When was the last time you luxuriated in a warm, soothing bath? For many, immersing into a body of water is a necessary inconvenience to help remedy an injury or relieve pain or stiffness, while others—preferring showering for personal cleansing—avoid the age-old ritual completely. Well, based on the scientifically proven health benefits associated with bathing, you may want to include the practice into your routine.
Reduce Stress
Sinking into a warm, fragrant bath will melt away the stress of everyday life and relieve built up tension, therefore adding to a prolonged, healthier life. Adding essential oils like rose, chamomile or lavender, the lighting of candles in the sound of silence or soft music (if you prefer), can work wonders in relaxing both the mind and body.
Injury
The heat of the bath works like a “hot pack” increasing the temperature of those aching muscles which block pain sensors and provides relief. Bathing also helps to relieve soreness, sports injuries, and muscle fatigue. To ease inflammation in the joints and possibly prevent arthritis, or any other muscle related disease or osteoporosis, dip into a nice hot bath.
Heart Healthy
With a normal functioning heart (meaning no pre-existing heart condition or heart disease), taking a warm bath will increase the speed of your heartbeat and give it a healthy work out which promotes easier blood flow and improved circulation throughout the body. Bathing regularly has also been known to lower blood pressure and improve cardiac function.
A Natural Moisturizer
Since our bodies are made mostly of water, it is beneficial to drink plenty of it as well as bathe in it. Heated water opens our pores and causes us to sweat, which promotes natural cleansing and removes toxins. Bathing provides moisturizing properties to the skin leaving it feeling smooth and soft. Research is also finding regular bathing to soothe irritated skin and aid in the cure for some skin diseases.
A Good Exercise
Did you know that taking a warm bath is as good for your health as exercise? The body burns an equivalent amount of calories when taking a bath as it does with a half-hour walk. Bathing in heated water six days a week for 20-30 minutes can help you lose up to 2.5 pounds a month. Studies have shown that it’s a good way to lose weight passively as opposed to strenuous exercising. It further suggests the cardiovascular effects of bathing; how it helps control blood sugar and keeps your blood vessels healthy.
Improves Your Mood
Submerging one’s body into a tub of warm water not only feels heavenly but can also boost your mood and optimistic outlook. Increased serotonin occurs in heated water, which is the chemical produced by the brain contributing to happy feelings and well-being. Medical professionals have explained how our bodies submerged in water, mimics our connection to the womb where we naturally find comfort, therefore diminishing feelings of negativity and depression.
Sleep Well
Have you ever noticed how fast you drift off to sleep after indulging in a warm bath? What happens is the rising body temperature triggering melatonin production, which is the hormone that induces sleep. You can expect to rest easily throughout the night.
Reduce Cold Symptoms
When fighting a cold or flu, a warm bath can be included in your list of remedies.
Inhaling the steam stimulates the blood vessels in your face and nose, therefore loosening any built-up mucus, penetrates stuffy noses, and diminish coughing while reducing inflammation in the nasal passages that causes congestion in the chest.
Immune Builder
Studies have shown that elevated body temperatures occurring in a warm bath can strengthen your immune system, kill bacteria and combat viruses and infections.
Feel Better
When you feel good, you are better positioned to attract the things you desire. Allow the stress, the routine and burdening demands of our chaotic lives to fall away into obscurity while soaking into a warm bath. And do it on a regular basis. Studies have shown when the body feels good, your confidence increases and your chances of succeeding is high.
A routine of a good 15-20 minute soak in a warm bath can make a world of difference to your mental, physical and overall well-being. Remember to bathe in a comfortable temperature, no greater than your body temperature (high heated water can strain your heart). Adding salts and oils to warm baths aides in its healing abilities and provides a more relaxing, enjoyable experience.
