It's 2024. It's too easy in our busy day-to-day activities to skip over simple self-care routines that can go a long way for our physical and mental health. When was the last time you took 15-20 minutes to relax and soak in a hot bath? If you can't remember the last time, keep reading, because science says you need a hot bath. Let’s start with the physical benefits.
Physical Perks of a Hot Bath
If you enjoy soaking in a hot bath at the end of the day, here’s even more reason to take your daily bath!
- Improved Heart Health: Studies suggest hot baths can enhance cardiac function.
- Detoxification: Sweating through a hot bath helps eliminate toxins from the body..
- Muscle Relaxation – gentle heat application and the buoyancy of floating in the water gives your body a break, relaxing overworked muscles. (Check out our Herbal Calming Bath)
- Pregnancy Benefits – Baths are recommended for pregnant women in general – but note, baths should be warm – not hot. Baths help maintain a healthy pregnancy and even help with labor and safe birth.
- Helps prevent charlie horses, aches, and muscle cramps
- Gives your body a break by gently supporting your body weight
- In labor, a hot bath is known as the “natural epidural”
- Peaceful waterbirths are very popular because of the relaxing effects
- Baths can even assist healing in postpartum, combined with gentle herbs and botanicals for a natural sitz bath (check out our Herbal Recovery Sitz Bath)
- Better Circulation: Hot baths improve blood flow and blood pressure, key health markers.
- Sinus Relief: Steam clears congestion, providing relief from stuffy noses and headaches.
A hot bath is one of the best ways to care for yourself in an intentional, grounding, & relaxing practice. Here are some emotional benefits of a hot bath.
Emotional Benefits of a Hot Bath
Baths have a way of making you feel lighter and breathe easier as you climb out.
- Stress Reduction: Soaking in warm water is a natural stress reliever, promoting relaxation and well-being. Breathing in the aroma of an herbal bath adds additional benefits of botanicals.
- Mindfulness: A hot bath provides a moment of stillness in a busy world, encouraging reflection and gratitude. It's a great time to meditate, pray, or practice gratitude while you soak.
- Deep breathing – The calming environment is a great time to practice deep breathing, stimulating your parasympathetic nervous system.
- Solitude – Enjoy some "me-time" away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, a busy schedule or young kiddos.
Take the time to soak up the additional botanical benefits you’ll get from our Recovery Sitz Bath and our Herbal Calming Bath – it’s worth the time invested. ♥️