Imagine yourself returning home after a long, tiring day at work. Your muscles ache from sitting at your desk all day, and you feel stressed and anxious. You're looking for ways to unwind and relax, but you're not sure where to start.
Your regular couches, which once brought comfort to your weary body, no longer meet the relaxation that you crave. Perhaps now is the perfect time to upgrade your relaxation and consider adding a hot tub to your home.
There are a variety of physical and mental health benefits associated with hot tubs, including stress and anxiety reduction, improved sleep, and overall well-being. Interesting, isn’t it? But how exactly does a hot tub help to soak away your stress?
It will be our goal in this article to answer that question as we discuss the benefits of owning a hot tub. It's time to get soaked!
The Science Behind Hot Tubs and Stress Reduction
Hot tubs have been used since ancient times to alleviate stress, increase circulation, and soothe sore muscles. The warm water in hot tubs provides numerous physical benefits that aid in body relaxation. But how does this work?
Soaking in a hot tub can help stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and endorphins in the brain, these hormones play a vital role in mood regulation and pain relief. Dopamine, also known as the "feel-good" hormone, is associated with pleasure and reward, and the heat and relaxation of a hot tub can trigger the release of this hormone, which will eventually bring you a sense of joy and satisfaction and help you to reduce the stress in your mind and body.
Endorphins, on the other hand, are natural painkillers and mood enhancers that can help alleviate physical and emotional pain and are also released in the process, giving you further pain relief, relaxation, and a sense of well-being.
Warm water from a hot tub can also help relax muscles and boost blood circulation, providing natural healing benefits.
Hot Tubs and Better Sleep
As we mentioned earlier, soaking in a hot tub can promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety levels, which may help to make it easier for you to fall and have better sleep. This is because the hot water provides a calming, therapeutic experience that helps to relax your muscles reducing any tension. It also helps to raise body temperature, which stimulates better circulation for a night of deep sleep. During deep sleep, your body releases growth hormones and works to build and repair muscles, bones, and tissue.
Studies have found that people who use hot tubs regularly tend to report greater feelings of relaxation throughout the day and improved overall sleep quality at night.
If you also struggle with anxiety or insomnia, spending time in your hot tub before bed can help you calm down, leading to a better night's rest.
Benefits of Hot Tubs for Mental Health
A hot tub session is like a mini-vacation for the mind, it's a way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and get some mental clarity. Research has shown that heat therapy, such as soaking in a hot tub, can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels, improve sleep quality, and even relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Soaking in a hot tub is especially helpful if you're feeling stressed, as the hot tub's heat will help you 'chill out'! Just make sure you don't get too “chill” - you don't want to fall asleep and wake up with pruney fingers!
Hot Tubs and Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, with one person dying every 34 seconds (Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)). Hydrotherapy, such as soaking in a hot tub, can provide therapeutic exercise to those with cardiovascular issues, improving blood circulation and reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems.
Additionally, regular hot tub therapy can help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases. It can also reduce inflammation in the body, similar to using a hot pack or hot water bottle to soothe aching muscles.
Morning vs. Night Hot Tub Use
Hot tub use may affect the body differently depending on the time of day. For instance, using a hot tub in the morning could help wake up your body and encourage alertness, while doing so at night could encourage relaxation and get your body ready for a good night of sleep.
Wrapping up
Hot tubs can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep quality. They may also offer benefits for mental health, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. Whether you prefer to use your hot tub in the morning or at night, the important thing is to make time for relaxation and self-care.
As the premier provider of hot tubs and swim spas in the Winnipeg area, Krevco Lifestyles Inc. is committed to helping our customers find the perfect hot tub to meet their needs. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of high-quality hot tubs and swim spas, and start reaping the benefits of hot tub use for yourself.