The transformative effects of warm water have been used for centuries. Spending 20 minutes in a hot tub can do so much for your well-being.
1. Promotes Muscle Recovery and Healing
A hot tub’s warm water massage promotes healing by increasing circulation, carrying nutrients to help cells and tissue regenerate. According to the textbook Comprehensive Aquatic Therapy by industry experts Dr. Bruce Becker and Dr. Andrew Cole, immersion in warm water is a “unique healing environment” that can lead to temporary relief from muscle aches and pains.
2. Decreases Stress
The negative effects of stress are well documented. Time in a hot tub allows you to clear your mind, relax deeply and start each day with a fresh, positive outlook.
3. Relieves Joint Pain
Time in a hot tub creates a helpful environment for relieving joint pain and stiffness. While the water’s buoyancy reduces stress on joints and muscles, warm water massage increases circulation, relaxes muscles, ligaments and tendons. It also stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever.
4. Improves Circulation
In a hot tub, body temperature increases and blood vessels dilate, improving circulation to carry in nutrients and oxygen. Pores open and release moisture as a cell-cleansing mechanism.
5. Builds Relationships
Time in a hot tub can foster heartfelt communication between you and friends 0r family members without distractions.
A quick 20-30 minute nap during the day can help improve learning, memory and creative thinking. Harvard researchers say that a nap can help make you a more effective problem solver and can help you separate important information from less relevant information. But more than 20-30 minutes can make you feel groggy. Don’t use napping as an alternative to less nighttime sleep. A good night’s sleep in conjunction with the occasional nap yields the best results.
Sources: Caldera Spas Magazine/November 2009 Harvard Health Letter
