5 Proven Benefits of Hot Tub Soaking for Stress & Recovery

Purchasing a hot tub isn’t all about luxury – it can be a tool for wellness too. Many people rely on the positive effects of hydrotherapy to relieve stress and help their bodies heal. 

Here are five science-backed proven benefits for your body and mind that that come from regular hot tub soaking.

Benefit 1. Muscle Relaxation & Recovery
Warm water improves circulation and reduces muscle tension. Athletes and active individuals often use hot tubs post-workout to aid recovery and decrease soreness.

Benefit 2. Stress & Anxiety Relief
Hydrotherapy encourages the release of endorphins, lowers cortisol, and promotes overall calm. A 15-minute soak can significantly reduce mental fatigue and release anxiety.  Try using that 15 minutes as a time to disconnect from devices, breathe deeply and relax your mind.

Benefit 3. Improved Sleep Quality
Many people have trouble falling asleep.  A relaxing hot tub soak can do more than free you of aches and pains.  Raising your core body temperature before you go to bed can help you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper. Hot tubs are especially helpful for those with insomnia.

Benefit 4. Joint Pain Relief
Floating takes a lot of pressure off your body.  Buoyancy reduces joint pressure while heat eases inflammation, making for a highly-effective combination to battling joint pain.  If you are a person with arthritis or chronic pain, you may find daily hot tub use very therapeutic.

Benefit 5. Cardiovascular Health Boost
Some studies suggest that hot water immersion mimics the effects of mild cardio by raising your heart rate while lowering blood pressure.  This can be especially beneficial if you are suffering from injury that is limiting your ability to be as active as you’d like – giving you both the cardiovascular help and healing you need.

It’s important to note that you should always consult a physician if you have cardiovascular concerns, diabetes, or other chronic health conditions before using a hot tub regularly.