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Whenever I get the chance to take a bath, I always do because there are so many health benefits of baths.
I used to take a bubble bath almost every night as a form of daily therapy when I used to have a bathtub in my old house.
Now that I don’t have a bathtub anymore, I’m amazed at how much better I feel when I take baths as a part of my self-care routine.
Finding the Time for a Bath
People claim they don’t have time to take a bath, so they opt for a 30-minute shower instead.
Or they claim that taking a bath is essentially bathing in your own filth.
The solution? I recommend taking quick rinse of your body before you fill up the tub for a half hour.
Baths don’t have to be boring, either.
I’ll usually read a book or watch some of my favorite YouTubers to pass the time.
Why not read these free self-love affirmations while you take your bath? ↓
Sometimes, I’ll even pretend I’m a mermaid in the ocean as I watch my long, red hair sway with the motion of the water.
Dorky? Maybe, but that’s me. I’m a dork.
Without further ado, keep reading for 3 amazing benefits of taking a bath.
3 Mental Health Benefits of Baths
1. KEEPS THE ACHES AWAY
Physical ailments go hand-in-hand with mental illnesses.
When you’re not feeling your best physically, your mental can rapidly take a downward turn.
That’s why so many people turn to hydrotherapy.
Hydrotherapy benefits:
- muscle, joint, and nerve pain
- headaches
- stomach pain
- stress
- sleep disorders
- depression
- anxiety
A steamy bath helps soothe your aches and pains.
They help soothe your mind and make your heart rate slow down to normal.
Taking a bath can even help increase blood flow and bring relief to small internal bruises that you might not even know you have.
2. IMPROVES SLEEP
Insomnia is a common side effect of many mental illnesses.
Depression keeps you from falling asleep. Anxiety keeps waking you up.
This can all be remedied by taking a hot bath an hour before you go to bed.
Relaxing in a warm tub slowly increases your body’s temperature, which has been known to make you feel more sleepy.
When you finally decide that your fingers and toes are the perfect pruney texture, you’ll get out and your body will return to it’s cooler temperature.
This releases melatonin, which triggers that it’s time for bed.
Just be sure to not fall asleep while you’re waiting to turn into one big prune!
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3. DECREASES STRESS
From the foods we eat, to the soaps we use, to the air we breathe, our body is constantly soaking up harmful stresses.
So it’s very important that every once in a while you should destress your body.
Types of de-stress baths:
1. Add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to a near-scalding hot bath. Stay in there until the water cools. Towel dry and refrain from taking a shower for at least 8 hours.
2. Dissolve 2 cups of Epsom salt in a warm bath. Stay in for up to 30 minutes. Rinse and towel dry.
3. Pour 4 cups of baking soda into a boiling hot bath. Rest for 45 minutes. Don’t rinse.
I love adding “ingredients” into my baths to make them even more relaxing.
Mental Health Benefits of Baths:
Health cannot be maintained if we don’t choose to take care of ourselves.
The health of our body is crucial for the health of our mind.
Because baths are so soothing, try taking a bath a couple times a week and see the amazing results.
You’re worth it.
Remember always be kind to yourself.
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That’s a really good point that bodily health is important for mental and spiritual health. My friend really loves to take baths because she feels that it’s therapeutic for her soul and mental health. I should get her some bath bombs or salts so she can use it as a detox as well.
What a wonderful idea! 🙂
I always fall asleep immediately after I take a bath – hair wet and all. I feel so relaxed and tired as soon as I get out.
Yes! I’ve gone to bed with wet hair way too many times to count!