These days, the pace of life is so fast that we often opt for the shower. However, taking a bath offers some significant advantages.
First, a little history. The practice of soaking in hot water goes back much further than the shower. Thousands of years ago, during the Roman era, people considered it a fundamental right to use the thermal baths - large, majestic bathing centers decorated with marble statues, soaring arches and magnificent, colorful mosaics. In those days, this was an important time of day, even a symbol of prosperity and health.
Turning to Japan, the role of the bath - called onsen or sento - has remained shrouded in a sacred aura throughout the ages. It's no coincidence that many ancient cultures prefer the immersive experience of a bath to a quick shower.
So what is so beneficial about this practice? It's no secret that hot water can relieve tense muscles. However, the positive effects of bathing on the mind are less well known. You're no doubt aware of the impact of exercise on mood regulation. Well, bathing also has this power, as it activates the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for relaxation. The warming up of your body by the water that envelops you sends the message that it's time to relax, thus lowering stress levels. If you're in a situation that's got your nerves on edge, and you've got the chance, slip into a bath. This may well physiologically point your whole system in the direction of relaxation.
Not only does this practice reduce the feeling of worry, but there are also studies to prove that it plays on depressive states. In fact, afternoon baths, even if only twice a week, are said to produce a “moderate but persistent” improvement in mood, again the equivalent of an exercise session.
To continue on the benefits of taking a bath, here are 5 reasons to indulge:
1. Cleansing and exfoliation
Because water doesn't just pass over the skin, but surrounds it for a certain period of time, it gives the epidermis time to soften and the pores time to open, allowing for much better exfoliation, removing all accumulated impurities. What's more, every millimeter of your body is guaranteed to be thoroughly cleansed and rinsed. All this is excellent for keeping your skin silky-smooth and clean.
2. Emotional well-being
The whole atmosphere surrounding a bath contributes to this self-care. Soothing music, a good book, a candle with your favorite fragrance and why not bubbles! It's the perfect opportunity to create a moment where everything comes together to take care of yourself - something we don't do enough of. The bath is a time where you can give yourself the right to respect your own needs without feeling guilty for a few minutes.
3. Psychological well-being
Stress, the disease of the century. It's responsible for many common symptoms such as sore muscles, heart disease, hair loss, acid reflux, a weakened immune system, weight fluctuation and much more. A good hot bath helps to reduce stress hormones and achieve a better balance in serotonin levels, which regulate mood. Closing the bathroom door and saying “no” to incessant interruptions is finally saying “yes” to yourself.
4. Better sleep
During the day, your internal temperature fluctuates slightly, and this is perfectly normal. It's been said that for ideal sleep, your body temperature needs to drop by around two or three degrees. We tend to think that taking a bath will raise it, but in fact the opposite is true. When your body warms up, it brings blood to the surface, which draws heat away from your core, lowering your temperature and promoting a sense of connection. A ten-minute bath, one or two hours before bedtime, is therefore synonymous with falling asleep and prolonged relaxation.
5. Muscle and joint relief
There's a reason why the world's greatest athletes soak in the bathtub after strenuous exercise. A warm bath relaxes the whole body, relieving tension points. Muscles and joints have plenty of time to relax. This practice can be likened to a relaxation massage, providing a similar respite.
With all these principles, there's no reason to be reluctant about taking a bath. You don't have to be a child to enjoy splashing around in hot water. As an adult, with work, bills to pay, activities to plan and household chores, it may seem like a waste of time to sit in the tub. But that's all the more reason to do it. This simple moment can really do your foggy mind and weighed-down body good. And, it's easier to face what's in front of us with a clear mind and a lightness that transports us.
Sometimes we must take the time to make the time. Have a good relaxation!
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