How a relaxing bath can help you soak away your worries
Anyone who feels wound-up and unable to relax by the end of a hard working week (or even just a day!) could find that a relaxing bath is the easiest way to de-stress and let go of life's problems.
Ancient Romans were clearly on to something, because bathing offers a range of benefits that will help your mind and body.
The high levels of stress and anxiety that we come across every day can lead to muscle tension, headaches and stiff necks, but taking the time to get into a nice warm bathtub each evening may help to get rid of them without having to take painkillers or go for an early night.
This is because warm water expands blood vessels and increase circulation, making it easier for muscles to relax and unwind, Natural Health explains.
Not only this, but the temperature of the water acts to lower blood pressure at the same time, making you feel even calmer, as well as fighting off any infections while you soak.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, taking a nice hot bath 15 minutes before bedtime can also help you to sleep more soundly, as this rise and then steady decrease in body temperature afterwards releases chemicals to help you drop off.
However, don't be tempted to have your tub too hot - water above 38.3 degrees C (101 degrees F) can make you feel dizzy and cause your heart to pound, which isn't the desired effect at all!
It's best to keep it a little below this and to stay in for around 15 to 20 minutes for optimum results.
To increase your wellbeing further, why not add some aromatherapy oil to your bath? These can ease tension and make your body and muscles relax even more than with ordinary bubble bath. Sue Mousley, chair of the International Federation of Aromatherapists, recommends lavender, chamomile or jasmine as ideal for chilling out, with the former especially good at aiding sleep.
The array of ready-made products containing aromatherapy oils could be ideal if you're pushed for time, as they will already be mixed to create the best blend for your wellbeing.
Finally, don't discount the mental benefits of a cool bath. It may not be ideal for bedtime, but taking one in the morning could really give you a boost for the day ahead, as well as waking up your skin.
Swap your shower for a bath and see if you can improve your wellbeing.
Ancient Romans were clearly on to something, because bathing offers a range of benefits that will help your mind and body.
The high levels of stress and anxiety that we come across every day can lead to muscle tension, headaches and stiff necks, but taking the time to get into a nice warm bathtub each evening may help to get rid of them without having to take painkillers or go for an early night.
This is because warm water expands blood vessels and increase circulation, making it easier for muscles to relax and unwind, Natural Health explains.
Not only this, but the temperature of the water acts to lower blood pressure at the same time, making you feel even calmer, as well as fighting off any infections while you soak.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, taking a nice hot bath 15 minutes before bedtime can also help you to sleep more soundly, as this rise and then steady decrease in body temperature afterwards releases chemicals to help you drop off.
However, don't be tempted to have your tub too hot - water above 38.3 degrees C (101 degrees F) can make you feel dizzy and cause your heart to pound, which isn't the desired effect at all!
It's best to keep it a little below this and to stay in for around 15 to 20 minutes for optimum results.
To increase your wellbeing further, why not add some aromatherapy oil to your bath? These can ease tension and make your body and muscles relax even more than with ordinary bubble bath. Sue Mousley, chair of the International Federation of Aromatherapists, recommends lavender, chamomile or jasmine as ideal for chilling out, with the former especially good at aiding sleep.
The array of ready-made products containing aromatherapy oils could be ideal if you're pushed for time, as they will already be mixed to create the best blend for your wellbeing.
Finally, don't discount the mental benefits of a cool bath. It may not be ideal for bedtime, but taking one in the morning could really give you a boost for the day ahead, as well as waking up your skin.
Swap your shower for a bath and see if you can improve your wellbeing.
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