Experience Winter Wellness: The Benefits of Durango Hot Springs in the Winter
Written by Claire Nickerson
Winter’s shorter days and colder temperatures can take a toll on mental well-being, often leaving us feeling sluggish, stressed, or even blue. Prioritizing mental wellness during these months is crucial, and a visit to Durango Hot Springs offers a unique and rejuvenating solution. Thermal hot springs provide more than just a break from the chill—they create a restorative environment that nurtures both body and mind. The warm, mineral-rich waters help reduce stress naturally, improve circulation, and release tension stored in the muscles. Additionally, the serene natural surroundings of many hot springs can calm the mind, boost mood, and foster mindfulness. As the season invites us to slow down and reflect, hot springs offer a much-needed escape to recharge mentally and emotionally. Whether soaking under snow-draped trees or watching steam rise in the crisp winter air, the experience is a reminder to prioritize self-care and maintain balance through the colder months. Embrace the healing power of hot springs to keep your mental wellness in focus this winter—you deserve it!
What are the Benefits of Hot Springs, and Why Does it Matter?
Hot springs are globally recognized as natural wellness destinations—therapeutic landscapes where the natural environment supports physical and mental health. Studies on hot spring bathing in Japan reveal that regular exposure to mineral-rich thermal waters can improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and enhance overall quality of life, especially for individuals managing musculoskeletal conditions or chronic stress (Neumann et al., 2001; Van Tubergen et al., 2001; Sekine et al., 2006). Practiced for over 2,000 years, hot spring bathing has been linked to preventative and promotive health benefits, such as lowering the risk of hypertension and improving survival rates for certain illnesses (Maeda et al., 2018). While additional research is needed to understand the full connection between hot springs and mental health, existing evidence highlights their ability to provide relaxation, uplift mood, and combat the winter blues.
Durango Hot Springs is home to mineral-rich waters that offer a unique therapeutic experience. The distinct mineral blend of over 30 minerals found here provides numerous wellness benefits:
- Magnesium: Known for relaxing muscle cramps, stiffness, and tension. It also calms the nervous system, improves sleep, and reduces stress-related fatigue—key for maintaining mental wellness during winter.
- Calcium: Supports bone health and joint function, making it ideal for relieving winter aches and stiffness. It also promotes healthier skin through cell renewal and repair.
- Sulfate: Essential for protein production in muscles, joints, and brain tissue. This minerals aids detoxification, hormone regulation, and promotes healthy hair.
- Potassium: Helps regulate fluid balance, prevent dehydration, and supports nerve function. It’s especially important during winter to maintain energy, mobility, and hydration after activities like skiing at Purgatory Resort or snowshoeing in the Colorado backcountry.
- Sodium: Works with potassium to regulate hydration and improve blood circulation. It supports muscle function, reducing fatigue and improving endurance—perfect for combating winter fatigue or stress.
Durango Hot Springs provides an unparalleled winter wellness experience, blending science and nature to promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall vitality.
Unwind and Recharge at Durango Hot Springs
The therapeutic properties of hot springs are incredibly powerful, but combining your geo-thermal mineral water experience at Durango Hot Springs with mindful practices can amplify the benefits for your body and mind. The winter season can present challenges, but embracing holistic wellness techniques can help you maintain balance and feel your best.
Start your visit with mindfulness and relaxation during your soak. Enhance your time by practicing a self-guided meditation, bringing a favorite book, or trying gentle stretches. This approach deepens the soothing effects of the mineral-rich waters, promoting relaxation and improving mental clarity.
Elevate your wellness journey at Durango Hot Springs by indulging in one of our rejuvenating spa services. Pair your hot springs admission with our signature Athlete’s Rescue Massage. This deep tissue massage targets muscle tension and fatigue, making it an ideal recovery treatment for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts after a day on the slopes.
Remember that hydration is essential during winter. Cold temperatures and dry air can lead to dehydration, affecting both physical energy and mental sharpness. Drinking water before, during, and after your soak at Durango Hot Springs ensures your body stays hydrated, enhancing overall wellness.
Finally, pair your hot springs visit with seasonal adventures that connect you to nature. Whether you’re skiing the slopes at Purgatory Resort, taking a sleigh ride through the majestic San Juan Mountains, or snow tubing with loved ones, a trip to Durango Hot Springs is the perfect way to unwind. By taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being, you’ll find this winter to be your most rejuvenating yet.
