Why Baths Are Good for You?
Baths are extremely popular among children. The splattering. The sprinkling. The endearing rubber ducklings.
But as an adult with a job, expenses to pay, and a schedule to adhere to, you may not feel you have the luxury of soaking in the tub until your fingertips turn prune-like. Perhaps you do not oppose baths. However, it is not your primary priority.
Thus, you enter the washroom. You do what you gotta do. You remove your towel and continue with your day.
But you’re missing out. Because a soothing bath can be extremely beneficial.
Baths should not be a daily occurrence. However, if you can find 10 to 15 minutes per week to take a bath, you may notice a difference in your overall health.
5 Reasons Baths Are Good for You:
1. Clean and exfoliate
Okay, so perhaps your primary objective here is to sanitize your body. We have heard you. And cleansing can be beneficial in multiple ways.
Due to the fact that bathing soften the skin, exfoliation is an additional benefit of scrubbing. This is ideal for maintaining silky-smooth skin and is the optimal time for a close shave.
“Bathing cleanses the skin, preventing irritation, inflammation, and sores caused by accumulation of dead skin cells,” says the doctor. “It can also assist you in removing the bacterial and fungal load from your environment.” As this accumulates, your risk of infection rises.”
Additionally, tepid water opens your pores. This removes the debris that has accumulated throughout the day and allows your detergent to do its job effectively.
2. Improve your mental and emotional health
Picture it: Relaxing music, a nice book, and a candle scented with your favorite fragrance. A bath can be the pinnacle of self-care, something that many people simply do not do enough of. Self-care is not characterized by selfishness or disregard for others. It involves taking the time to respect one’s own requirements.
Self-care reduces anxiety. You presumably view tension as an emotional burden, and you are correct. However, it is also deleterious to the organism. Stress has been linked to a variety of illnesses, including:
- Sore muscles.
- Heart disease.
- Hair loss.
- Acid reflux.
- A weakened immune system.
- Weight gain.
Several research studies imply that a form of warm bath therapy may have beneficial impacts on depressed individuals. There is a correlation between warm bathing and reductions in stress hormones and more balanced serotonin levels, which help modulate mood.
Close the door and say “no” to infinite interruptions for optimum relaxation.
3. Sleep tight
At least one study indicates that taking a tepid shower or bath before bedtime can help you fall slumber more quickly and sleep more soundly.
Here’s what researchers believe may occur:
Your basal body temperature fluctuates throughout the day. That is typical. Two or three degrees of temperature reduction are required for optimal slumber. And while it may appear that taking a bath warms you up and therefore raises your body temperature, the opposite is true.
As your body warms in the bath, your blood rises to the surface. This indicates that heat is extracted from your interior. This reduces your body temperature and induces relaxation and sleep.
There is also more to it.
“Baths also provide a conducive environment for meditation, reflection, and escape from daily stresses,” “Promoting relaxation helps you let go of things that can keep you awake as you try to wind down.”
Try a 10- or 15-minute bath about an hour or two before bed for the greatest sleep.
4. Soothe your aching muscles and joints
There is a reason why nearly every sports film depicts athletes lounging in a large metal bathtub after the major game. A heated bath can help relieve muscle soreness and stress.
Taking care of your sore muscles will help you endure the day with less discomfort. This means increased range of motion and enhanced exercise capacity. Win-win.
Some individuals with fatigued muscles may also consider cold baths, if they are feeling daring. Reduce the temperature of the bath to between 53 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit (12 and 20 degrees Celsius).
That is quite chilly, so proceed slowly. Try submerging in an ice water for approximately five minutes, up to a maximum of ten minutes (if you can handle it).
5. Help heal (some) wounds
Infected lesions and wounds can be soothed by bathing. Your physician may advise you to immerse the afflicted area in a tepid saltwater solution to promote healing. However, certain incisions should be kept dry, so consult your physician before submerging.
Baths done right
Now before you run to the tub and turn your bath on full blast, let’s set a few ground rules for maximum benefit:
- Don’t take a bath every day: Daily bathing can cause skin dryness by stripping the body of its natural lipids. Try not to take more than two washes per week. Shower every other day.
- Use warm (not hot) water: Some individuals may experience vertigo or fatigue when the temperature is excessively high. Keep the water temperature below 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).
- Enjoy, but don’t linger: As a general rule, ten to fifteen minutes is sufficient. Stay just long enough for your fingertips and toenails to begin to wrinkle, but no longer.
- Opt for gentle cleansers: No fragrance is the way to go. Scented soaps and body lotions can strip the epidermis of moisture. Select products labelled “gentle” or “sensitive skin” for optimal results.
- Keep your towels fresh: The only thing that can negate the beneficial effects of a heated bath is drying off with a filthy microbe magnet. You should wash your towels at least once per week.
- Don’t forget to moisturize: Bathing and showering can strip the epidermis of its natural lipids, leaving it tight and dry. After a bath, applying lotion can maintain the epidermis hydrated. For optimal results, choose a moisturizer that is hypoallergenic and devoid of fragrances and botanicals.
- Keep your tub clean: A dirty tub can be detrimental. After all, you can’t truly become clean if you’re bathing in a filthy pool. Every week, spray your bathtub with bleach cleanser to eliminate any residual bacteria.
Also read: 12 Benefits of Cycling, Plus Safety Tips
Enhance your bath
While bubbles or bath additives can transform a pleasurable bath into a life-changing experience, Dr. Zack says that water alone is sufficient. No need to overthink the situation.
However, if you want to add a little something additional to your bath, consider adding Epsom salts, which can further help you decompress and alleviate your aches and pains.
Add approximately 1.5 cups of Epsom salts to a basin filled with tepid water. Soak for approximately 15 minutes to reap the benefits. Again, don’t overuse it. Overuse of Epsom salts or another bath product can also contribute to parched skin, itching, irritation, and eczema.
Those with sensitive skin should also avoid bath bombs and bubble baths, as they may cause irritation, stinging, and scaling. But if your epidermis doesn’t seem to object, feel free to indulge on occasion.
Cleaning your body does not have to be an additional chore on your schedule. It can be an opportunity to take care of your physical and mental health.
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