While there are a number of cures for this growing problem, most of them involve medications. Many people shy away from them and instead look for healthier alternatives. One such alternative is the hot tub. Spending some time relaxing in a spa may be just what the doctor ordered for those who have difficulty getting to sleep.

A Late Night Problem

It’s hard to turn life off, especially in this digital age. Growing concerns about financial security, family worries, and personal difficulties all add up to one thing: a problem with sleeping. Physical stresses only add to this problem.

The AMA (American Medical Association) recommends getting eight hours of sleep each night, but this is often impossible. Who can rest when our to-do lists seem to grow longer with each passing minute? An ideal holistic remedy for this problem is spending 10 to 20 minutes each night in a hot tub to promote relaxation.

Not One, Not Two, But Five Benefits

There are five benefits of using a hot tub for those looking for a more restful night’s sleep:

1. Warmth — Studies show that just the warmth from the spa is beneficial. It helps relax the body, putting you in a more comfortable state for bedtime.        
2. Massage — The pulsating jets provide massage action for the entire body. This eases muscle tension and stress.
3. Steam – Breathing in warm steam can help put you in a better mood. A happier person is a more relaxed person, and a person much more likely to get a good night’s rest.
4. Buoyancy – Slipping into the hot tub causes the body and extremities to float,   resulting in relaxed muscles.           
5. Water — Water has long been known for its calming principles. The sound is often all it takes to begin the process of de-stressing.

If you are finding it difficult to get in your eight hours each night, you may want to try spending some time relaxing in an heated outdoor tub. It will help you relax, release your muscle tension, let go of your anxieties, and get the rest you need.

Stress – The Root of all Evil

Stress often lies at the root of many health issues. From poor sleep to headaches, sometimes all that is needed is a bit of relaxation. A hot tub is a perfect solution for those in need of a bit of down time and the added benefits of being relaxed. The heat, pulsating jets, and water are all elements that help ease every-day stress. Home and garden spas make it easy to relax by providing the perfect getaway right in the backyard.

Headache, I Name Thee Pain

All headaches are painful, but those who suffer from migraines know a whole different level of pain. Whether you suffer from a simple stress headache or a more serious migraines, hot tubs may provide the relief you need. Remember, many headaches are caused by, or made worse by, stress – easily relieved by a soak in the spa. Relaxing spas also provide headache relief through steam by dilating blood vessels – often associated with a lessening of headache pain.

Sleep – It Isn’t Overrated

Whether you can’t sleep due to stress or suffer from a sleep disorder, poor sleep absolutely impacts your life in a negative way. Getting a full night’s sleep isn’t a recommendation – it’s pretty much a necessity. Spas provide the optimum environment for getting the both the body and mind ready for a good night of sleep.

Spending 20 minutes in the hot water of a hot tub prior to getting into bed will relax tight muscles, help clear the mind, and help the body ease into deep sleep, critical for feeling well rested.

Stress, headaches, and poor sleep may not be the worst health problems faced by Americans, but they are severe, often impacting every aspect of our lives. Using relaxing spas may help ease the symptoms of these growing problems.

In fact, though you may not think your hot tub needs anything outside of hot tub filters and chemicals, there’s a whole world of spa accessories devoted solely to exercise! Stop thinking you can only use your spas for relaxation! Whip off those hot tub covers and get ready to shed some pounds.

Here are four ways you can use your family hot tubs for fitness and exercise.

1. Soothe Those Tired Muscles

Relaxing spas are the perfect way to soothe tired, overworked, or sore muscles after a workout. Soaking in home and garden spas after a strenuous run or workout will help prevent any lingering soreness in the morning. It’s also a great “reward” to help motivate you to exercise: the thought of a relaxing post-exercise soak is enough to help anyone push through a taxing workout.

2. Exercise in Swim Spas

Few physical activities benefit the body like swimming. Full-size swimming pools are a hefty investment, take up too much space, and require too much upkeep for the average family. Swim spas offer all the fitness benefits of a pool without all the square footage.

Want a more in-depth workout? Push past the hot tub chemicals and filters in your retailer’s accessory section and you’ll find a wealth of add-on accessories to ramp up your swim spa workout. Add resistance while you’re swimming, simulate an in-water row machine, or use both at the same time—your workout is only as stimulating as your accessories.

