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With the arrival of shorter and darker days, starting your morning can feel difficult, especially when it’s cold and pitch black outside. However, embracing the practice of showering in the dark, as suggested by TikTok creator Amber Eros (@erosembodied), can transform a mundane routine into a soothing escape.
Turning off the light switch, stepping into the shower, and feeling the warm water on your skin increases sensitivity, enhances pleasure receptors, and allows you to fully release tension. It’s a chance to break free from autopilot habits, like grabbing a towel or flicking on lights, and get truly in touch with yourself.
While some may feel scared of ghosts, spiders, or even Freddy Kruger, many agree, like @jalogna, that “dark showers are ELITE.” A small habit like this can turn an ordinary moment into the best thing you do for yourself.
Showering in the Dark
Turn off the lights and enhance your senses as the darkness heightens relaxation, helping you unwind, relieve stress, and reconnect with yourself.
Benefits of Showering in the Dark
- Taking a shower in the dark can be a unique way to reset your body and mind. By embracing deprivation of seeing, your other senses start to work overtime, allowing you to focus on details you might usually miss—like the eucalyptus scent of your shower gel.
- This simple habit can be both enjoyable and beneficial, helping you feel calm with less stimulus from your surroundings. It becomes a place to work through thoughts or simply switch off after a long day, much like meditation or yoga when done correctly.
- If you shower before bed, research suggests it helps you sleep better by reducing exposure to artificial light and slowing your system as it begins winding down.
- Unlike the effects of blue light, even bright light from a regular routine can confuse your system, keeping you alert longer. However, it’s worth noting that this habit can be a bit risky—not just because of spiders but because you might be more accident prone.
- Instead of rushing in like you’d usually do, try moving slower, feeling your way around, and embracing the push to slow down. In our busy lives, this gentle nudge to take things easier might be exactly what we need.
What’s the Experience of Showering in the Dark Like?
Showering in the dark is a unique experience, blending personal experiences and varied opinions. For some, it’s a relaxing escape where the absence of sight fuels the imagination to run wild, creating a calming and almost meditative atmosphere.
With the lights off, the water feels more intense, drawing focus to sensations, but this practice isn’t without its aspects of concern. It can feel uncomfortable or even potentially dangerous due to a slick floor, especially when washing hair.
Adding a slight amount of light, such as a candle or minimal light, can ease safety and practicality worries. This method appeals to those seeking peace or relief when light bothers them, such as during migraines, where it becomes one of the ultimate relievers.
Some people even liken its soothing effects to other forms of escape, such as reflecting on serious questions like “Can I Get Disability for Borderline Personality Disorder?” Some people swear it’s their favorite, while others are completely opposed to the idea of stepping into the dark. Whether you enjoy showers or baths, trying it at night could reveal new depths of relaxation and escape.
I Tested Showering in the Dark for a Week
I decided to try showering in the dark for a week, and it became a truly soothing and unique experience. As someone who suffers from migraines, avoiding the light, which often bothers me, made a huge difference.
Turning off the lights reduced the overexert of my eyes, addressing a major concern for my sensitivity to brightness.
I carefully put my shampoo and conditioner in separate spots to ensure I’d know which was which, and once I began, I realized how much I could truly enjoy the tranquility.
The steamy shower helped ease my headaches and offered short, but impactful, relief—long enough to let me fall asleep afterward. For me, it was one of the best ways to address the pain without pills.
If I needed extra calm, I’d meditate in silence or play music or ASMR to intensify the sense of peace. The atmosphere was so serene it felt like time stopped, yet the calmness was unmatched.
Some might feel afraid of the dark, worrying about “shower demons” or misconceptions about it being a goth or satanic thing—but these are just myths. If you take the plunge and try it once, it might become your favorite ritual.
Whether it’s showers or even baths, this simple change could transform your routine, giving you just the right chance to focus on yourself. It’s a nice way to reconnect with your body and mind, which ultimately helps reduce tension.
FAQ’s
Q: Why do I Like Bathing in the Dark?
Bathing in the dark can create a deep sense of comfort and familiarity, as it feels like a safe personal space where you can truly relax. The darkness may also evoke feelings of ease and safety, making it a soothing ritual and part of your routine, allowing you to enjoy more moments of calm at your own pace.
Q: How Many People Shower in the Dark?
Exact numbers are unclear, but many people enjoy showering in the dark for relaxation. Whether at night, morning, or evening, it offers peace away from daily noise.
Q: Is Being in the Dark Relaxing?
Being in the darkness naturally enhances relaxation as it stimulates the production of melatonin, a hormone that makes it easier to fall asleep. When you embrace a dim environment, your mind and body adjust effortlessly, helping you relax and wind down easily. For me, showering in low light is like pressing pause on life’s stress, giving my senses a moment of pure calm.
Conclusion
Showering in the dark offers a unique opportunity to transform an ordinary routine into a soothing ritual. By turning off the lights, you create a serene atmosphere that enhances relaxation, sharpens your senses, and provides a peaceful escape from the busyness of everyday life.
Whether it’s to improve sleep, find calm during migraines, or simply reconnect with yourself, this simple habit has significant benefits. Although it may not be for everyone, those who embrace the experience often find it to be an unmatched way to reduce stress, unwind, and enjoy quiet moments of introspection.
