3 Reasons a Hot Shower is What the Doctor Ordered
By Genevieve Cunningham
There's nothing like a steaming hot shower. There's just something about it that makes you feel relaxed, calm, and refreshed. Of course, sometimes we can feel guilty for taking the time or using the home's resources to enjoy a quiet steaming shower. But should we? Or is it possible that a nice hot shower is actually good for our health? If you enjoy taking your time in the shower, take a look at how adding this to your normal routine may actually be good for your physical and mental well-being.
Stress Relief
Sitting, standing, or otherwise relaxing in the warmth and steam of a hot shower is incredibly stress-relieving. As the warm water hits, our worries melt away a bit. We think less about whatever was bothering us, and we become more present in the moment. For those who suffer serious stress, a good hot shower may be a necessary part of a bedtime routine. And for those who suffer an average amount of stress, a hot shower may serve as an emergency cure for stressful days.
Cleans the Skin
Hot water helps open the pores in the skin and allows us to really clean the dirt and grime away. Over time, this can lead to clear skin and a beautiful glow. This is the reason that many suggest washing the face with hot water and then rinsing with cold -- it opens the pores and then closes them again. If clear skin is on your list of desires, taking a regular hot shower may be a good part of the routine.
Relaxes the Muscles
Warmth really helps to relax the muscles, reduce swelling, and work out any stiff and sore spots. If you're sore at the end of a day, just hop in a hot shower and let the water do its magic. Allow it to hit every sore muscle in the body, and do your best to relax into it. While it's not a miracle cure for serious injuries, a hot shower can really help keep the body more comfortable and allow your entire being to relax.
If you really love to come home and enjoy a hot shower, you're in luck. Not only does it feel good for the body, but it also brings real and substantial benefits into your life. Put it in your schedule and don't feel guilty about taking a long, hot soak. Let the habit feed your soul, improve your body, and keep you feeling better than ever every day.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Mo.