Advertisement
Bubble bath soap, bath bombs, and bath salts: these are common yet under-appreciated gifts we all have either given or received at least a dozen times.
Did you know that those might be one of the healthiest gifts you got all season?
Unbeknownst to many, hot baths (or a dip in the hot tub) are one of the most underrated health tools we have at our disposal. There are a variety of amazing benefits to this relaxing activity that make this dual-purposed: get clean and get healthy!
What are these amazing benefits? Check out the list below:
1. Hot baths can promote the flow of endorphins, which can help with anxiety, depression, or even seasonal depression.
2. It decreases joint pain and stress put on the body. This is especially beneficial for those with arthritis symptoms.
3. It can also improve circulation strain on the heart by opening the blood vessels.
4. It can improve mental state through relaxation and a clearer, refreshed mind. Prevention.com explains that by adding essential oils, you can get even more bang for your buck. "Sage sharpens memory, and bergamot relieves stress, according to the journal Alternative and Complementary Therapies," so add them to your next bath!
5. Due to the increased circulation of the lymph system required for the sweating process, you can improve your immune system to help fight infection and colds, while accelerating the body's natural healing processes.
6. For some, a regular bath routine reduces perspiration odor so you have less of a need for deodorants to control body odor.
7. For those with insomnia, hot baths can improve your ability to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Prevention.com explains, "Slipping between cool sheets helps trigger a drop in your body temperature, and that shift signals the body to produce melatonin, which induces sleep. That's why taking a warm bath before going to bed is a good call—it temporarily raises your body temperature, after which it gradually lowers in the cooler air, cueing your body to feel sleepy."
8. It increases your metabolism through heat, which helps to burn body fat faster.
9. A regular hot bath while using good sugar scrubs will put an end to dry, flaky winter skin and the itchiness they cause. According to Prevention.com, to get the full benefits of this practice, "Put whole oats in a clean, dry sock. Seal the open end with a rubber band, and then drop the sock into a warm or hot bath. Soak yourself for 15 to 20 minutes... oatmeal is a centuries-old skin soother, researchers only recently recognized the avenanthramides in oats as the key compounds that calm inflamed, itchy skin."
What do you think about these benefits? Will you be taking a bubble bath tonight? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Photo Copyright © 2014 PixGood
