Wash away the symptoms of
depression with a post-workout
bath. It’s the simplest way to
keep your head above water
A
sip of cold beer on a
scorching afternoon,
turning off your alarm
at the weekend, sinking
into a hot bath after tough training
- each elicits the same blissful
exhalation. But while the first
two offer only temporary relief,
regular bathing can help you
achieve lasting happiness.
A study by the University
of Freiburg in Germany
found that taking a hot bath
twice a week produced a
greater, more persistent mood
lift in sufferers of depression
than biweekly aerobic exercise
classes, which is particularly
impressive, given that exercise
is already recommended as
a therapy for the condition.
THE BARE
ESSENTIALS
Upgrade your bath with
scented oils. Science suggests
that they’ll make reaching
your goals a slicker process
Over eight weeks, the study’s
participants bathed in water heated
to 40°C for 30 minutes, then spent
a further 20 minutes wrapped in
warm blankets. Researchers believe
that by raising your core body
temperature, hot baths reinforce
the natural fluctuations of your
circadian rhythm. This rhythm is
typically disrupted in those with
depressive symptoms, leading
to restless nights, which only
exacerbate their struggles.
But the benefits go beyond
improved sleep. Scientists have
also suggested that baths may have
a more direct impact by instructing
the body to release the potent
feel-good hormone serotonin. One
in six of us now suffer from some
form of anxiety or depression
in the UK but this research
suggests that the salve needn’t
be complicated: one of your
most steadfast allies against
the black dog is the attainable,
everyday combination of a
sweaty workout and a soothing
bath. We’ll just let that soak in.
GRAPEFRUIT
Scientists in Japan
found that exposure
to this oil could help to raise
your body temperature and
reduce appetite, inhibiting
any unwanted weight gain.
Neuroscience Letters
SWEET ORANGE
Researchers have
discovered that the
compound limonene in this
citrusy scent can decrease
your anxiety levels while
increasing your alertness.
Acta Horticulturae
LAVENDER
Lavender is a safe
bet for those with
insomnia. The scent helps to
soothe your nervous system
and lower your heart rate.
Journal of Science
and Healing
MEN’S HEALTH 31
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HEAVEN
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HAPPINESS
ON TAP
SOAK UP THE BENEFITS
OF YOUR MOST RELAXING
MOOD BOOSTER
MIND
NEWSFEED
07/19