Hot Tubs, Hydrotherapy and Mental Health

Since ancient times, the healing properties of hot water have been recognized. Water was seen as a spiritual purifier and was heated to different temperatures and applied to the skin to produce various reactions throughout the body. Water continues to be used for healing today as a complement to traditional hands-on physical therapy. Modern hydrotherapy is used for rehabilitation, fitness training, to increase range of motion, ease arthritis pain, improve flexibility, relieve spasms, decrease inflammation, support weight loss and speed recovery from injury.

 

Soaking in a hot tub is a popular way to interact with hot water. It’s fun and relaxing and helps one unwind after a long day. But the benefits of hot tubbing go far beyond relaxation. Soaking in a hot tub is a form of hydrotherapy that can positively affect your mental health by:

 

• Relieving stress:  Though a small amount of positive stress is necessary to maintain a healthy nervous system, too much stress can be harmful to physical and mental health. A hot tub functions as a stress management tool. Soaking in the warm water relieves stress and anxiety helping to balance the nervous system. It encourages the release of dopamine, a hormone that combats the effects of harmful stress. Regular hot tub use can regulate the nervous system, increasing the body’s relaxation response and decreasing the stress response. Use your hot tub to manage stress effectively increasing your chances for a happy and healthy life.
• Improving your state of mind: Soaking in a hot tub is a means of relaxation and releases accumulated stress. This helps to improve our mental state and combat symptoms of depression and anxiety. A 30-minute soak in warm water has a more positive impact on mood than a physical workout!
• Enhancing the quality of sleep: Your circadian rhythm controls your body’s waking, sleeping cycle. When disrupted, it can lead to sleep disorders. Regularly increasing your body temperature by soaking in a hot tub can improve your circadian rhythm thus improving the quality of sleep. Use your hot tub to promote a natural and deep sleep using your body’s own chemistry. Spend 30 minutes in your hot tub 60 to 90 minutes before bedtime. Your body will warm up and then start to cool down, signalling your heart, lungs and other organs that it’s time to drift away into a restful sleep.

 

Mental health is an important part of overall wellness. For many, it’s a daily struggle. Soaking in warm water can help by relieving stress, improving your state of mind and improving your quality of sleep. Need to focus on your mental health? Why not sit back, relax and enjoy the hydrotherapy supplied by your hot tub.

Feeling stressed? Having trouble sleeping? Want to improve your mood? Ready to try a hot tub? The experts at RnR Hot Tubs and Spas are here to help. With over 200 hot tubs available for sale, we’re the spa shop for you. Owned by service professionals with over 30 years of experience, we help make your hot tub purchase exceptional. Please call 403-203-0860 to set up an appointment.