10 scientifically proven health benefits for choosing to take a bath: 

  1. Your heart will thank you for it.

 Yes, we know it will beat a little faster at the mere sight of one of these beauties, which might scare you if you have a pre-existing heart condition. But a hot bath that speeds up your heartbeat will improve circulation around the body and to the extremities. This makes the blood less viscous and the vessels function better. In people without a prior heart disease and who are otherwise healthy, a warm bath can lower your blood pressure and improve cardiac function. Either way you win!

Cottar’s 1920s Camp – Masai Mara – Kenya

  1. A bath will improve your breathing

Immerse yourself past your chest and the temperature and pressure of the water will improve your oxygen intake. The steam can clear your sinuses. If the water is cold the risk of infection may be reduced in individuals who suffer from COPD.

Singita Boulders Lodge – Sabi Sand – South Africa

  1. Calm yourself with a bath.

Bathing can reduce pain and inflammation and help you with stress and anxiety. The perfect place to read a glorious love story and remove all remaining angst with some good news.

Elsa’s Kopje – Meru – Kenya

  1. Instantly benefit your blood and immunity

A warm bath will assist with your blood flow and oxygenate it as we have mentioned… But hot baths can also kill bacteria, improve immunity and relieve the symptoms of cold and flu. Submergence in cold water can improve cell damage and decrease the risk of necrosis, even reducing the risk and survival rate of some cancers.

World’s View – Ant’s Hill – South Africa

  1. Balance your Hormones

Cold water will balance hormones released by the pituitary gland such as adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH and other hormones such as beta endorphin and cortisol. Alternatively, warm water bathing can increase levels of serotonin, which is the chemical produced by your brain associated with happiness and well-being.

Garonga Safari Camp – Makalali – South Africa

  1. Bathing will regulate your core body temperature.

Whether you want to heat up or cool down, bathing is the fastest way to get the business done… while ensuring full hydration at the same time. If you chose to sleep under the stars during your Safari we always suggest ordering a bath after your morning safari the next day.

Indigo Bay – Bazaruto – Mozambique

  1. Bathing is the New Exercise

New studies show that an hour-long soak in a hot bath will result in a blood sugar response similar to intense exercise. This response protects us against, not only infection and illness, but chronic inflammation that is associated with a reduced ability to fight off diseases. This suggests that repeated passive heating may contribute to reducing chronic inflammation, that is often present with long-term diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.

Scientists in the U.K. recently also discovered that taking a hot bath can actually reduce your blood sugar levels. Our blood sugar rises after we eat, and the amount it rises is one of the risk markers for diabetes, so keeping your blood sugar down can be really beneficial to your health.

Somalisa Camp – Hwange – Zimbabwe

  1. Baths will delay aging

Baths lower cortisol which is a stress hormone that can lead to premature aging.

Tongabezi – Livingstone – Zambia

  1. Baths are Cleaner than Showers

The steam will open your pores and release the dirt, and this will flow away from you unless you are particularly dirty. Baths also release all the dead skin from your body so you emerge super renewed.

Chinzombo – Luangwa – Zambia

  1. Baths are the Most Fun

And never more so than on Safari… where they are often prepared for you especially and come with glorious sunsets and fabulous entertainment.

Madikwe Hills Private Game Reserves – South Africa
Feature image via averie woodard

Follow