Who doesn’t love a nice, hot bath after a long day of work? It’s relaxing, soothing, and is a great way to unwind before bed.

But did you know that there are actually a lot of surprising benefits to taking a hot bath? Here are 10 reasons why you should be taking more baths.

1. Reduces stress and anxiety

There’s a reason why we associate taking a bath with relaxation. The warm water helps to soothe our muscles and calm our minds, reducing stress and anxiety.

A study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that taking a hot bath for just 20 minutes a day helped to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in participants.

2. Helps improve sleep

Taking a hot bath before bed can actually help you sleep better. The warm water helps to relax your muscles and can even lower your body temperature, which can make it easier to fall asleep.

Plus, the quiet time before bed can also help to reduce racing thoughts and promote a better night’s sleep.

3. Soothes sore muscles

Whether you’re an athlete or just someone who’s sore from a long day at work, a hot bath can work wonders for sore muscles. The warm water helps to increase blood flow, which can reduce inflammation and ease muscle pain.

If you add Epsom salts to your bath, you’ll also get the benefit of magnesium, which can help to ease muscle tension and soreness.

4. Boosts circulation

As mentioned before, the warm water in a hot bath can help to increase blood flow. This, in turn, can help to improve circulation.

Improved circulation can lead to a number of benefits, including healthier skin and organs, better digestion, and even improved cognitive function.

5. Improves skin health

Hot water can help to open up your pores, which can make it easier to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores.

If you add essential oils to your bath, such as lavender or peppermint, you can also reap the benefits of their antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help to keep your skin healthy.

6. Helps to detoxify the body

A hot bath can help to promote sweating, which is one of the ways that the body rids itself of toxins. Sweating can also help to increase circulation and boost the immune system.

If you add bentonite clay or apple cider vinegar to your bath, you’ll also get the benefit of their detoxifying properties.

7. Reduces headaches

If you suffer from headaches or migraines, a hot bath may be just what you need to find relief. The warm water can help to soothe tense muscles in the neck and shoulders, which is often the source of headaches.

The quiet time can also help to reduce stress, which can be a trigger for headaches.

8. Helps to regulate blood sugar

A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that taking a hot bath can help to regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

The warm water helps to improve insulin sensitivity, which can lead to better blood sugar control.

9. Decreases symptoms of cold and flu

Taking a hot bath when you’re sick can actually help to ease symptoms of the cold or flu. The warm water can help to open up nasal passages and relieve congestion. It can also help to soothe aching muscles and reduce fever.

10. Improves mental clarity

The hot bath is not just for the body, but can also benefit the mind. People who take hot baths often report improved mental clarity and focus.

This is likely due to the fact that taking a bath can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can free up space in the mind for creative thinking and problem-solving.