How Your Bathtub or Shower Affects Relaxation and Self-Care

On average, Americans shower or bathe five to six times a week, with each lasting approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Whether you're just stepping into the shower to get clean after a long day or as part of your morning routine, showers and baths can have tremendous effects on both our physical and mental health.

Luxury Bath of Central Florida is an experienced bathroom remodeling company, and installing top-of-the-line new showers and bathtubs is what we do every day. We've received hundreds of 5-star reviews from our past customers, elated with their new fixture that brings them a much-needed space for self-care and relaxation. 

Improved Circulation and Blood Flow

One of the most significant impacts bathing or showering has on our physical health is improved circulation. Standing or soaking in hot water causes vasodilation to occur, which is the expansion of our blood vessels, allowing for blood to flow more easily throughout our bodies, particularly to the surface of our skin.

Cold showers can even have amazing affects on our circulation. While the exposure to cold water will temporarily constrict our blood vessels, stepping out will allow our bodies to re-warm, ​effectively pumping blood further into our tissues.

This improved circulation benefit the body in endless ways, like:

• Sore Muscle Relief
• Better Skin Health
• Improved Digestion
• Increased Energy
• Anti-Inflammation

Walk-in tubs, which are typically utilized by those with mobility concerns, come with hydrotherapy jets to further encourage improved blood flow.

Better Sleep Cycles at Night

Your internal body temperature is closely linked to your natural sleep cycle, which is why showering or bathing in the evening can greatly increase the amount of sleep you receive each night. A warm shower or bath will raise your core body temperature, only to rapidly drop once you turn that water off and step out. This signals your body that it's time to wind down and get ready for bed, just like an actual temperature drop in the evening alerts your circadian rhythm to begin getting ready to sleep.

To get the best sleep, remember to do things like:

• Shower or Bathe 1 to 2 Hours Before Bed
• Opt for Warm Water, Not Extremely Hot Water
• A 10-Minute Shower Will Be Enough

This is something that everyone will have to play around with for themselves, as some people have reported sleeping better after a cool shower rather than a warm bath. If you suspect one or the other is better for you, you may want to consider a bathroom conversion to give yourself easier access to this relaxation technique.

Less Stress, More Good Moods

Adding a regular shower or bath to your self-care routine can affect your mental health, too. Soaking in warm water can lead to a decrease in cortisol production, the main hormone affecting our stress levels, while a cold shower can encourage the release of more endorphins, the "feel good" hormones in our bodies.

Either way, many people report a mood boost after showering or bathing, whether from the lack of stress or increase in endorphins, and less symptoms from mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.

Getting a new shower or bathtub when yours begins wearing out will allow you to continue to receive as many health benefits as possible, but it can also help with our self-esteem. When you invest in a high-quality shower or bathtub replacement, you're investing in yourself, your physical and mental health, and your ability to tackle each day. 

When you're ready to start investing in your self-care routine and adding more relaxation to each day, get in touch with Luxury Bath of Central Florida. Our replacement showers and bathtubs come in a variety of styles, but all offer top performance and require little maintenance to stay fresh and clean, allowing our customers more time to focus on themselves.

Get a free estimate on a shower or bathtub installation today by reaching out to our remodeling team, and learn more about the options we have available and the transformations we can provide for your Central Florida bathroom!