Why Hot Water Heals Me

There’s something about hot water that instantly shifts my state of being. Whether I’m in a steamy sentō in Japan, soaking in my tub after a long day, or rinsing off post-hike once the heat hits my skin, I exhale. My nervous system softens. My thoughts quiet. For me, hot water isn’t just comfort, it's therapy. Heat improves circulation and signals safety to the body, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, our natural calm state.

When I lived in Japan, I’d ride my bike most nights to the local sentō. It became my ritual. Scrub, rinse, soak. No rush, no distractions, just stillness and the healing presence of strangers. There’s something profound about shared silence in water. It’s not just about hygiene, it's about community. And we all know community is one of the most powerful, science-backed longevity tools out there.

In a world that’s constantly pushing us to go faster, I’ve learned that sometimes the smartest thing you can do is soak. Sharing a little playback here from my Living Water video, I hope it inspires your own ritual.

Link: https://youtu.be/UzuQzumLUfA?si=vZpoiUwI0tUmH5oa

To your vitality,

Lizanne