When the body is in a relaxed state during a bath, the brain follows suit, Magavi explains. “All the sensory stimuli of a bath activate various parts of the brain and help slow down the amygdala, which is the fear center of the brain,” she notes. “Self-grooming and a nice, warm bath may help alleviate anxiety.”  In addition to all the mental health benefits of taking baths, Salinger says that baths can help relieve pain in muscles and joints and reduce swelling in feet, hands, and fingers. “They are frequently used to alleviate discomfort caused by hemorrhoids and skin tags, especially when a good amount of salt is added,” he notes, adding that baths can also soften the skin.