Are you bathing every day? We sure hope so! Besides good hygiene, this daily routine offers many positive benefits. Let’s talk about the benefits of daily baths. By the time you’re done reading, maybe you’ll even make it one of your 2023 resolutions!
Shower or Bath?
For most adults, there are obvious benefits to the shower. A nice hot shower can be relaxing and a perfect stress reliever. To this end, even cold showers have their benefits.
But what about baths? After a certain age, many adults swear off them. That’s understandable, since baths are far less efficient for most of our busy schedules than a quick shower. That said, there are many reasons why daily baths are a smart choice. Read on to learn more.
Daily Baths Promote Relaxation and Emotional Health
First, let’s start with the obvious: daily baths are soothing and relaxing. That’s not mumbo-jumbo either. Taking a well-deserved break can help you to reassess your goals and re-center your life. Sometimes stepping away from the world can help us to refocus on what is important. The bath’s positive reputation is actually true. They can help to promote relaxation and emotional well-being.
A Bath Helps You Sleep
Some research shows that a 30-minute warm bath can balance your serotonin and cortisol levels and decrease depression. Stress hormones often play havoc with our moods, but daily baths can help to regulate this.
This routine can even help you sleep at night. As an increasing amount of research shows, the importance of a good night’s sleep cannot be overstated. During sleep, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of Americans don’t get enough sleep. Daily baths may be a solid remedy to this problem.
Daily Baths Sooth Body Aches and Encourage Healing
All other things aside, a warm bath can help to ease muscle and joint pain. For example, while swimming is a cardio-friendly low-impact exercise, it can still leave you with aches and pains. Following a swim set with a nice warm bath is a way to use the water for both exercise and healing.
For an extra kick, consider adding Epsom salts to the water. Epsom salts are a naturally occurring mineral salt that can help to relax muscles and relieve pain. Add roughly 300 grams into your bathtub to feel its effects. Besides soothing your body, reportedly, these salts can even help to heal wounds faster. That said, it is always best to talk to your doctor first. After all, some wounds will not benefit from a soak in salted water. It is always best to get a medical professional’s opinion on your unique situation.
Bathe Before Swimming
Another reason for daily baths is… well, to get clean! Aside from the obvious benefits of cleanliness, this can also help to keep you and fellow swimmers safe in the pool. As we’ve written before, far too many Americans do not bathe or shower before getting into the swimming pool. This can be extremely detrimental to the health of fellow swimmers. Ignoring all the oils and sweat that transfer to the pool, there are also a number of infectious diseases that can live in the pool water. Showering or bathing beforehand can prevent these hazards.
Bathing Safety
Finally, when it comes to the bath, don’t forget to play it safe. More injuries happen in the tub or bathroom than you might expect. To learn more, read our full article about ways to stay safe in the tub.
