The theme of Mental Health Month this May is “Look Around, Look Within.” This slogan by Mental Health America (MHA), which founded the month in 1949, challenges us to consider every part of our natural and built environment and their impact on mental health and well-being. According to MHA, where we are born, live, learn, work, play and congregate influence our health.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is all about the natural environment, with the focus being on healing hot springs waters, beautiful mountain vistas, and guests’ overall well-being. All three have been the source of health-focused retreats, pure relaxation and memorable fun for locals and travelers from across the globe since the resort opened in 1888.
In addition to the benefits of soaking in the world’s largest natural hot springs pool that features 15 minerals, the resort offers a restful night’s sleep in the Lodge and numerous wellness opportunities in the Athletic Club.
The many benefits of our water
Each Rocky Mountain hot spring has its own unique blend of minerals and temperatures. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s mother spring is no different. Ute Native Americans were the first known people to discover this spring and called it Yampah, which means Big Medicine.
Besides relieving aches and pains, soaking in warm, highly concentrated mineral water has many other mental health and wellness benefits. Increasing body temperature helps naturally eliminate toxins, increase circulation and reduce blood pressure for example. One of the 15 minerals present in the 3.5 million gallons of water produced by Yampah Spring daily is lithium. Lithium promotes normal brain health and increases serotonin synthesis, producing a calming and mood stabilizing effect in most people.
Studies confirm mental health benefits of hot springs
In May 2021, the International Journal of Spa and Wellness published the results of the study “Mental health outcomes of balneotherapy: a systematic review” by James Clark-Kennedy, Gerard Kennedy, Marc Cohen and Russell Conduit. While systematic reviews suggest hot springs bathing, otherwise known as balneotherapy (BT), has a positive impact on chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions, there had been no reviews of studies looking at BT and mental health issues. After reviewing available studies, researchers concluded that depression, sleep problems and stress were all seen to improve. A number of studies also noted that anxiety decreased.
The research team concluded, “This has implications for the use of BT as a valid complementary therapy for people with mental health conditions. However, future clinical research is required to determine the populations likely to receive the most benefit from BT and distinguish factors that contribute to positive effects.”
In a November 2021 article about how spas benefit mental health, Spa Executive magazine looked at research related to the direct impact of spa, sauna and thermal bathing on mental health. The article notes that the ancient Greeks considered bathing a treatment against diseases. Influenced by the Greeks, the Romans built thermal baths at mineral and thermal springs so wounded soldiers and the rest of the population could go there for rest and recuperation.
Highlights from the magazine’s review of research include BT being beneficial for reducing stress caused by working or living conditions. Thermal bathing is associated with reduced levels of salivary stress markers, cortisol and chromogranin, which are more pronounced in people with higher levels of stress.
Thermal bathing’s positive impact on chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions in turn has a positive impact on mood and stress levels. According to magazine’s review of research, the mental health benefits of hot springs soaking also are linked to improvements in anxiety, depression and sleep quality.
How the outdoors and nature play a role
MHA’s 2023 Mental Health Month campaign focuses on how surroundings impact mental health, and the outdoors and nature are one of four topics specifically addressed. The others include neighborhoods and towns, safe and stable housing, and healthy home environments.
While some aspects of surroundings may be outside of a person’s immediate control, we have the potential to make changes in others. For example, we can control spending time in nature, which can mean hiking in a forest like those surrounding Glenwood Springs, walking in a park such as the 22-acre Two Rivers Park, bringing a plant inside, or sitting in your backyard.
According to MHA, being in nature is linked to several positive mental health outcomes including improved focus, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of developing mental health conditions, and a sense of connection to yourself, community and purpose. While relaxing in the mineral hot springs at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, you are surrounded by stunning scenery and fresh mountain air.
For an easy way to experience Glenwood Springs’ natural surroundings, book one of the resort’s biking or whitewater rafting packages.
Or if your body and brain prefer working out in a gym, utilize the equipment, take a Pilates or yoga class, and wrap up with time in the steam room or sauna at the resort’s Athletic Club. The Athletic Club recently received big kudos from the community by being named Best Gym or Fitness Studio and Best Yoga Studio in the 2023 Locals’ Choice Awards sponsored by the Glenwood Springs Post Independent. Consider the resort’s wellness package, buy a day pass or purchase an annual pass for the best value.
Here’s to Mental Health Month and taking good care of yourself and those you love. The mental health benefits of hot springs bathing and the chance to spend time together are the perfect reasons to visit Glenwood Springs, Colorado.