Studies are increasingly showing that bathing daily offers no benefits and may even be harmful to you. Which is great because not bathing daily saves time and water.
This means when you do bathe, you can make the most of it by taking a long and luxurious bath rather than a shower. For those who prefer baths over showers or who can't seem to find a good excuse to take a bath versus a shower, this is good news.
But besides bubble baths being fun and relaxing, there are some great health benefits to taking a bubble bath. If you're wondering whether you should make the switch or just start enjoying taking more baths, keep reading.
We're sharing with you seven health benefits to bubble baths.
1. Bubble Baths are Good for Mental Health
Bathing helps us take time out away from any external influences that can trigger stress levels to rise. Bathing is so effective it's used as an aid in mental health rehabilitation.
Women more than men tend to forget to put themselves first, especially those with children. But when by taking even a 15-minute bath, it's not only time to put themselves first, but it helps calm the nervous system which helps reduce stress and anxiety levels while boosting their moods.
2. Hot Bubble Baths Can Help You Breathe Better
To help you breathe easier, immerse yourself in water past your chest so only your head is sticking out of the water. This can help positively affect your lung capacity and oxygen intake.
The reason why this helps with better breathing is due to the temperature of the water along with the pressure the water places on your chest and lungs. The warmer the water, the more your heart beats faster which improves oxygen intake.
The steam from the heat of the bath can help clear your sinuses and chest. If you have the flu or a cold, a hot bubble bath can help you begin breathing easier.
3. Bathing is Good for Your Joints and Muscles
If you're sick, sore from a workout or have health issues that make your joints and muscles sore, taking a bubble bath can work wonders.
Rather than sitting still while you bathe, try stretching and moving in the water. This low-impact exercise can help you get a decent workout since the water provides resistance.
Also, since you're already lying or sitting down, there's less of a chance of injury or falling.
Helps Speed up Muscle Recovery
Baths also help speed up muscle recovery. It's like putting a giant heat pack all over your body so your muscles begin to relax. Adding Epsom salts can help aid muscle relief.
4. Taking a Bath Can Help Balance Hormones
For those suffering with CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) or men with fertility issues, they may want to take a cool bubble bath. That's because the hormones released by the pituitary gland such as adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) or beta-endorphin and cortisol can become more balanced in cooler temperatures.
In a warmer bath, levels of serotonin are increased, which is the chemical produced by your brain that's associated with well being and happiness.
5. Bathing Helps with Skin Conditions
Psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions are often treated by taking medicated or oiled baths. That's because it's a great method to moisturize your skin while sloughing off dead skin cells.
Also, baths ca help remove potential causes of infection. If you're worried that the bathwater will be dirty, make sure to thoroughly clean your bathtub before taking a bath.
6. Baths Boost Your Immune System
Taking a hot bath can help boost your body's ability to fight off infections and viruses. If you feel a cold, allergies or the flu coming on, bathing in warm water helps increase the flow of oxygen throughout your respiratory system.
If you take a 20-minute bath, it will help stabilize your blood pressure and help promote better heart health. Baths do that by improving and increasing blood flow to and from the heart.
You'll reduce both your blood pressure and cortisol levels which will help you calm down and alleviate stress.
7. Hot Baths Before Bed Help You Sleep Better
It's imperative to get a good night's sleep. It helps reduce stress, ward off illnesses, keeps your mind sharp, and boosts your immune system.
Taking a bath right before bed can help you get that good night's sleep.
Take a Warm Bath, Not a Hot Bath
One reason is that a drop in body temperature in the evening signals your body to start producing melatonin, the hormone that helps you get to sleep. Our bodies naturally get colder at night with our core temperatures dropping two hours before bed and lasting until around 4 am.
You can help speed up that temperature drop by heating yourself up in a nice warm bath. Once out, cool yourself down for a bit and then head to bed. Just don't take a super hot bath because it will wake you up instead.
How to Safely Take Bubble Baths While Pregnant
Despite some myths stating otherwise, if you're careful when pregnant, you can enjoy the benefits of bubble baths. Just follow these simple guidelines to stay safe:
- Keep the water temperature the same as your body temperature
- Don't bathe for longer than 10 minutes
- Be careful with bath oils that can make you slip
- Be careful with bath salts that may heat your water higher than you want
Remember that the water can't reach your baby and essential oils won't harm your baby, especially if you use natural ones.
Buy the Right Type of Bubble Bath
The benefits of bubble baths are numerous. But you should always make sure you're using the right products to enhance your baths.
Not all products are good for your skin and if harmful chemicals are added, they can also seep in through your skin. Make sure you know what ingredients are added before you take a bath.
We can help you make the perfect bubble bath with the right natural ingredients. Click here to find your favorite bubble bath/body wash today.
