Boosting Mental Health
Soaking in a warm bath could have a positive impact on mental health and relaxation, according to a small study of 38 participants published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2018. The participants also reported reduced feelings of tension, anger, hostility, depression, and dejection.
Calming Stress
Everyone manages stress in their own way, and some people’s method of choice is taking a hot bath. “Stress can be triggered by so many things, so if you are looking for some ‘you’ time, or time to take a break from your mental load, a bath is a great way to relax, take a break from work, limit your social media scrolling—whatever it is,” says Laura Purdy, MD, a Miami-based family medicine physician. “It helps your brain slow down and is a great way to take a mindful break.”
Supporting Cardiovascular Health
Taking hot baths may improve your cardiovascular health, according to a 2020 study out of Japan published in the journal Heart. The researchers observed more than 30,000 people between the ages of 40 and 59 over a span of 19 years, and found that participants who took warm baths frequently had a decreased risk of cardiovascular events, Warner explains.
Reducing Muscle and Joint Pain
Bathing can provide some much-needed relief for people dealing with painful muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons, Dr. Pontinen says. This is because the warm water can help the tissues in your musculoskeletal system relax, which helps you heal faster, he explains.
Preparing Your Body for Sleep
Given that taking a warm bath can help some people relax, it’s not surprising it can also help promote a good (or at least better) night’s sleep. “Taking a bath at night may help you fall asleep and stay asleep, increasing your overall sleep quality, which is vital for your body to reset for the next day,” Dr. Purdy says. “It’s a great way to wind down, as it triggers the body and your mind to relax, which in turn can help you fall asleep.”
Improving the Condition Your Skin
You may not think of bathing as part of a skincare routine, but whether you opt for a bath or a shower, that’s exactly what it is. In addition to removing dirt on the surface of your skin, bathing in warm water also opens up your pores, allowing you to wash away built-up grime, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Plus, it softens the layers of dead skin cells on the outer surface of the skin, so that they slough off easily with a washcloth (or prepare your skin for your exfoliation method of choice).
For more information about the benefits, as well as the optimal duration and temperature to make the most of your bath, read the full article here. Add bubbles if you like. Enjoy your soak!