Bathtime brainwaves

“Baths have been used by many great minds as a place to recharge and tackle their work”

The relaxing, solitary and non-judgmental act of bathing allows our minds to wander freely. US marine biologist Wallace J Nichols has dedicated his life to understanding the effects of water on our brains and believes we all have a “blue mind” that is triggered when we are in or near water. Nichols describes this as a “mildly meditative state characterised by calm, peacefulness, unity and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life at the moment.” He believes this calm state facilitates clarity and insight and allows us to tap into our most creative selves. Baths have been used by many of the greatest minds as a place to rest, recharge and tackle their work: Agatha Christie The crime novelist told her architect she wanted a big bath, with a ledge, so she could dream up new plots while eating apples and drinking tea. Winston Churchill The former prime minister would take two daily hot baths to de-stress from the pressures of leading the country during the Second World War. He often dictated from his bath to his secretary who would sit outside the bathroom with a portable typewriter on her lap. Freddie Mercury The lead singer of Queen wrote ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ while taking a bath in a hotel room in Munich. Arianna Huffington The billionaire businesswoman takes a nightly bath before bed with Epsom salts and candles. “It’s my ritual to wash away the day,” she says.