In 30 minutes… up your energy or find sleep

Showers are okay, but baths are best – especially a therapeutic version at the start of the day or at the end of a festively frazzled one.

BREEZY MORNING BATH

Brace yourself! Glenda Taylor’s zesty bath will set you up for a day of Christmas prepping or shopping.

FILL THE BATH ‘With not too hot water – just hot enough to soothe away any aches and pains from sleep/mattress/pillow issues.’

MIX IN A CUP OF EPSOM SALTS, three drops each of eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils and two drops each of lavender and peppermint.

SWISH IT ALL AROUND ‘Right through the bath. This is a real pick-me-up and go-go recipe, so only use it the morning!’ says Glenda.

SOAK FOR A WHILE ‘At least 10 minutes, then stand in the bath and shower your whole body with cold water. Stick with it for 30 seconds. You will feel amazing after you’ve dried off with a big, fluffy towel.’ WIND-DOWN EVENING BATH

Mmmm… this gorgeous, ache-relieving, relaxing bath is created by aromatherapy expert Ines Willis (exanimo-aromatherapy. com). It’s a soothing opener to a fantastic night’s sleep.

MIX INTO TWO TABLESPOONS OF EPSOM SALTS, two drops each of vetiver, lavender and mandarin essential oils. ‘Vetiver is highly sedative and calming, and also good for treating stiff muscles,’ says Ines. ‘Lavender is calming, and mandarin is good for nervous tension and insomnia.’ You can find essential oils at nealsyardremedies.com

LIGHT CANDLES, swish to mix oils through the water, slide in and relax.