Introduction
| Are you debating with yourself about taking a bath instead of a shower? Or a shower instead of a bath? I’m not going to tell you what to do, because there are advantages to both. But I am going to give you several reasons why taking a bath instead of a shower can improve your health and cleanse you in the process. |
Conclusion
I hope these reasons will help you see that taking a bath is not just about getting clean, but rather provides many other benefits. Taking a bath is truly self care and something most of us can do.
If you know of other benefits, please leave them in the comments.
Splish, splash!
You Will Be Cleaner
There is popular wisdom that you are not as clean in the tub because you are sitting in your own dirt and skin cells. This is only true if you have had a day of working in dirt and sweating heavily. Otherwise, normal activity where you aren’t sweating much can be cleansed away in a bath.
Yes, you will be just as clean after taking a shower. But in a bath you can be clear and experience many more benefits, like aloe vera bath benefits. Read further to find out what they are.
You Can Relax
Sitting in warm water has been a practice for centuries. The ancient Romans, who developed the aqueduct, were able to make showers and bath houses. They knew back then the benefit of soaking in water.
Think of the natural springs in many areas of the world. I am blessed to be close enough to the desert here in Southern California and I can enjoy natural springs. The water pressure on the body can loosen tight muscles, soothe aching joints, and calm the nervous system. The water serves to hold the body, thus relieving the pressure of gravity. For those of us who have chronic pain, giving our nerves a break is a welcome relief.
A bath makes you feel like you are floating, being held by the surrounding water. This is a comforting feeling. And the warm water has a calming effect.
You’ll Have a Healthier Heart
As long as you don’t bathe in extremely hot water, and you don’t have a heart condition, a warm bath can increase your heart rate and can have the same effect as a gentle workout. It also increases circulation.
This means that it can help your body warm itself, especially in those cold feet. It can also increase circulation in the legs, which may help edema.
You’ll Have Healthier Skin
Soaking in a bath can hydrate your skin. Hydrated skin looks healthier. We are after all made up mostly of water, so it makes sense that water is good for us. Drinking enough water is central to good health. For those dealing with itchy skin, an oatmeal bath can provide soothing relief.
The skin will actually absorb the moisture. Then after you get out and dry off, moisturize to keep the skin hydrated.
I wrote a related article about itchy skin that can be helped by bath water. Best Bath Products for Itchy Skin and Other Helpful Products.
You Can Read
Okay, I know this might not be for everyone. But I know you can’t read in a shower. And if you are a bibliophile like me, then you can’t get enough of reading books. So why not take a book with you as you soak?
Here’s the thing: reading combines two of my favorite things. And reading relaxes me as well. I am benefiting from two relaxing activities. If you’re looking for a new career, consider customer service jobs in Cape Town for a fulfilling work-life balance.
Don’t forget your glasses, a towel to wipe your hands, and good lighting. Be careful! I have been known to drop my book in the water. Disaster!
You Can Infuse the Water
Here’s where baths really pull ahead—you can turn the water itself into something special. No shower can compete with that. Toss in some essential oils or herbs, and suddenly you’re not just cleaning up, you’re treating yourself to a full-blown aromatherapy session. That’s the kind of upgrade that makes you wonder why you ever settled for plain old soap and water in the first place.
Fresh or dried herbs both work, though dried ones pack a bigger punch—so go easy. (Rule of thumb: one teaspoon of dried equals about three teaspoons of fresh.) Drop them into a muslin bag or a tea strainer, let it steep in the water like the world’s most luxurious tea, and boom—your bath just got an upgrade. Not sure where to start? Try these:
Lavender (for when you need to unwind—stat)
Of course, those are just ideas. Maybe you’ve got your own go-to herbs or oils—something weirdly specific, like a blend your grandma swore by. If it works, it works.
And hey, if you’re feeling extra, there’s another way to infuse your bath that’s even simpler. (Spoiler: it involves less math.)
Some Nerve Conditions Will Benefit From Bathing
A hot bath calms the nervous system. This is because the body is immersed in water. The benefits to the nervous system are more pronounced in a bath instead of a shower. One reason is that the body is buoyed by the water and relieves pressure on the nervous system.
Sufferers of multiple sclerosis are among those of us who benefit from this immersion.
The warm water increases blood flow and thereby calms the brain. Anxiety is reduced. Don’t believe me? Here’s a study that reports this is the case. Physical and Mental Effects of Bathing: A Randomized Intervention Study.
For those curious about the timing of baths, evening bath benefits can further enhance relaxation and sleep.
You Can Do Some Gentle Safe Exercises in the Tub
The warm water is great for stretching as it warms up the muscles for stretching. Of course you don’t want to stand up in the tub to exercise, but you can do a few stretches sitting down.
Mainly you are going to stretch your legs, feet and back. Here are a few suggestions.
To stretch your upper back you can hug yourself and try to touch your shoulder blades. In another stretch, you can bring your shoulder blades together and release. Repeat.