Written by Claire Nickerson
Ease Holiday Stress with 3 Healing Minerals at Durango Hot Springs
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Neither the author nor Durango Hot Springs are licensed medical professionals. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or wellness routine.
The holiday season may be behind us, but the stress it left behind can still linger. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to find the perfect remedy—meditation apps, workout routines, supplements, and more. With so many options, where do you even begin?
Understanding post-holiday stress and how it impacts the body is the first step toward effective management. Dr. Ohara Aivaz of Cedars Sinai explains that the skin and brain share a close connection. When the body releases stress hormones like cortisol, the skin detects these signals and responds by releasing inflammatory proteins. This response can aggravate various skin conditions. Stress also complicates maintaining healthy habits, often worsening existing issues.
Stress affects the body in numerous ways. It activates the “fight-or-flight” response, leading to a surge of hormones such as adrenaline. This can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension, along with altering breathing patterns. Chronic stress may result in headaches, digestive problems, sleep disruptions, and a weakened immune system. Recognizing these signs is an essential step in effectively managing stress.
Fortunately, Durango Hot Springs offers a simple and rejuvenating solution to help you release that lingering tension. In this blog, discover 3 effective minerals and ways they might relieve stress during your hot springs visit at Durango Hot Springs.

1. Silica: A Boost for Hair, Skin, and Stress Recovery
You may also feel stress taking a toll on your body internally. Cedars Sinai continues that stress will indefinitely find a way of making itself known. Tension headaches, chronic fatigue, and frequent colds are just to name a few. If you find that the lingering holiday stress is affecting your hair skin and nails, consistent thermal mineral hot springs experiences may help. Durango Hot Springs water contains 81.2 mg/L of Silica, which is known to increase bone density and aid in collagen production for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Silica also strengthens the heart and immune systems function by lowering cholesterol and inflammation. Silica is often used in the treatment of acne.
2. The Role of Magnesium in Stress Relief and Better Sleep
Another important mineral occurring in Durango Hot Springs’ waters is 40.4 mg\L of Magnesium. Magnesium can be a helpful ally when dealing with holiday stress and anxiety. This amazing mineral improves muscle and nerve strength, regulates heart rhythm and blood pressure while also helping to prevent cardiovascular disease. Most notably, magnesium may help relieve hormonal imbalances, muscle cramps, migraines, and anxiety or depressive disorders.
About 70% of Americans are magnesium deficient, which may contribute to anxiety. Ensuring adequate magnesium intake can help bridge this gap and alleviate stress during and after the hectic holiday season. Struggling to get a good night’s sleep? The minerals in Durango Hot Springs water might be the solution you need. Additionally, the magnesium in Durango Hot Springs water can help alleviate sleep problems. Magnesium is known as nature’s sleep tonic, improving sleep quality by relaxing the nervous system and reducing stress and anxiety levels.
3. Lithium: Supporting Brain Health and Emotional Balance
Lithium is a naturally occurring mineral found in Durango Hot Springs water, with a concentration of 1.36 mg/L. This mineral is known for its potential brain health benefits, including promoting neurogenesis (the formation of new brain cells), stabilizing mood, and possibly preventing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.
Dr. Suruchi Chandra, M.D., notes that while lithium is not currently classified as an essential nutrient, some researchers, such as Dr. Schrauzer from UCSD, argue that it should be considered a micronutrient due to its beneficial effects on the brain. Lithium has complex effects, notably increasing the activity of calming GABA receptors and decreasing the activity of stimulating dopamine and NMDA receptors, resulting in an overall relaxing and stabilizing effect.
For a full list of Durango Hot Springs’ minerals, click here!
Balneotherapy: Healing Through Geothermal Waters
Thermal bathing has been practiced for millennia, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used for healing and recuperation. Modern studies continue to support its benefits.
For instance, a study investigating the effects of high-salinity geothermal mineral water on stress and fatigue involved 180 seamen divided into three groups: geothermal, music, and control. The geothermal group, which bathed in 108 g/L salinity geothermal water five times a week for two weeks, showed significant improvements in stress and fatigue reduction, pain relief, and enhancements in mood, cognitive function, and overall mental and physical health. The study concluded that balneotherapy was more effective than music therapy or no treatment, highlighting geothermal water baths as a potent method for reducing stress and fatigue caused by daily life.
Salinity refers to the amount of dissolved salts in water, typically measured in grams per liter (g/L) or per kilogram (g/kg). In natural waters, salinity mainly measures sodium chloride (NaCl) but also includes other ions like magnesium, sulfate, and calcium. For example, ocean water has high salinity, averaging about 35 g/kg, while freshwater has much lower levels.
Experience the Healing Power of Durango Hot Springs

The stress of the holidays may linger, but you don’t have to let it weigh you down. The naturally occurring minerals in Durango Hot Springs’ geothermal waters—silica, magnesium, and lithium, and so many more—offer powerful benefits to rejuvenate your body and mind. From healthier skin and hair to better sleep and emotional balance, these minerals help support your well-being in ways few other remedies can.
Why not take some time for yourself? Immerse in the healing waters of Durango Hot Springs and experience the ancient practice of balneotherapy brought to life in modern form. Whether you’re looking to relieve stress, improve your sleep, or simply recharge, Durango Hot Springs is here to help you find your balance.
Visit us today and discover how our mineral-rich waters can help you start the new year feeling refreshed and revitalized. Continue your wellness journey with a Durango Hot Springs Pass or Card—perfect for conveniently incorporating hot springing into your self-care routine.
Reference:
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/holiday-season-stress
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/is-stress-making-you-sicker.html
https://www.hotspringjourneys.com/know-before-you-go/magnesium
https://www.britannica.com/science/salinity
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-does-stress-affect-different-parts-of-the-body-7375233
https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-symptoms-effects_of-stress-on-the-body
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2016/9631684