The national community’s attention to mental health has been on the rise within the US for the past couple of years. Among other topics, bathing and cleanliness are beginning to become associated with good mental health as they help to promote it in a variety of ways, from self-image to relational attitudes. Being clean combats depression and anxiety, improving an individual’s overall mood and optimism.
There is little research about how bathing/showering can scientifically improve an individual’s overall mental health. Most of the information on this topic comes from news sites and health sites that list a handful of benefits that are associated with bathing and showering. The website listed below claims that bathing benefits an individual more than showing in the area of mental health. There is limited analysis within the field of scholarly and peer-reviewed studies.
Listing the physical benefits of bathing and showering seems to be more prominent among the online health community. Looking at the physical health benefits is a great starting point for addressing the effects that bathing has on mental health.
Here are some of the physical benefits of bathing listed by temperature they are achieved through:
| Cold Showers | Hot Showers |
| Increases oxygen intake | Detoxifies through producing sweat |
| Increases blood circulation | Acts as a natural decongestant |
| Lowers blood pressure | Increases oxytocin (Reduces anxiety) |
| Combats skin and heart problems | Relieves and reduces pain |
| Speeds up muscle recovery | Speeds recovery |
| Tightens hair cuticles and pores | Releases growth hormones |
By studying how bathing can improve an individual’s physical health, scientists and scholars have opened up a line of questions regarding how showering affects mental health. While there are some general inferences that the public can make about the lessening of depression and anxiety, more quantitative and qualitative research needs to be conducted in order to reveal the relationship between mental health and bathing. This in turn may prompt the global health community to change or improve some of its practices and policies for the better.
Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to provide medical advice.
Matthews, Melissa. “Here’s Why You Feel Rejuvenated After A Shower Or Bath: 24 Health Benefits Of Bathing.” Medical Daily, 19 Apr. 2017, www.medicaldaily.com/heres-why-you-feel-rejuvenated-after-shower-or-bath-24-health-benefits-bathing-415921