Studies show that soaking in warm water is an excellent way to improve your mood. It is also a great way to relieve achy muscles and joints from exercise, arthritis, and other ailments.
Besides providing warmth, a hot bath provides isolation and quiet to relax your mind. Soaking in the tub will release endorphins that relieve stress and boost your mood.
Relaxes your muscles
As soothing as a hot pack can be, it doesn’t get as close to your muscle tissue as a long soak in the tub. Studies have shown that bathing raises core body temperature and increases circulation or blood flow, both of which relax your muscles.
The hot water also loosens tight muscles, soothes spasms and releases tension. You can use a special massage product like a bath pillow to enhance your relaxation experience by supporting your back, neck or head as you soak.
In addition, a warm bath lowers stress levels and promotes heart health by lowering your blood pressure. If you want to boost the muscle recovery and relaxation benefits, consider using a high-quality therapeutic bath oil that is safe for your skin type. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water to replenish fluids lost in the bath! – This is especially important for older adults who may be dehydrated.
Increases circulation
A warm bath boosts blood circulation to the body. This allows oxygen to reach muscles that have been cramping or tense, and it also helps relieve the tension caused by tight connective tissue.
A bath increases your core body temperature, and this can help strengthen and synchronize your circadian rhythms (your 24-hour internal clock that controls sleepiness and alertness). A warm bath can also be a great replacement for exercise when you have an injury or are unable to do regular physical activity.
The steam from a hot bath can loosen up any congestion in your chest or sinuses, and it can also clear your throat. However, people with certain skin conditions should avoid high water temperatures to prevent overheating or scalding. It’s important to check with a doctor before adding a bath to your daily routine if you have a skin condition. Also, people with heart disease should talk to their doctors before taking a bath.
Soothes pain
Many physical therapists suggest that warm baths are a great treatment for muscle soreness and stiff joints. The warm water improves circulation to deep muscles and relieves tightness, thereby helping your body heal itself. It also increases the elasticity of your connective tissues and soothes your aches. Additionally, the buoyancy of the water increases your range of motion and can help you stretch gently in the tub.
Immersing yourself in a hot bath releases endorphins to improve mood and relieve pain in the muscles, joints, and bones. It can also alleviate chronic back pain caused by poor posture, stress, or herniated discs. You can enhance your experience by using bath salts that contain essential oils. Some of them include eucalyptus oil to relieve tension, stress, and anxiety; orange oil to boost energy; peppermint oil to ease stomach pains; sweet marjoram oil for general body aches.
You should drink plenty of water before, during, and after your bath. This helps your kidneys to flush out toxins from your body and reduces dehydration.
Reduces inflammation
For people with chronic low-grade inflammation that contributes to things like arthritic pain and some types of autoimmune disease, a regular soak in the tub can help reduce that inflammation. And since a hot bath also helps relax muscles, it can actually help alleviate some of the aches and pains that accompany the inflammation.
In addition, the hot water from your tub can cause your blood vessels to dilate and relax, lowering your overall blood pressure. This can be particularly beneficial for people with hypertension or other cardiovascular issues, since it can prevent your blood pressure from rising too much.
Finally, soaking in warm water can help with respiratory issues by clearing out your lungs and sinuses. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that soaking in hot water can help increase your oxygen intake and decrease chest congestion.
