Most of the time when we think of bathing, we picture it being a thing for kids. They get to enjoy playing, while also getting clean. When in reality, there are many beneficial reasons why as an adult you should start considering taking baths regularly. “Regardless of the temperature, the benefits of taking a bath have been scientifically proven and can ensure optimal health of the mind and body,” says Diane Koopman author on Lifehack.

Here are 10 scientifically proven health benefits of taking a bath Koopman shares with us:

1. Improve heart health

“In people without prior heart disease and who are otherwise healthy, a warm bath can lower your blood pressure and improve cardiac function.”

2. Help you to breathe easier

“The temperature of the bath water and the pressure the water places on your chest and lungs. When the water is warmer and your heart is beating faster, your oxygen intake can be improved and the steam created can clear your sinuses and chest. Immersion in colder water such as taking a swim in a natural body of water or an unheated pool, can help to reduce the risk of infection in people who suffer from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).”

3. Brain and nervous system can benefit

“Submergence in water can reduce pain and inflammation and also calm the nervous system, reducing the levels of stress and anxiety in the body and improving your mood.”

4. Benefit your muscles, joints & bones

“Stretching and moving in water has been shown to be low impact on the joints, muscles and bones, but very effective in providing an adequate workout through resistance. There is also less chance of injury for people who are at risk of falls.”

5. Improve your gastrointestinal health

“The heat of a warm bath can alleviate pain associated with hemorrhoids or anal fissures. The temperature can cause the sphincter to relax and help to heal wounds following surgery. Although warm baths aren’t advised immediately after eating, taking baths will improve your blood circulation, which can aid digestion generally.”

6. Progress the natural birthing process & improve health of the urinary system

“It is well documented that women in the first stages of labor can maximize relaxation and minimize pain when immersed in a warm bath. This can then allow them to focus on birthing their babies and progressing their labor. While regular bathing can present an increased risk of urinary tract infections, particularly for repeat sufferers, warm baths can aid internal urethral sphincter relaxation, which alleviates pain following surgery and can accelerate the healing process from episiotomy or birth related tearing.”

7. Blood and immunity 

“Not only does a warm bath make the blood flow easier, it also makes it more oxygenated by allowing you to breathe deeper and slower, particularly when taking in steam. Taking a hot bath or spa can kill bacteria and improve immunity. It can relieve the symptoms of cold and flu.”

8. Balancing Hormones

“Some fertility issues can be assisted by bathing in colder temperatures. Hormones released by the pituitary gland such as adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH and other hormones such as beta endorphin and cortisol can become more balanced. Alternatively, warm water bathing can increase levels of serotonin, which is the chemical produced by the brain associated with happiness and well-being.”

9. Bathing cleanses & moisturizes

“The human body is made mostly of water and that is why we are encouraged to drink plenty of it. But soaking in it is also extremely beneficial. We can enhance this by adding certain oils or salts to a bath or bathing in a natural body of water or pool, rich in naturally occurring minerals. Hot water opens our pores and causes us to sweat, which is the body’s natural way of cleansing itself. Similarly, cold water can tighten our skin and reduce sweating and open pores, whilst still providing optimal hydration.”

10. Body temperature

“There is no quicker and more pleasant way to regulate your body temperature than through bathing. On a cold day, taking a hot bath or spa is sure to warm you up. Going for a cold ocean swim in the height of summer is undeniably the best way to cool off.”

Both hot & cold water are known to have beneficial effects on our bodies. “Hydrotherapy has been practiced for centuries. Similarly, Cryotherapy or taking ice baths, can help to alleviate muscle strain and many athletes including runners will submerge themselves in freezing waters to counteract the damage or strain induced by exercise,” but Koopman also advises “a health professional should be consulted if pre-existing health conditions or diseases are present before embarking on any form of hydrotherapy.”

Bathing Tips

-Create a Sanctuary, a nice quiet relaxing environment free of stress and disturbance. Grab your favorite book and add some candles.

-Use Products that take your bath from enjoyable to life changing. Magnesium flakes, bath bombs, etc.

-Water that is too hot may cause some to experience weakness; warm water works just as great