In the midst of the hustle and bustle of daily life, taking a breather for your mental wellbeing is crucial. Whether you’re planning a spa day or want to make the most of your Jacuzzi at home, hot tubs can offer more than just a soak.
Hydromassage jets and warm water can help you shed stress, focus on the present and melt away worries. Soak in calming waters and let your mind relax into the soothing bubbles of your tub. Let’s explore together the benefits of hot tubs on stress and anxiety.
How stress affects our mental health
The demands of work and family can take a toll on our mental and emotional health. When faced with chronic stress, our body's fight-or-flight response can become persistent, leading to increased anxiety, insomnia and reduced concentration. Prolonged stress not only affects our mood, but can also manifests as physical symptoms, from tension headaches, to skin problems, and stomach issues.
Recognising these effects is the first step in understanding the importance of day to day stress management, for a healthier and calmer mind. Hot tubs can help make your everyday that bit more manageable, even if just for ten minutes. Hydrotherapy - when warm water and massaging jets combine - is simple but effective at contributing to your wellbeing, so how exactly can it help?
How hot tubs help with stress and anxiety
Muscle Relaxation
The warm water, jet massage and sense of weightlessness work together to soothe muscles, which is often where we store stress and tension. Buoyancy reduces the strain of gravity on the body, and as your muscles relax, so does your mind, leading to a sense of tranquility. Focus on the feeling of your muscles tensing and relaxing to help you concentrate on the present.
Better Sleep
Many hot tub enthusiasts find that a soak in the evening helps you sleep better. Improved sleep quality is closely linked to emotional regulation and cognitive function, making you more resilient and rational for the day ahead. We find adding hot tub scents or aromatherapy liquids, such as lavender, make it even easier to fall asleep after a soak.
Mood Booster
Hot tubs are not just about muscle relaxation; they also affect your mood. The warm water causes the release of endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones. This natural mood elevation can help combat the effects of stress and anxiety. Not only that, taking a few minutes a day to do something you actually enjoy, can make a big difference to your mood.
Mindfulness and Focus
The quiet, peaceful environment of a hot tub provides an ideal space for meditation. Try to focus on your senses while you soak, such as the warmth of the water, the sound of the bubbles, or the sensation of the waterfall on your fingertips. This helps shift your attention away from your worries and onto the present moment. Your hot tub is your safe space to escape from your troubles, and envelop yourself in soothing warm water.
Me Time
Hot tubs can be your private retreat, especially to relax after a bad day at work, or to decompress after the kids have gone to bed. It’s important to make time for yourself, if and when you can. Try some breathing exercises while you soak to calm down quickly after a busy day.
Social Connection
Hot tubs are perfect spaces for having fun! Enjoy family gatherings, romantic evenings, or bonding time with friends over bubbles. Reducing isolation and forming close relationships does wonders for your mental wellbeing.
How to build hot tubs into your wellness routine
Incorporating hot tub therapy into your routine doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're a hot tub owner, or enjoy a dip at your spa and gym, regular soaks can significantly impact your mental health.
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Schedule Soak Sessions: Incorporate regular hot tub dips into your weekly routine, dedicating specific times to unwind and prioritise your mental wellbeing. We love a Sunday solo soak!
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Pre-Bedtime Ritual: Establish a calming nighttime routine by enjoying a hot tub dip before sleep, the soothing water and temperature change will help you drift off to sleep.
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Post-Exercise Recovery: Use your tub as part of your warm down to soothe muscles and speed up recovery.
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Digital Detox Time: Designate hot tub sessions as a tech-free zone, allowing yourself to disconnect from screens and focus on the present.
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Mindful Meditation: Combine hot tub use with mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to enhance mental clarity and relaxation.
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Social Soaks: Invite friends or family to monthly hot tub parties, boosting social connections and turning it into a regular wellness activity.
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Aromatherapy Experimentation:Try different calming scents during your hot tub sessions to enhance your sensory experience.
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Wellness Check-Ins: Use hot tub sessions as moments to check in with your mental and physical wellness. Make adjustments to your routine if you notice yourself feeling more tense, or distracted than normal.
Parting advice
Hot tubs offer an enjoyable and effective way to enhance your mental health and overall wellbeing. The combination of hydrotherapy, mood elevation, mental clarity, and social connection makes hot tubs an excellent addition to your self-care routine. Immerse yourself in their healing waters and discover the transformative power of hot tubs on your mental health. Your mind and body will thank you.
Please note: Hot tubs are not a stand-alone cure for psychological problems, it’s important to talk with your doctor if you are having issues. What hot tubs can help with is forming part of a routine to manage and alleviate stress and anxiety, as well as boosting your mood. Your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical wellbeing.
Need more advice? Give us a call on 01482 212322 or email enquiries@outdoorlivinghottubs.co.uk and we’ll help you out. Or drop in and see us in our Hull or Leeds showrooms.
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