April 30, 2019 – Hard to believe that April flew by and tomorrow is the first day of May! May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Psychological well-being is critical for us humans, along with good diet, exercise and plenty of rest. Taking little steps to keep you in great emotional health can pay off in just about every aspect of your life.

Listed below are some things you can do on your own to help keep yourself in great mental health. I believe all of these can not only be done while soaking in your hot tub, they may even increase the overall benefits you’ll enjoy!

• Recognize and record gratitude. Recognizing things in your life that make you happy and you’re grateful for has been linked to good mental health. There’s something about writing those things down that resonate and impact you more than just thinking on them. A great way to do this is in your hot tub! Don’t think I’m crazy—this is easy to do! There are all-weather journals that are waterproof and give you the chance to pen those thankful thoughts in the tub without water washing them away. Check out Rite in the Rain All-Weather Journals and give it a try.
• Focus on just one thing in the moment. I’ve written before about being mindful and how doing that in the hot tub is a wonderful exercise. Stress and negative emotions can dissolve when you focus on the simple while taking a soak. Think about the weightlessness of your body in the hot water, the sounds of nature, the smell of aromatherapy you may add to the tub while you soak to enhance it… Plenty of opportunities will present themselves as you float in a haven of hot water.
• Tell yourself something positive about yourself. We humans are not very good about recognizing the good qualities we possess and share with others. Giving yourself permission to recognize the things about yourself that are pluses will help you feel an increased sense of self worth and personal power. Doing this while you’re soaking in your hot tub could be even more beneficial. With the hot water encouraging the release of endorphins, you’ll certainly increase the benefit of your positive reinforcement.
• Allow yourself to open up to someone. As one of my customers told me years ago when they purchased their Hot Spring Spa from me, “It’s amazing what hot water will do to help loosen lips and get the conversation flowing!” When you get in a hot tub, the relaxation that results from a hot water soak will make it easier to open up to someone else. Invite a friend or loved one for a soak. You’ll both feel better and give your mental health a boost to boot.

Everyone deserves to feel better, balanced and whole. I hope these tips will help you with your mental and emotional well-being. Here’s to your mental health!