Health benefits of hot tub holidays
Spa therapy has worked wonders since Roman times, and evidence of restorative water therapy dates back to the prehistoric age!
So it’s clear that hot tubs can do so much more than just ease you into holiday mode. Here are a few health and well-being benefits you can get from taking a dip…
1. Pre-exercise warm ups
A pre-exercise soak in a hot tub is a great way of relaxing your muscles so you feel loose and ready for your activity.
Make sure you stay hydrated for your workout – and wait at least 24 hours before you dip back in as your body may still be dehydrated and your muscles will still be recovering.
After that you will not only be ready to enjoy the relaxing warmth of the bubbles, you’ll have earned it!
2. Improving circulation
A variety of conditions affect circulation, such as high blood pressure, hypertension and heart disease.
Whilst there’s no substitute for taking good care of yourself by eating well, exercising regularly and keeping your body moving, taking a dip in the hot tub can be a great aid too.
Warm water helps open your vessels and improves circulation, and with the added benefit of relaxation, it’s a great way to increase blood flow around the body.
3. Sleeping better
Studies suggest that your body temperature drops an hour or two before sleep.
Taking a dip in the hot tub a few hours before heading to bed will increase your body’s temperature, leaving the cooldown that follows to ease you into relaxation and a deep, peaceful slumber!
With stress, bad circulation and muscle pain all being barriers to a good night’s sleep – and all being alleviated by a quick dip in warm waters – there are few better ways for unwinding and enjoying a relaxing slumber!
4. Arthritic relief
The Arthritis Foundation state that warm water works wonders for arthritis, lower back pain and fibromyalgia (chronic widespread pain).
By alleviating pressure on joints, increasing support and circulation, whilst also decreasing swelling and inflammation, hot tubs can work wonders on all kinds of arthritic pain.
Gentle stretching whilst in the tub also helps improve circulation and mobility in joints and muscles, so a little movement can also work wonders!
5. Easing stress and anxiety
Stress and general anxiety disorders can be huge barriers to relaxation and enjoyment whilst also preventing relaxation and enjoyment of a holiday.
Much like a really good massage, the jets and warmth of soaking in a hot tub lets the stress and tension from your muscles fade away.
Warm water is also thought to lead to the increase of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel better; it also helps us to switch off stress and anxiety triggers.
6. Socialising
Being social is one of the best ways to ensure a happy and healthy life.
Research suggests that an active social life may make you live longer and reduce the risk of dementia along with bringing improvements to your mental and physical health.
What’s more a hot tub holiday is one of the best ways to enjoy a good catch-up!
Take a look at our hot tub holiday cottages on cottages.com.
