Three simple steps to a more satisfying shower

(BPT) - The routine you follow in the shower is a personal one and studies show it can serve a number of different purposes. From getting clean to warming up, from relieving pain to simply relaxing, we shower for many reasons. Research from Delta Faucet indicates that even the order in which we bathe ourselves – shampoo, soap then rinse or shave, wash and condition - can hold different meanings.

“While most people assume their showering style is just like everyone else’s, we’ve discovered that the process people follow in the shower differs from person to person,” says Paul Patton, senior product development manager for Delta Faucet Company. “We each rely on the shower experience to provide different outcomes and even one small change, including the order in which we bathe ourselves, can directly impact our mood for that day.”

Whether it’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning or part of your daily workout or bedtime ritual, these simple and cost-effective tips can help you make the most of your shower experience:

Update your showerhead

One of the most important elements of a good shower is the shower fixture itself. From water temperature and spray pattern to the force of the stream and coverage, many variables can impact your experience. If your shower leaves something to be desired, it may be time to replace your showerhead.

The Delta In2ition two-in-one shower is a showerhead and handheld shower in one, combining the soothing comfort of a drenching shower with the convenience of a handheld shower. Now featuring the brand’s water-saving H2Okinetic technology, In2ition showers deliver the feeling of more water, but use up to 40 percent less water than their standard showerhead counterparts. When not in use, the handheld shower locks back into the showerhead base using a powerful magnet technology.

Select the scents that complement

Studies have shown that certain smells can affect our moods. In fact, aromatherapy, a practice in which scents are used to help relax the mind and body, has been around for more than a century. Choose fragrances that complement your shower to get the biggest benefit each day. For example, soaps infused with rosemary and eucalyptus may help soothe sore or tired muscles at the end of the day, while a lively citrus or mint shampoo used during early morning bathing may refresh your senses and help wake you up before work.

Amplify your shower with sound

There’s a reason many people enjoy singing in the shower; music can help elevate your mood. According to a 2011 report from The Mayo Clinic, music can also offer certain health benefits, including reducing pain or helping boost memory. Even silence can be soothing, providing a thoughtful backdrop to think, reflect or meditate.

You can even create unique playlists for different shower scenarios. A series of classical melodies might be ideal for relieving stress, while a pop mix could help set the stage for a weekend out.

Employing these simple steps can help make your shower a more satisfying part of your daily routine and update your entire experience in a budget-friendly way.