Science says a bubble bath is better for your mental health than shower

Science says a bubble bath is better for your mental health than showerScience says a bubble bath is better for your mental health than showerIts time to start scrubbing out your bathtub because a newstudysuggests you may be missing out on a number of mental and physical health benefitsby choosing a rinse in the shower over a soak in the tub. No one would argue over the allure of a relaxing bubble bath, yet showering is still the most common form of bathing worldwide. Maybe you shower because its a timesaver. Or, maybe its a way to conserve water. Whatever the reason may be, these newly-researched bathtime health benefits will have you reconsidering your shower routine.In the new study, researchers from the Japan Health and Research Center, Tokyo City University and Jichi Medical University examined whether there were health benefits of taking a bath instead of a shower. It turns out, there were. The study included 33 Japanese people that were recruited online, at random, to particip ate. After spending two weeks bathing in only bathtubs, followed by two weeks in only showers, the subjects self-reported their health status and completed a survey that gauged how each bathing method impacted both their mental and physical health.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreAccording to the study, subjects reported that the two-week bathtub bathing period improved their health and skin conditions and decreased fatigue, stress and pain. They also said using a bath instead of a shower stimulated various physical benefits. Researchers hypothesize this has to do with hyperthermicaction, which increases body temperature, stimulates the metabolism and eliminates metabolicwaste products ultimately, causing the body to feel refreshed. Although this study has its limitations, such as the small sample size and limited Japanese demographic, theres still a compelling case as to why b aths trump showers in terms of individual health.We get it, you may just be more of a shower gal. But every once in a while, it may be nice to get the water running, throw in some bubbles and play your favorite chill-out playlist for a change. After all, you deserve some quality relaxation time. Plus, now we know your mind and body will thank you for it later.This article originally appeared on Swirled.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people