The Surprising Benefits of Taking a Bath
There are many benefits to taking a bath. In fact, there are so many that it can be hard to list them all. In this guide, we will discuss some of the most surprising benefits of baths.
Baths can help improve your mood, increase relaxation, boost your immune system, and much more. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your overall health and wellbeing, consider adding a bath into your daily routine.
What is the Proper Way to Take a Bath?
The proper way to take a bath is actually quite simple. First, fill your tub with warm water. Then, add any desired bath salts, oils, or other products. Finally, relax in the tub for 20-30 minutes.
Baths are an easy way to improve your health and wellbeing. So if you’re looking for a way to relax and de-stress, then this may be the new daily routine you’re looking for.
Health Benefits
of Taking a Bath
Bathing has many benefits for our physical and mental health. Here are some of the surprising benefits that they offer:
1
Helps you sleep better
Bathing before bedtime can help you sleep better. The warm water relaxes your muscles, and helps reduce stress levels.
If you have trouble sleeping, try taking a bath an hour or so before bedtime. Add some soothing aromatherapy oils or Epsom salts to your bath to further promote relaxation.
2
Soothes, rashes, and itchy skin
If you have sensitive skin, taking a bath can help soothe any rashes or itchiness that you may have. The warm water and steam can help hydrate your skin, and reduce redness.
You can also add soothing ingredients such as oatmeal or lavender oil to your bath to further reduce inflammation.
3
Taking a bath may help you breathe easier
If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, taking a warm bath can help open up your airways, and make it easier to breathe.
The steam from the bath can also help loosen any mucus that is stuck in your chest. This can provide some much-needed relief if you are having difficulty breathing.
4
Bathing can benefit your muscles, joints, and bones
When you soak in a tub of hot water, the heat can help relax your muscles, and ease any pain or stiffness in your joints. This can be especially beneficial if you suffer from conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. If you have either of these conditions or have a physical limitation, then you should consider purchasing a walk-in tub.
Additionally, if you have any massaging jets, they will provide hydrotherapy benefits to those aching muscles and joints.
5
Tackles flu and coughs
Surprisingly, taking a hot bath can also help you recover from the flu or a cold. When you have a cold, your nose and throat are typically inflamed and full of mucus. The steam from a hot bath can help open up your nasal passages, and ease congestion.
It can also loosen the mucus in your throat, making it easier to cough up. If you’re trying to get over a cold or the flu, take a hot bath with some eucalyptus oil or menthol.
These ingredients can help open up your sinuses, and provide relief from congestion. You can also add a cup of Epsom salt to your bathtub to help reduce inflammation.
6
Ideal for your heart
The heart-healthy benefits of taking a bath are well-documented. Soaking in warm water can help lower your blood pressure, and slow your heart rate. This is especially beneficial if you suffer from anxiety or high blood pressure.
7
Balance your hormones
One of the benefits of taking a bath is that it can help balance your hormones. This is because when you are in a warm bath, your body releases a hormone called oxytocin.
Oxytocin is sometimes referred to as the “love hormone” because it helps promote bonding and attachment.
8
It helps heal wounds
When you have a cut or wound, it is important to keep the area clean so that it can heal properly. A bath can be a great way to do this, as the water will help remove any dirt and bacteria from the wound.
9
Relieves migraines and headaches
If you suffer from migraines or headaches, a hot bath can help relieve the pain. The heat dilates blood vessels, and increases circulation, which can help relax muscles and reduce inflammation.
Adding some soothing aromatherapy or lavender oil to your bath can further increase its relaxation benefits.
10
Soothes hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your anus and rectum, and they can be extremely painful. Fortunately, soaking in a warm bath can help reduce the swelling and pain associated with hemorrhoids. Simply sit in the tub for about 15 minutes to experience relief.
11
Takes care of your nervous system and brain
Taking a nice bath can give your nervous system a much needed break from the constant barrage of information and stimuli that it has to process every day.
This can help improve your mood and mental state. Additionally, the warmth of the water can help increase blood circulation to the brain, which can promote better cognitive function.
12
Reduces stress and anxiety
There are few things more relaxing than a warm bath, and it’s no surprise that this can help reduce stress and anxiety.
When you’re feeling stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisol, which can have negative effects on your health. Taking a bath can help lower cortisol levels and promote a sense of calm.
13
Improves your immunity
When you take a bath, your body temperature rises slightly. This increase in temperature can help kill off bacteria and viruses that cause illnesses.
If you’re feeling under the weather, try taking a warm bath and see if it helps you feel better.
14
They burn calories
You may not think of it as a workout, but taking a bath actually burns some calories. You burn around 140 calories by taking a 30-minute bath, which is the same as walking for about 20 minutes.
Additionally, if you make your bath even hotter, you can raise that number to more than 200 calories. Granted, it’s not going to help you lose weight on its own, but it’s a fun way to burn a few extra calories.
15
Removes toxins
When you take a hot bath, your pores open up, and your body sweats. This helps remove toxins from your body that can cause skin problems and other health issues.
It’s important to make sure that you drink plenty of water before and after your bath, so that you don’t become dehydrated.
16
Prevents premature aging
One of the benefits of taking a bath is that it can help prevent premature aging. This is because when you soak in warm water, your skin produces more collagen, which helps keep your skin looking young and healthy.
Additionally, the heat of the water can help increase blood flow to the skin, which gives it a radiant glow.
17
Brighter skin
Taking a bath can help you look and feel your best. When you take the time to relax in a warm bath, you’ll notice that your skin looks softer and smoother. Your hair will also be shinier and healthier-looking.
18
They are just plain enjoyable
Last but not least, taking a bath is simply enjoyable. It’s a great way to relax and unwind after a long day, and it can help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. If you don’t have time for a long bath, even a short soak can provide some benefits.
Is Too Much
Bathing Harmful?
While there are many benefits to taking a bath, it’s important not to overdo it. Taking too many baths can strip your skin of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness and irritation.
It’s also important to make sure that the water isn’t too hot, as this can cause burns or even heat stroke, if you stay in for too long. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid taking baths altogether. If you do take a bath, make sure to use a gentle cleanser and moisturize afterward.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Here are some answers to common questions about bathing:
Is taking warm baths good for you?
Yes, taking warm baths can offer many health benefits. They can help improve your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, increase blood flow to the brain, and even burn a few calories.
Can a hot bath raise your core body temperature?
Yes, taking a hot bath can raise your core body temperature. This increase in temperature can help kill off bacteria and viruses that cause illnesses.
Do the brain and nervous system function better after a hot bath?
Yes, according to research. In one study, people who took a hot bath had increased levels of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) in their brains. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps with relaxation and sleep. The participants also had lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Can I use essential oils in my bath?
Yes, you can add a few drops of essential oils to your bath. This can help improve your mood and promote relaxation. Some good options include lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang.
See our related pages on essential oils:
As you can see, there are many benefits to taking a bath. Whether you’re looking to improve your skin, relieve stress, or just enjoy some quality me-time, hopping in the tub is a great option. Just be sure not to overdo it, and your skin will thank you.