Relaxing in a warm bath has great health benefits. The long cultural traditions surrounding bath time may explain, for example, the power of the Japanese bath culture of hot springs, Roman baths, and ablutions. Why is soaking in a bath so wonderful? Here are seven reasons why you should take a bath.
It elevates your mood
It’s no surprise that soaking in a warm bath makes you feel good, but the pleasure lasts much longer. According to psychologist Neil Morris, who surveyed 80 people, baths can reduce depression and pessimism. This is because “baths provide a wonderful combination of isolation, tranquility, and healing. The intimate feeling you get from submerging your body in warm liquid gives it the same connotation as entering the womb, and it is very comforting,” suggests Dr. John Harcup, Chairman of the British Spa Foundation Medical Advisory Board. In other words, taking a bath induces a feeling of comfort and ease, and such a sense of security relaxes the mind and body.
Sleep soundly
While the benefits of getting a good night’s sleep are widely acknowledged, many people struggle to find a way to get an effective eight hours of sleep. A cooler body temperature is thought to induce sleep, which is why some scientists recommend sleeping in a room with a cooler room temperature. Taking a warm bath before going to bed, on the other hand, produces similar results. Our body temperature naturally drops at night, indicating that the sleep hormone melatonin is being produced. Soaking in a warm bath raises our body temperature, but when we get out, it quickly drops, increasing melatonin production and making it easier to fall asleep.
Muscle aches and pains can be alleviated
Heat not only improves circulation by getting the blood flowing (more on that later), but it also relieves muscle aches and tension. A warm bath with Epsom salts has been shown to reduce joint inflammation caused by rheumatism and other muscle ailments. Salt baths’ anti-inflammatory effects have also been shown to benefit people with metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
Healthy mind
Several studies have shown that habitual bathing can help lower blood pressure. This is important because lower blood pressure can help prevent more serious heart conditions such as heart attacks. Using heat to improve blood flow and circulation, is the same as having a mini-workout.
Burn calories
Of course, soaking in hot water is no substitute for water aerobics or active hydrotherapy, but sweating in a warm bath can burn the same amount of calories as running.
Relieve cold and flu symptoms
The steam rising from a warm bath is excellent for nasal congestion and severe coughs. Nasal congestion is caused by inflammation of the nasal passages, but the steam causes the blood vessels in the face and nose to move, loosening the clogged mucus. A warm bath also boosts the immune system, making it easier to fight viruses.
Soothes inflamed skin
While hot water can make the skin feel extra tingly, a bath of warm water with essential oils such as coconut, olive, lavender, and oatmeal can rehydrate and soothe dry or irritated skin. In addition, aromatherapy is excellent for regulating mood and relieving stress.
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