A shower is something most of us do once a day or at least several times a week as part of our personal care routine. In North America, it’s often how we start the day, and can be a quiet time of reflection before we embark into the world. Reflecting in the shower can be a great way to unwind, gather your thoughts, and gain clarity. The combination of warm water and privacy can create an ideal environment for introspection. &Better wants to help you create a mindful showering practice that sets your intentions for the day and makes your routine more sustainable.
How to Adopt Mindful Showering Practices
Here are some tips to be more mindful about showering and to reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying a refreshing shower:
Shorten shower time:
The ideal shower length can vary depending on personal preferences and environmental concerns. However, a general recommendation is to keep your shower time between 5 to 10 minutes. And if you are really concerned about saving water and energy, challenge yourself to keep it to two minutes.
Shorter showers not only help conserve water and energy but also reduce the impact on the environment.
Use a water-saving showerhead:
Installing a low-flow showerhead can significantly reduce water consumption without compromising water pressure. These showerheads use less water per minute compared to traditional ones, saving money on water bills.
Turn off the water when not in use:
Turn off the water while lathering up, shampooing, or shaving. If you have the habit of stepping out of the water stream while you lather, go ahead and turn off the water. This simple habit can save a significant amount of water over time.
Adjust water temperature:
Use warm water instead of hot water to reduce energy consumption. Lowering the temperature on your water heater can also lead to energy savings. Adjusting the temperature isn’t just good for your wallet - it’s also good for your skin. Hot showers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
Insulate your water pipes:
Insulating hot water pipes can help reduce heat loss, ensuring that your water stays warm while traveling from the heater to the showerhead. This will save energy and allow you to enjoy a warm shower without needing to increase the water temperature.
Fix leaks:
Repair any leaks in your showerhead, faucet, or pipes promptly to prevent water waste and unnecessary costs.
Use eco-friendly personal care products:
Opt for environmentally friendly and cost-effective shower products, such as shampoo bars from &Better, which often last longer than liquid shampoo and generate less plastic waste.
Install a timer:
Set up a shower timer to help you stay mindful of your shower duration and encourage shorter showers. Or for a more relaxing way to shorten your shower, use &Better’s two-minute Mindfulness Shower Meditation (available on our Facebook or Instagram page) to keep track of your time. By incorporating reflection into your shower routine, you can create a space for personal growth and self-awareness, while still enjoying a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Consider showering less frequently:
Depending on your lifestyle and personal preferences, you might be able to shower every other day or even less often. This can help save water and energy while reducing wear and tear on your skin and hair.
Adopting mindful showering practices can transform your daily routine into an opportunity for personal growth, relaxation, and environmental conservation. By implementing strategies such as shortening shower time, using water-saving showerheads, and opting for eco-friendly products like those from &Better, you can create a more sustainable and reflective shower experience.
And by incorporating mindfulness and intentionality into your shower routine with our Mindfulness Shower Meditation, not only will you enjoy the rejuvenating benefits, but you'll also be doing your part to reduce your environmental impact and promote a more sustainable future. So, step into your next shower with purpose and make a positive change for yourself and the planet.
