Why a hot tub can improve your mental health

Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event where there is an opportunity for us all to focus on achieving good mental health.  The week, which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is in its 22nd year and runs from 9-15 May.

This year, the theme for the week is ‘Loneliness’. Across the country, people will be reflecting on loneliness and how it impacts our mental health. Long-term loneliness is closely linked to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety

At Superior Wellness we arehuge advocates of wellness, be that wellness for our customers, partners, suppliers and our team. As the leading distributor of hot tubs and swim spas focused on improving health and wellbeing, we feel it’s important to raise awareness and share ideas of how an individual can look after their own mental and physical wellbeing.

Hydrotherapy is the perfect way to engage your senses, relaxing your mind and body, which in return will have a positive impact on mental health. Throughout this article, we explore some of the ways that a relaxing soak in a hot tub can benefit an individual’s overall wellbeing.

Improved sleep

Research highlights the recommend sleep pattern for optimum health is around 8-10 hours a night; something that is often unachievable with the stress of everyday life. However, it is no secret that soaking in a hot tub can improve your quality of sleep. Besides the calming feel of a hot tub, when you leave the warm water and bubbles, your body temperature cools, signalling your brain that it is time to rest. The simple relaxation gained from a soak in the hot tub may be enough to help you drift off into a more peaceful and deep sleep; a simple and effective way to combat stress, which all benefits a person’s mental health.2

Relaxation

Regular use of a hot tub helps to reduce stress and anxiety. The hydromassage jets ease the tension in muscles, putting your body and mind at ease. The warm water, calming waterfalls, mood lighting and jet performance all encourage you to take a deep breath and switch off from everyday life.

A hot tub can also help with depression. Through soaking in warm water, it helps the body to release endorphins into your system. Endorphins are chemicals produced naturally by the nervous system to cope with pain or stress, often referred to as ‘feel good’ chemicals.

Create connections

Focusing on this year’s theme loneliness, a hot tub offers the perfect opportunity to connect with yourself, nature and most importantly, friends and family. Socialising with loved ones is guaranteed to be a mood booster for many, so imagine you’re able to meet with your friends and family while enjoying a relaxing soak?

A hot tub can accommodate several people depending on the size, so dependent on whether you’re interested in a relaxing soak for two, or a hot tub party with various friends and family, you have the choice to personalise your experience.

Additionally, a hot tub offers a space to unwind and relax after a busy day, giving you the chance to connect with yourself, the great outdoors or even do something that makes you happy while enjoying the massage jets, such as reading or listening to your favourite podcast. Most importantly, this type of space will encourage you to take a break away from your tablet, smartphone, or TV, giving you the chance to switch off and enjoy some natural human contact.

Weight loss

When you feel confident in your own body, you will feel happier and more motivated. With the help of a hot tub, you can reach your weight loss and fitness goals with more comfort, relaxation and a lot less risk of injury. You can carry out several exercises within a hot tub which will work your arms, chest, thighs, glutes and much more. Alternatively, the warm water paired with the massage jets will help relax your muscles, making it the perfect choice for any post-workout activity.

Investing in a hot tub is guaranteed to offer you a wealth of health benefits, particularly for your mental state. Each hot tub is unique in its own, so it is important you find the right product for your wants and needs. The best way to find out more is to get in touch with your closest Superior Wellness partner or contact a member of our team to help us find the perfect hot tub for you. For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw or join the conversation on social media using #IveBeenThere and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek