Name: Dark showering.
Age: The name is new; the idea is not.
Appearance: Barely visible.
What is it? It’s exactly what it sounds like.
That’s what I was afraid of. Showering with the light off.
That’s it? What’s happened, has the bulb gone again? No, it’s showering with the light off on purpose.
Why would you do that? It’s a way to remove distraction, calm your nervous system and practise mindfulness.
And get clean. Yes, you also get clean. But this is more about finding those small, intentional moments that release you from the cares of your day.
It sounds like an accident waiting to happen. You don’t have to shower in complete darkness – just in dim light, even by candlelight.
Would I be correct in assuming that this is another TikTok wellness trend? Actually dark showering – or more precisely dark bathing – is an established Ayurvedic practice, a pre-bedtime ritual that cleanses not just the body, but the mind. It is big on TikTok, though.
A little Ayurvedic self-care … Photograph: Posed by model; microgen/Getty Images
Is that so? It also has a scientific foundation: warm water is supposed to help reduce the stress hormone cortisol, and the darkness can trigger the release of melatonin, which can allegedly shorten the average time between hitting the hay and falling asleep.
These are bold claims to make for showering in the dark. Think of it as a spa treatment in your own home: hot water, scented products, a flickering tea light …
Can I take my waterproof iPad in with me? No. This is about reducing sensory overload.
And your electricity bill, if only slightly. Devotees swear by dark showering, so don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
I have tried it once, when I was drunk in a Travelodge and couldn’t figure out how the lights worked. What happened?
They made me pay for the mirror I broke. I suggest you try it again in your own bathroom after a stressful day, on a night when you feel you might need a little self-care.
Do say: “After a few moments in the dark I surrendered to the sensory experience – the sound of the water, the warmth of it against my skin …”
Don’t say: “… the fresh minty scent of the toothpaste I washed my hair with …”
