever been to a spa with hot and cold plunge pools, you know how invigorating it is to play with water temperature. You don't need a fancy pool to get that feeling at home. Just use your shower!

Start with a hot shower to loosen up your muscles. (But not too hot. Warm water will help you avoid stripping your skin of natural oils.) Then, finish with a cold blast of water for 30-60 seconds. A cold blast can help close your pores and give your skin a healthy glow. Cold water is also great for hair. It helps seal the cuticle and gives your locks extra shine.

If you have sensitive skin, make sure the difference between the two temperatures isn't too drastic. And always finish with cold water to avoid shocking your system. A handheld shower can help you target specific parts of your body like your hair and face if you don't want to subject your whole body to the temperature change.

Check with your doctor if you have any medical conditions that might make sudden temperature changes unsafe.

Include luxurious accessories.

Transform your space with a new shower curtain. This simple swap can elevate your bathroom with new colors, patterns, or textures. We love the idea of a linen shower curtain for a spa-like feel. Look for one with interesting stitching or details like ruffles or fringe.

While you're updating your linens, don't forget about your towels. Soft, plush towels are a must at the end of any spa bathroom. They'll make you feel pampered every time you step out of the shower. Try sustainable fibers like bamboo or Turkish cotton for an eco-friendly option that's gentle on your skin.

And don't forget the little things that can make a big difference. A shower bench or shelf provides a place to rest your soap, shampoo, and razor while you're in the shower.

Keep the vibes cozy post-shower.

Your shower session should leave you feeling relaxed. Keep the cozy vibes going after you step out by wrapping yourself in a fluffy robe. A hotel-style waffle weave robe is ideal for post-shower lounging. Add a pair of slippers or fuzzy socks to up the comfort factor.

If you have the time, wrap up your ritual with a five-minute meditation or some breathwork. This will help you center yourself before starting your day — or winding down for the night.

A relaxing rinse can elevate your whole day. By following these simple tips, you can turn your shower from routine to serene.