Being a parent is one of life’s most rewarding roles, but it can also be one of the most stressful ones. Between managing work, going back and forth to school, cooking meals, and extracurricular activities, it can often feel impossible to find time to relax, recharge, and gain some inner peace as a parent.

So what’s the solution? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to stress management, or parenting, but many are finding relief using a simple at-home appliance: the hot tub. For thousands of years, civilizations have nurtured both body and mind by soaking in hot water. Whether Roman baths, Japanese onsens, or your next-door neighbor’s backyard, hot tubs provide the ideal way to relax the body, let off steam, and find mental clarity. Keep reading to learn how they can help parents do the same.

Why hot tubs?

Aside from being an eye-catching fixture for your home, hot tubs offer a plethora of benefits for your muscles, mental health, and overall well-being. These can include:

Stress Management: Warm water encourages the production of endorphins which help promote a sense of well-being, reduce pain reception, and encourage overall happiness and relaxation. Hot tubs will also trigger a response from your parasympathetic nervous system, lowering your heart rate and reducing stress hormones such as cortisol.

Physical Relaxation: Heated water promotes better blood circulation, helping calm the body, relieve aching muscles, and reduce tension. Hydromassage features within your tub also encourage the release of dopamine, a powerful neurotransmitter that is most notably involved in helping us feel pleasure.

Improved Sleep: Soaking in your hot tub before bed can relax both mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and improving your sleep quality. Your spa can also provide you with a meditative experience, giving you time to clear your mind, focus on your breathing, and calm your thoughts before bed.

Disconnecting from Technology: Constant connectivity and information overload are major contributors to anxiety and stress, especially as a parent. Temporarily distancing yourself from these distractions in your spa can help your brain reset, allowing you to return to parenting and other responsibilities with a clearer, calmer mindset.

Family Bonding: Your hot tub provides a neutral, relaxing space to spend time with your loved ones without the distractions of screens or daily chores. Spas are also the ideal place for positive social interactions, as your body is relaxed, your mind is calm, and your stress levels are low.

Hot Tub Stress Management Tips

Ready to dip beneath the surface? Incorporating your hot tub into your parenting routine is easy, and if you’re like most of us out there, it won’t take much convincing to get you into the tub. Here are some of our best tips for hot tub stress relief:

Set the Right Mood

The more relaxed you feel the more stress you can relieve. Enhance the effects of your spa by incorporating personalization into your hot tub and the area around it. This can include:

• Lighting: Candles, hanging lights, or soft, dim lighting can help create a tranquil, relaxation-inducing environment.
• Music: Brighten the mood with your favorite tunes! Some tubs come with built-in audio systems and Bluetooth connectivity. Otherwise, a portable speaker works just fine.
• Aromatherapy: Adding just a few drops of essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile to your water is a great way to deepen your relaxation. Just make sure whatever you’re adding to your tub is spa-safe! Sundance SunScents™ are a great way to add aromatherapy to your tub and can be found at your local Sundance dealer.

Stay Consistent

Setting a regular schedule for hot tub usage is a great way to maximize your benefits. Consistency is key. Carve out a specific time every day or week for your spa sessions, and hold yourself accountable. Whether it’s 15 minutes in the morning before taking the kids to school, or an hour at night once they’re asleep, adding spa time into your routine will surely enhance the stress management benefits that come with it.

Incorporate Meditation Techniques

Meditation in your hot tub is a great way to further engage your mind and body, helping you make the most out of your time in your spa. Exercises like breath awareness, body scanning, and mantra meditation are easy, effective methods of enhancing your relaxation. Focusing on the sensations of the warm water, the sounds of the jets, and the rhythm of your breathing are also great ways to center your thoughts and promote mental clarity. To learn more about hot tub meditation.

Use Hydrotherapy Features

Most hot tubs come equipped with a variety of jets and hydrotherapy features that target specific muscle groups. Experiment with different jet configurations and seating positions to discover what feels best for your body and its pain points. Parents can often hold tension and stress within their back, neck, or shoulders, but fortunately, most hydrotherapy features excel at targeting these areas. Don’t be afraid to change up your routine if you’re not getting the relief you need.