The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Mood and Energy Levels
Mood changes are closely synchronized with the seasons, with many individuals experiencing increased anxiety and depression during the darker, colder months of winter. While these changes occur on a continuum, more extreme cases manifest as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Research suggests that a key factor in SAD and seasonal mood changes is vitamin D3, the “sunshine hormone.” During winter, reduced sunlight exposure leads to lower vitamin D3 levels, which may impact serotonin levels in the brain—serotonin being a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, energy, and appetite.
Evidence-Based Benefits of Vitamin D3
A study by Lansdowne and Provost (1998) explored the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on mood during late winter. Forty-four healthy participants were given either 400 IU (International Unit), 800 IU, or no vitamin D3 for 5 days. The results revealed:
- Enhanced Positive Affect: Participants reported a significant improvement in mood with vitamin D3 supplementation.
- Reduced Negative Affect: Evidence also suggested a decrease in negative emotions, though further studies are needed to confirm this.
These findings highlight the potential role of vitamin D3 in mitigating the seasonal changes associated with SAD. By improving serotonin levels, vitamin D3 may also positively influence food preferences, sleep quality, and circadian rhythms—factors that are often disrupted during winter (Lansdowne & Provost, 1998).
While the winter months can bring challenges like seasonal mood changes and low energy, taking time to relax, recharge, and soak in mineral-rich hot springs can make a world of difference. At Durango Hot Springs, our natural geothermal waters offer a peaceful escape, helping to ease stress, improve sleep, and support your overall well-being.
Combined with time outdoors in the crisp mountain air, sunlight exposure, and self-care practices, a visit to Durango Hot Springs can be an uplifting way to prioritize your mind and body this season. Of course, always consult your healthcare provider for specific health concerns or treatments related to seasonal changes.
Important Note
At Durango Hot Springs, we are passionate about wellness and sharing information to help you feel your best. However, we are not medical professionals. If you are experiencing significant mood changes, SAD, or other health concerns, we encourage you to consult your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and explore appropriate treatment options.
Harness the Synergistic Power of Hot Springs and Massage Therapy for Winter Wellness
The powerful combination of hot springs therapy and therapeutic massage works synergistically to enhance your overall well-being. Immersing yourself in geo-thermal mineral waters boosts circulation, alleviates stress, and promotes mental clarity—essential elements for maintaining wellness during the winter months. By pairing a soothing soak at Durango Hot Springs with a restorative massage, you can amplify these benefits, helping your body recover faster and your mind feel more balanced.
Making regular visits to Durango Hot Springs a part of your self-care routine offers long-lasting benefits for both body and mind. The mineral-rich waters naturally detoxify your system, soothe sore muscles, and support healthy skin, while our expert massage services target tension and fatigue to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Over time, this holistic approach can lead to noticeable improvements in your physical health, emotional well-being, and mental clarity—essential for thriving throughout the colder season.
Ready to make wellness a cornerstone of your lifestyle? Discover our flexible hot springs passes and card options, designed to make frequent visits easy and convenient. Explore our indulgent massage services, ranging from deep tissue recovery to gentle relaxation, perfect for combating winter fatigue or muscle stiffness after outdoor adventures. Be sure to check out our calendar for exciting upcoming events that further enhance your experience.
At Durango Hot Springs, we combine nature’s healing powers with expert care to provide a sanctuary for your well-being. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, recovery, or rejuvenation, we’re here to help you achieve your wellness goals. Visit our website to learn more about how you can transform your self-care routine into an unforgettable journey of restoration and renewal.
Reference:
Lansdowne AT, Provost SC. Vitamin D3 enhances mood in healthy subjects during winter. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1998 Feb;135(4):319-23. doi: 10.1007/s002130050517. PMID: 9539254.
Hot spring bathing practices have a positive effect on mental health in Japan
Takeda, Midori et al.
Heliyon, Volume 9, Issue 9, e19631
If you enjoy content like this and want to stay updated with wellness tips, seasonal inspiration, and news from Durango Hot Springs, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter below. You’ll be the first to know about new blog posts, events, and ways to enhance your well-being!