A long soak in a hot bath is great for stress management, says Susan Blum, MD, founder and director of the Blum Center for Health in Rye Brook and author of The Immune System Recovery Plan. “It helps the body relax and turns off stress hormones, which will put you in a better mood and help you sleep better,” she says. “A very hot bath will also make you sweat, which helps eliminate toxins. Add some bath salts, too: Magnesium eases sore muscles.”
For best results, create a relaxing ritual. While the tub fills, put on your favorite music, light some candles, and turn off your phone—then settle into the warmth of bath-time bliss. Doctor’s orders.
