The best way to beat the January Blues
Sitting in your hot tub may possibly be the very best way to beat the January Blues.
After all the goodies, gifts and glitter of Christmas January can be a challenging month for many of us. The cold weather, dark mornings and mundane return to every day chores and routines make this one of the least popular times of the year and have even sparked terms such as January Blues and Blue Monday.
Add to this the sluggish feeling, tiredness and low energy many of us are experiencing after weeks of mince pies and overindulgence and it comes as no surprise that many people struggle with low moods and lack of motivation at this time of year.
The good news is that joining a gym or embracing dry January are not the only ways to beat the January blues! In fact, you may already have the answer to all the above bubbling away on your patio!
Why sitting in a hot tub improves your mood?
It might seem obvious that relaxing in a hot tub and being pampered by bubbles and warm water is bound to lift your mood but there are some very real and solid scientific reasons behind this. Spending time in a hot tub increases your blood flow and relaxes your breathing, which results in an increase of serotonin and dopamine in your body whilst decreasing the cortisol and epinephrine levels. Put simply, your body produces more “happy hormones” and fewer “stress hormones” helping you feel happier and less anxious.
In fact, research has shown that soaking in a hot tub for 30 minutes is an even better mood booster than a 30 minute run!
Why sitting in a hot tub improves your health?
That 30 minute run is of course also useful for improving your cardio and over all fitness and might be a means to an end if you are trying to shed some Christmas pounds. But do not underestimate the benefits of soaking in a hot tub for increasing your circulation, boosting your metabolism and detoxing your system after the overindulgence of the festive season. In fact, sitting in your hot tub simulates exercise by increasing your core temperature and increasing your circulation as well as causing your body to sweat, thus cleansing your system from many harmful toxins. To optimise this process make sure to stay hydrated! It is good practice to drink small sips of water whilst soaking in your hot tub as well as a big glass of water after your dip! If you wish to increase the detoxifying effects of your hot tub even further you can also add certain aromatherapy crystals to further stimulate the process.
Why sitting in a hot tub reduces stress?
Hot tubs are one of the best natural ways to reduce stress. Your mental wellbeing should be one of your main priorities, especially in the current circumstances. Life is a lot busier and more stressful than ever before, there is always something that needs to be completed, but it is so important to slow down and stop for your own sanity.
The sound and motion of the swirling water aids relaxation and reduces anxiety. Leave your stress outside, and hop in the hot tub, for some “me time”.
Why sitting in a hot tub improves your sleep?
8-10 hours sleep is the recommended amount for optimum health, but with the stress of everyday life, and the never-ending to-do list, this goal often seems un-achievable. However, hot tubs improve your quality of sleep and make it easier for you to fall asleep.
Research has shown that regularly increasing a human’s body temperature, improves one’s cardiac rhythm, which improves the quality of sleep and heart health. Besides the calming feel of a hot tub, when you leave the warm water and bubbles, your body temperature cools, signalling your brain that it is time to rest.
The simple relaxation gained from a soak in the hot tub may be enough to help you drift off into a more peaceful and deep sleep; a simple and effective way to combat stress, which all benefits a person’s mental health and help to beat the January Blues.
Why your hot tub imrpoves your relationships?
A hot tub offers the perfect opportunity to connect with yourself, nature and most importantly, friends and family. Socialising with loved ones is guaranteed to be a mood booster for many, and doing so whilst spending time in the fresh air and connecting with nature are additional factors to benefit your mental health.
A hot tub also encourages users to take a break away from their tablet, smartphone, or TV providing a much needed break from the continuous stream of information and the sleep disrupting blue light of digital devices, offering a chance to enjoy some natural human contact instead.
New Year’s resolutions
Given all those benefits to your physical and mental well being, why not make 2023 the year of the hot tub and ensure you carve out some time to enjoy your hot tub and take care of yourself on a regular basis?
If you currently do not own a hot tub or are considering a trade in then contact us and our team will be happy to walk you through the various options.
If you do already own a hot tub then the new year might the right time for a new filter, a clean and water refresh or even a hot tub service.
