Hot Tubs and Mental Health
Hot tubs and mental health might not be the first two things you would put together, many of us think of hot tubs to alleviate physical aches and pains rather than benefit your mental health but you might be surprised to find that hot tubs can have a very positive impact, not only on your physical well being but on your mental well being too!
Especially during the winter months, our health & well being can take a real hit. Endless hours of darkness: dark when you drive to work, dark when you return home, cold, rain, snow, ice…it can all get a bit much!
The result can be low mood, lack of energy & well…..lack of happy hormones!
Hot tubs have been known for their physical health benefits for many years, but recently, research has also shown that they can have a significant impact on our mental health & general wellbeing.
Low Mood
Many aspects of life can lead to low mood, be it the daily school run, the dark, cold, rain, kids, work/life balance, no time for exercise or ‘me’ time, over-eating, weight issues, poor physical health – the list goes on!
A hot tub can be exceptionally beneficial in every way! If you do manage to get time to exercise, a hot tub will ease those aching muscles afterwards. We all know exercise is one of the first things a GP will suggest when suffering with low mood. Following this with a nice long soak will enable you to completely revive yourself in mind & in body. ‘
Me’ time is vital for your mental wellbeing but it’s very difficult to make ‘me’ time with kids, busy lives and jobs so make it your mission to add some ‘me’ time to your life to improve your mental health! After all, a car can’t run efficiently on empty!
Is your weight making you unhappy? In reality, soaking in a hot tub will help you burn 3% more calories than sitting on the sofa. Not a huge difference, but a difference all the same! Hot tub users experience reduced stress levels which is a key factor in losing weight, as they can reduce levels of glucose & sugars in the blood, the warm water will increase the blood flow which helps release those toxins from your body, so alongside some exercise you can look forward to your hot tub helping you along the way to a happier and healthier body and mind 😊
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
One of the most well-known mental health benefits of hot tubs is their ability to reduce stress and anxiety. The warm water and massaging jets can help to relax muscles and soothe the mind.
What could be better after a long day at the office or working outside in the cold than a fabulous long soak in the hot tub with your favorite tipple in hand, either solitary or chatting with a loved one about your day whilst gazing at the winter skies 😊
Studies have shown that people who regularly use hot tubs have lower levels of stress hormones and higher levels of endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
Improve Sleep Quality
Hot tubs can also help to improve sleep quality. The warm water can help to lower core body temperature, which is a signal to the brain that it is time to sleep. Additionally, the relaxation that comes from soaking in a hot tub can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can also lead to better sleep. Add to this one of our many aromatherapy products & you’ll feel as amazing as you’d feel if you’d visited a spa for the day!
Boost Mood and Reduce Anxiety
Studies show that regularly soaking in a hot tub can help to boost mood and reduce feelings of stress, mental anxiety, physical stress & depression. The warm water can help to increase blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function and mood. Additionally, the feeling of total relaxation and the happy endorphins that come from using a hot tub go a long way in improving low mood. A hot tub can balance hormones by increasing levels of serotonin & dopamine (happy hormones) in our brains whilst balancing the cortisol & epinephrine (the‘fight or flight’ hormones in your body) – this is important as an imbalance of these hormones within the body can cause all sorts of issues from sleep deprivation to stress & anxiety.
Promote Social Connection
Hot tubs can also be a great way to reconnect socially – be it with a teen who spends every waking hour staring at a screen, your partner for a bit of together time or a friend in need of a chat. Spending time in a hot tub with friends or family can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen relationships. A problem shared is a problem halved as they say.
Think about spending those dark, cold, starry nights with family & friends enjoying each others company in a state of total relaxation – what could be better?
