It’s not just me who’s a fully-fledged convert, either. A few of the Stylist team are, too (one of them even has a bath!) – and they’re proof that you shouldn’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Here’s what they had to say:

Kayleigh Dray, digital editor-at-large

“I have fallen hard and fast for the lunchtime shower during lockdown: it gives me a chance to think, forces me to take a screen break, and helps me feel more on top of things. The few times I’ve treated myself to one, I’ve bounced back to my desk energised and ready for anything.”

Lucy Robson, SEO executive

“My favourite habit to emerge out of lockdown is hands down taking a lunchtime bath. Not every single day – I’m not a total diva – but I do have a few a week, more often than not.

I won’t lie, at first it was bit disorientating because it’s something I usualy do in the evenings to wind down before bed, but for practical reasons it just makes way more sense. Rather than cutting into my evenings (I’m not somebody who gets up early enough to shower in the morning, let alone running and taking a bath).

When I first mentioned my lunchtime bathing habit I was surprised by the bemused reaction of my team. The general perception seems to be that a shower is more functional, time efficient method of washing yourself. But a bath is so much more than that: not only does it tick off the cleansing part, but it also feels like a real treat. I’d say it’s definitely more of an event, too, especially during a time when, like the rest of the world, I haven’t been doing anything fun or noteworthy.

A lunchtime bath means I can listen to a podcast or music, or watch Netflix. Truly, it’s the highlight of my working day and I know I will miss having them when we return to the office.”

In defence of having a shower at lunchtime