Page 14 - Healthy Living and Hot Water

Hot Water & Mental Health

Everyday life can provide many stresses. These include anxiety, stress,

pain, fatigue, addiction, poor energy levels, range of motion problems,

and lack of sleep, just to name a few. Anxiety is a particular concern,

since research shows that 17% of Americans develop anxiety disorders

each year. Anxiety impacts each of us and can be caused by major

changes such as death of a loved one, marriage, divorce, a new job, or

changing your residence.

There are many ways to treat and reduce anxiety like therapy,

medication, and exercise. Unfortunately, we may choose non-healthy

ways to cope with anxiety like over-eating, smoking, alcohol, or drugs.

These unhealthy ways to cope can place added stress on our own bodies

and on those around us. Scientific evidence suggests that hot-water

immersion can reduce the effects of stress naturally and contribute to

improved mental health. Exercise and warm water immersion provide

healthy ways to cope with the challenges of daily life.

Body and muscle temperatures increase during warm water immersion.

Asa result, it is common to experience relaxation, relief from worrisome

aches and pains, and a decrease in fatigue. Even a five-minute hot

shower can lead to reductions of anxiety. In fact, one study

demonstrated that taking a bath in the evening helps people fall asleep

more easily.

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