Take a Bath

Brain Fitness | 12.9.19 | By Shilo Zeller, BSc.

Trying to stay warm this winter season? Taking a bath/soaking in a warm tub will not only keep you cozy during those colder days, but it has also been shown to have many health benefits too! Bathing has been shown to have positive effects on heart, lung, and brain health. 

Taking a warm bath (but not too warm!) causes your heart to beat faster than at rest, giving it a bit of a workout while you relax. Similarly, immersing in warm water increases lung capacity and can clear your sinuses and chest...especially during flu season! Lastly, bathing has been shown to reduce levels of anxiety and stress, allowing you to relax and take longer, deeper breaths. These deeper breaths not only allows your blood to move more freely, it also increases the amount of oxygen being carried in your blood. 

Bathing can also help stave off pain and inflammation and is an excellent way to stretch and ease sore muscles. Water allows you to move with zero impact - something your joints will thank you for in the long run! 

Mix in having a bath in the evenings, the change in body temperature may help you get to sleep faster and you may have a more sound sleep than usual!