Hot Baths Could Help Battle Depression As Much As Standard Physical Exercise

Jun 07, 2019 by apost team

Most of us love hot baths. There is something soothing about getting into a steaming hot tub, relaxing back on a bath pillow, and enjoying the bubbles that you poured in. If you are into bath bombs, even better! Throw in a colorful bath bomb and enjoy a relaxing, comforting bath.

A bath is great for tired, aching muscles and stressed-out minds. Sure, you may not feel as clean as if you took a shower. However, there is a new study that has something even more positive to say when it comes to baths and what they are good for. Researchers from the University of Freiburg attacked the subject with a study called "Effects and Feasibility of Hyperthermic Baths for Patients with Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Plot Trial."

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At the moment, the study in question is still a small one. However, bath lovers aren’t shocked at all to hear what the study has to say. What is it, you are asking? Well, us bath lovers know that this is the truth, and now we are totally vindicated in saying it. The study says that baths are amazing for fighting depression. We are glad so many people are getting on board with the idea!

Scientists gathered 45 men and women who were dealing with depression. They split them into two groups: One group exercised for 40 to 45 minutes, twice a week, for about eight weeks. Group two was asked to enjoy a hot bath in 104-degree water for up to half an hour, every day, for the same amount of time.

After the eight weeks were up, the men and women were assessed according to their feelings of depression. While both practices did lower their depression, baths were found to be doubly effective at the task.

Researchers believe that when you increase your body temperature through a bath, you could improve your circadian rhythm, which then helps with depression. However, we all know that having a long, hot bath can make us feel relaxed and happy. Whatever the reason for the increase in happiness, we are in! We will gladly enjoy a hot bath over exercise any day of the week.

Do you think that baths can help with depression? Do you have other tips that may have helped you? Tell us in the comments and then pass this on to your friends and loved ones!