Did you know that more men are taking baths? And not just professional athletes. Men are discovering the benefits of baths. Bathing is not new. In ancient Rome, Romans were accustomed to taking communal baths in bathhouses because it was seen as a social and recreational activity.

If you’ve never taken a bath, let me review some benefits of bathing, which might just inspire you to take a good soak.

Baths soothe muscles and joints.

A warm bath encourages the circulation of blood around your body. The increased blood flow provides your muscles with more oxygen and nutrients. This improves the elasticity of the connective tissues, releases muscles tightness, and relieves pain.

As well, the addition of bath salts in your warm bath helps reduce inflammation in your joints.

Baths improve mental and emotional health.

Besides feeling relaxed in a warm bath, baths are linked to decreases in stress hormones and more balanced serotonin levels, which help regulate mood.

Baths helps your skin.

Skin craves moisture and a warm bath helps your skin stay hydrated. A bath also cleanses the skin because it opens the pores. A warm bath with bath salts can help dry, irritated skin.

Baths help you sleep better.

In the hours before bedtime, your body’s temperature naturally cools, while skin temperatures of the hands and feet increase. Taking a warm bath around 90 minutes before bedtime aids this natural temperature regulation process, improving sleep as a result.

Now that you know some of the benefits of taking a bath, let me share some tips on how to thoroughly enjoy your bath.

Dim the lights.

Lowering the lights in the bathroom can help create a relaxing atmosphere.

Light a scented candle.

You can choose to turn the lights off all together and use a scented candle. A scented candle aids in creating a relaxing atmosphere, so choose your favourite scent.

Add music.

Create a playlist with some relaxing music or you can even listen to an inspirational podcast.

Drink lemon water.

Staying hydrated is important, so enjoy a large glass of water with some lemon wedges.

Don’t rush.

Treat your bath time like a retreat. Don’t rush it. Block out at least 30 minutes for your bath and you will reap the benefits.

At Gentil Uomo, we carry a great selection of luxurious bath salts by Farmacia SS. Annunziata. We also carry an array of scented candles by Acca Kappa, Acqua dell’Elba and Farmacia SS. Annunziata to help set a more relaxing mood.

Alla prossima – until next time. Arrivederci.