Effect of taking a bath

According to a research conducted by the Department of Stress Science and Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, taking baths seem to offer physical and mental well being. Japan is known for the culture of taking baths and mostly famous for "onsen", hot springs.  According to the research, 60% of Japanese people take a bath 5 days a week, and 50% of the people do the same 7 days a week during the summer season. In the winter, 70% take a bath 5 days a week and 60% take every day. 80% of them do not take only shower; in other words, only 20% of people take shower only.  

So what makes them want to take a bath so often.  100% of people think that taking baths make their body warm, which is pretty imaginable, and 90% of people answered for its effects in "relaxation" and "recovering from fatigue".

After conducting a 2 week experiment with 26 elderly people for taking a bath in the "flowing water" for 30 minutes every day, the research group found significant effective results in "reducing pain" "increased mental health (against depression and anxiety)" and "increased feeling of overall well being."
from Effects of Bathing for Mental Status, Stress Relief and Relaxation,  by Hiroaki Kumano, Department of Stress Science and Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Tokyo Hospital　

Japanese women especially love to take a bath.  One of my indulgence during a travel to Japan is to go to "onsen" or  "spa centers" that offer various types of "ofuro" (bath tubs) including cypress, herb, jet, low frequency electric, cold water and open-air bath. Many places have saunas, steam rooms and resting rooms, and you can stay as long as you want.

Living in the U.S., you still can do the similar with a little bit of creativity. I enjoy my bath with nicely scented bath foam, candles, soothing music and a book.  It is really relaxing especially after a long day.