3. Combine Fitness with Family Spa Time or Spa Entertaining

Invite the girls over for a yoga party— and tell them to bring their swimsuits, because a hot tub party is sure to commence afterwards. Invite your running mate or workout buddy over for a mini spa party after a gym trip or evening jog. Family hot tub time can double as workout time, too. Invent active family spa games to get the entire family moving!

4. Soaking in Hot Tubs Can Help You Lose Weight

Here’s a great reason to take off those hot tub covers more often: in addition to other hot tub therapeutic benefits,studies have shown that just 30 minutes a day in the hot tub can help you lose weight. No other exercise, no outside routines—just a 30-minute soak six days a week. A spa’s moving water stimulates your muscles; this slow stimulation causes you to gradually lose weight.

Relaxation, increased intimacy, family bonding, exercise, and weight loss? Spas work wonders in improving both your body and your peace of mind.

While adding in friends, family, music, and spa games makes for a great party, sometimes a quieter spa experience is required. Reading in hot tubs may just provide the perfect blend of solitude and pulsating water needed to relax even the most stressed out and overtired mom.

relax

Sun + Water + Words = Bliss

Research shows that there are many health benefits to a hot tub. They relax muscles, promote good sleep, and even improve your mood. The sun is equally beneficial, promoting overall health and decreasing anxiety. As mothers, these benefits are critical.

When you add in a good book, you are adding in humor, mental stimulation, self-help – whatever appeals to you on a personal level. Consider purchasing an eBook reader that is waterproof to give added flexibility. Add in a cold drink and the baby monitor, and nap time turns into mommy time.

The Words Matter

Selecting your hot tub reading material is a fairly personal choice. Still, there are some options that really stand out.

• Best Sellers – Check out the New York Times best seller list. They track new releases and paperbacks. The Hunger Games is a fun young-adult story guaranteed to keep your interest.
• Fantasy/Science Fiction - – Sometimes an escape is what you need and a fantasy or sci-fi book is just the thing.  Try The Game of Thrones saga for a summers worth of reading.
• A Little Bit of Romance – Try a ‘trashy’ romance novel to escape from the stresses of everyday life. Authors Nora Roberts and Danielle Steel are always great choices.
• Thrillers — Detective novels and horror stories are always great escapes. Consider following a series, like the Alex Cross series by James Patterson. His latest offering is Kill Alex Cross.
• Help Yourself – Pick out a few self-help books to address any problems you are facing. Organization, childcare, and time management are all excellent choices. Mans Search for Meaning may change your life.

What It Takes

Before slipping into the hot tub, be sure to get everything you need for a relaxing afternoon. Your book, a towel, sunglasses, a drink, and a timer are necessities. Consider adding in a spa caddy or side table to hold all of your goodies. Add in some snacks, a little music, and some sunblock to really enjoy the afternoon.

If you are just looking for a little alone time, reading is the perfect solution. If, instead, you want some adult time, consider starting a book club with meetings held in hot tubs! Whatever you read, some time in the hot tub with a good book will always be time well spent, making you more relaxed, more well rested, and a better mom.

Check out some more suggestions on alternative ways to relax and benefit from your hot tub.

• Cardiovascular conditioning
• Removal of Toxins
• Improved skin conditions
• Caloric Consumption
• Improved Circulation
• Stress Relief

At Outdoor Living, we will educate you further on each and let you know why an infrared sauna is now the best way for superior health compared to a traditional sauna.
We’ve got them in either beautiful Cedar or Hemlock starting at just $1,999.  Come in today and we will find one that suits you and our health needs!!
Outdoor Living
2055 Longlake Road
705-626-POOL (7665)

If you are considering a hot tub but not sure if you have enough access to your property, or you think you are too remote and the delivery costs will be too high? Think again, Spabutikken Polarbad, one of the Arctic Spas hot tub dealers in Norway has a solution. They’ve got a shiny new helicopter. That’s right, a helicopter,  for delivering hot tubs.

No fjord is too far, no deck is too distant. If you live in Norway, Jostein Strømme (and his rosy red cheeks) will happily deliver you a hot tub, no matter where you want it to go.

arctic hot tub

For the video, go to http://www.arcticspas.ca/arctic-news/2011/11/hot-tub-delivery-%E2%80%93-the-norwegian-way/

Enjoy!

• They’ll stay dry under water!
• Patented waterproof vacuum seal up to 100 feet underwater!!
• Crystal clear for taking pictures!
• Working stereo & microphone jack!
• Buoyant armband!
• Fits most devices!

If you would like to come and check them out come on over to Outdoor Living and see!!