The benefits of hot baths go on and on. Not only are they relaxing and soothing, but they also offer many other benefits. They can relieve stress, improve circulation, reduce pain, and even boost your immune system just to name a few.
We love a hot bath and we want to share some fun tricks to make your hot bath even more effective. If you want to learn more about the benefits of taking a hot bath, keep reading!
Hot Baths Are Good for Your Health, Body, and Soul
Regular hot baths have so many benefits! They are a great way to work some self-care into your routine but we’d also like you to be mindful. By improving health functions and creating a relaxing atmosphere, a bath is also great for the soul but keep in mind you don’t want to overdo it.
The ideal time to spend in a bath is around 20 minutes or less – staying in the bath too long may dry up your skin.
Also, if you suffer from a heart health condition, make sure to talk to your doctor before jumping in the bath daily!
A Hot Bath Can Help You Sleep Better
If you’re feeling stressed out, taking a hot bath before bedtime might help you sleep better at night. In fact, research shows that people who take a warm bath before going to bed tend to stay asleep longer and get better quality sleep.
An ideal temperature for a bath is between 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit and even spending just 10 minutes in the bath before bed will help you get a better night’s sleep.
A Hot Bath Can Reduce Stress
There are several reasons why taking a hot bath can reduce stress. Did you know that your body releases endorphins when submerged in warm water?
Dr. Bobby Buka is a New York dermatologist who recommends getting a 20-30 min bath to experience these benefits. Also, it’s good to note that warm water will activate your parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for relaxation.
A Hot Bath Can Improve Your Mood
There isn’t a one size fits all when dealing with depression but in this study, there was positive evidence that a hot bath can help improve mood.
This study was conducted on people who took hot baths in the afternoon. They found that raising body temperature in the afternoon helps restore the normal circadian rhythm of temperature.
The circadian rhythm is often disturbed in people with depression. This is one of our favorite hacks to improve our mood and while in a bath, you can practice some other mindset hacks.
Happiness is a long, hot bubble Bath – unknown
A Hot Bath Can Relieve Pain
If you suffer from pain, then a hot bath might just be what you need to relieve some of the discomfort. In fact, research has shown that soaking in a hot tub can ease muscle aches, joint pains, headaches, and even menstrual cramps.
Spending at least 10 minutes in the bath can be just as effective as OTC medications for period cramps.
A Hot Bath Can Boost Your Immune System
Soaking in a warm bath can help boost your immune system by increasing circulation and blood flow. This helps to keep your body temperature at a healthy level, which can prevent colds and flu by increasing blood cell production.
An increase in blood cell production means that you’ll be able to fight off more bacteria and viruses.
A Hot Bath Can Promote Calorie Loss
Yes, we said it! Taking a 30 min bath may burn as many calories as a 1/2 hour walk. Of course, calories burned will depend on your body type and metabolism but who knew you could burn as many as 140 calories in a bath?
Research by Steve Faulkner was able to show that if you’re not able to go walk outside, a bath will have some similar benefits.
A Hot Bath May Help Prevent Against Cardiovascular Heart Disease
In this study and multiple other studies, there are positive findings that hot baths can help reduce blood pressure, they may help reduce cardiovascular heart disease and arterial stiffness. Keep in mind that those who benefited from hot baths were bathing multiple times a week or daily.
A Hot Bath Can Soothe Irritated Skin
When the weather is dry outside or your skin cannot hold in moisture, your skill will also be dry. Oatmeal baths have been used for centuries and they are a great way to soothe and moisturize the skin.
If you use colloidal oatmeal, you’ll benefit from its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Hot Baths for the Win – Additional Benefits of Hot Baths that You’ll Love
A Hot Epsom Bath Can Help Beat a Hangover
We’ve all been there. We had too many margaritas the night before and we feel like crap. Did you know that a detox bath may help release toxins in your body?
A hot bath for a hang over is a winning combination in making you feel better. Add some Epsom Salt to your Bath and watch your hangover clear.
Epsom salt works by flushing out toxins in the body. While there are not many studies out there to back this, Epsom salt has been used for years and it helps with other things like constipation, reducing inflammation, and helping with pain.
A Hot Bath Can Help You Reduce Inflammation
In a study conducted on middle-aged men, scientists found that a warm bath, aka heat immersion, helped reduce inflammation and had many other benefits.
If you have low-grade inflammation after a workout or you’re having a reaction from eating foods that don’t digest well, run a bath and let it work it’s magic.
A Hot Bath is Good for the Soul
When you’re in a hot bath, you aren’t running here and there trying to do errands. You have an element of stillness and it gives us time to feel refreshed and fill our cup. We recommend closing your eyes in a bath and taking in the full experience – embrace the stillness, be present.
This is a great way to practice self care – it will give you a sense of grounding and appreciation for your alone time. If you want to take your bath up a notch, we have some great ideas to make your bath time more effective.
Fun Ways to Create the Best Bathing Experience
We just gave you 11 reasons why you should take a bath but we also want to give you a quick guide on how to make the most of our bath.
- Clean your bath: first things first. No one wants to bathe in a dirty bath. Clean your bath regularly.
- Set the scene: get some candles, a bath tray, and try out a bath pillow.
- Try some essential oils: lavender is very relaxing and will take your experience up a notch.
- Try reading, listening to a podcast, or turning on a relaxing playlist
- Try meditating: we only suggest this if you are sitting up
- Add Epsom salt or Colloidal Oatmeal as we mentioned earlier
- Add grapefruit, oranges, or limes
- Try out a eucalyptus bubble bath
- Pour yourself a glass of wine
- Add roses
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Final Thoughts
We hope you like our list that details the benefits of hot baths and other bath ideas. Please be mindful that if you are taking a bath, be careful and safe. If you have a condition, always consult your doctor. If you have any other fun ideas on taking baths, feel free to drop them below!