Bathing is not just about getting clean

I love hot springs, and they are at the top of my list of keywords when deciding on a travel destination.
Next comes the "ocean."

That is why I repeatedly visit Shirahama Onsen in Wakayama, which has both "hot springs" and the "ocean."
As soon as I arrive at the inn, I head straight to the large public bath.
I also go in after dinner, and sometimes I go in again in the middle of the night.
I go in before breakfast in the morning, and if I have time, I might go in once more before checking out.
By taking these short, frequent baths, I am able to reset both my mind and body.

Bathing at home is also a precious time.

Whether it's washing off pollen in the spring, rinsing off sweat in the summer, or warming up a chilled body in the winter, there are purposes beyond just washing the body.

When I was a student, I used to bring all sorts of things into the bath, like English vocabulary words to memorize, books to read, or a radio to listen to.

While I was working, I often had to stand and walk around, so my legs would get tired and swollen.
The bath is useful at times like that, too.
Warming up opens the blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Also, because the water pressure has a massage effect, it feels good to see the swelling go away right before my eyes.

When I get into the bathtub, I can't help but let out a sigh of relief.
It's a moment of pure relaxation.
My tension eases, and my stress and worries just fly away.
At home, I keep a variety of bath salts on hand and blend them to enjoy different scents and water qualities.
Being wrapped in a nice scent is perfect for refreshing.

Even if I say after dinner, "I'm so tired today, I don't even have the energy to take a bath," my wife will force me to go in, and when I come out, I say, "Ah, that feels refreshing."
I always laugh at that change in my mood.
It's better to force yourself to go in because you'll feel refreshed and sleep better.

Raising your body temperature also seems to boost your immune system.
I think this is because washing the body has the same effect as a "body scrub," meaning the massage effect promotes blood circulation, and the accumulated bad blood is replaced by new blood, leading to that feeling of "Ah, that feels refreshing."
Just soaking in the tub doesn't make you feel this refreshed.

I also used to enjoy getting body scrubs from time to time, but
I remember being puzzled when they would say something cryptic like, "Sir, you've got a lot built up in there,"
and then, "If you don't come more often for a scrub, your lymph will build up and it's not good for your body."
I remember being strangely convinced, thinking, "Oh, so that's what you meant."

And there is one more unexpected effect.

When I soak in the tub and zone out, my mind resets, and I can feel it gradually becoming lighter.
Once it's empty, new ideas and things I should do next start to pop up.
I get excited, thinking, "That's it! I'll do this!" or "This will work!"
If I don't remember these flashes of inspiration properly, they disappear immediately.
Even if I try to recall them, they don't come back easily.
That's why I keep a notepad and pen in the dressing room.
It's to write them down before I forget.
These flashes of inspiration often work out well, so I can't afford to let them slip away.

In that sense, bath time is also important.

I have written about tips for coming up with ideas in a previous article, so please take a look at that as well.

Finally, in the winter, if you are not careful, you can suffer from heat shock, which is a current issue.
If you can warm up the room beforehand, it is better to do so.

Thank you for reading today as well.
I would be happy if you could like or follow me.
I look forward to your continued support.

#ThingsIMakeAHabit