Can a simple healthy habit help you deal with depression? The answer is yes!

Taking a hot bath can help you cope with many of the symptoms that accompany depression. Immersion in warm water can help reduce anxiety, relax physically, and lead to an improved sense of well-being. Bathing can decrease tense feelings, help you calm down emotionally, and help ease mental fatigue. A hot bath can also help with sleep, relieving the insomnia that is often common during depression.

Hot baths are great on their own, but dosed with a healthy scoop of Epsom salts, they are so much better. First discovered in the town of Epsom, England and patented in the 17th century for its healing and curative powers, Epsom salt baths are a proven and inexpensive way of relaxing muscles and settling nerves.

Epsom salts are rich in magnesium. Excess adrenaline, stress, and anxiety, all common during depression, are believed to drain the body of magnesium. Studies show that the high concentrations of magnesium sulfate in Epsom salts are easily absorbed through the skin during a long bath. Epsom salt baths can raise blood levels of magnesium, resulting in a greater feeling of well-being and relaxation. The theory is that the magnesium assists the release and maintenance of serotonin levels, resulting in a sedating effect. In addition, combine the relaxing effects of a hot bath with the extra benefits of a magnesium soother, and there's hardly a better remedy for the tired, achy muscles that often accompany depression.

Depression is emotionally and mentally draining. When you are needing immediate relief, don't wait until it's the "appropriate" time. Even if it's ten in the morning and you've already showered, when you feel an inner sense that taking a bath might help, follow through with action. Sitting quietly in warm water, simply inhaling and exhaling is often enough to bring provide some immediate relief. If you can muster a little extra effort, dim the lights, burn a candle, and add a few drops of lavender oil into the water, and you'll get a luxury aromatherapy soak that can help ease the pain of the moment.

If you don't have enough energy to get the bath ready, call on someone close to you for help. . You may be feel silly calling someone to run a bath, but that's okay. It won't be as bad as you think. People close to you really do want to lend a hand, and getting the bath clean and running is a tangible action that they can do for you.

Depression is real and it requires real self-soothing strategies. Of course taking a bath isn't the magic cure that makes depression go away. But don't dismiss the power of simple everyday remedies. Bathing helps ease your mind and body of painful depression symptoms. Bathing is a coping action that really can make a difference in helping you get through the day. Follow your intuition and take baths frequently.