When our newest teammate Andy joined the company and we learned that he wasn’t a hot tubber, we knew what we needed to do next…

Here’s the scenario:

Challenge Extended: Soak in warm, bubbling water for just 20-30 minutes a day, for 6 straight weeks.

Subject: Andy, Watkins Wellness’ newest Marketing team member

Challenge…accepted!

Grab some freshly popped popcorn, a drink, and let’s see what unfolds!

Week 1

This first week was tough—we were having trouble finding time to sit down and relax for even 20 minutes. After comparing schedules and sticking to a time that worked for the both of us, it became a little easier. We started with just 20 minutes, but before long, we were in there for 30 minutes without even thinking about it. We enjoyed the quality time to talk without any other distractions and started to appreciate the relaxing effects of the water and jets.

Week 2

By the second week, my wife only joined me a couple of times, so I started to use my hot tub time to practice breathing and meditation exercises. This became my ritual for the first few minutes that I got in. After only 14 days, it was already something I looked forward to at the end of my day.

I’m more aware of the water around me, the flow and pattern of the different jets. This added to the calming, meditative effect each time I was in my hot tub. I started to really take in the meditative effects, appreciating the quiet, truly unplugged, nature of hot tubbing. I realized that I could go 20-30 minutes without my mobile phone, social media, and TV. (I’d even be sure the family room TV was off since it was in my peripheral vision.) I never thought that was possible!

Week 3

I’ve basically stopped counting days at this point, as it’s just something I do now in the late evening. I look forward to this “me time,” and, when stuck in traffic or having a difficult day, I just think about my upcoming soak, knowing that I’ll feel whole again once there.

My wife did join me a few times, as she’s seen how much of an impact this daily soak has had on my overall health and frame of mind. We like to use our hot tub time to help with muscle-recovery and pain mitigation. For me, it’s been my go-to after sports or a good workout, and a way to focus on joints that I may have sprained while playing volleyball. My wife had a sore lower-back after bowling, and the lower back jets really help.

Week 4

I’ve only missed 3 days in total at this point, as it’s become part of my routine and something I look forward to each day. For those days I missed, I know I would have felt better and had more quality “down” time if I had gone in. 

My wife now joins me a few times each week, and while we may talk for the first few minutes, we quickly just relax and enjoy the quiet time together. We’re empty-nesting and have plenty of “us” time, so when she doesn’t join me, I mostly think about the benefits that she’s missing out on. We enjoy the hot tub for about 30 minutes every night.

I am feeling the water even more and enjoying my hot tub more than I ever thought I would.

Final thoughts

It’s been 6 weeks now, and it’s truly become an integral part of my day. I feel very lucky that we’ve been able to enjoy all the benefits of hydrotherapy, quality time, and disconnecting from everyday distractions! As a bonus, both kids (24 and 27) love to visit and even volunteer to house sit since they get to use the hot tub. It’s making the empty nest feel a bit less empty these days!

My Sleep Cycle app data shows that my “sleep quality” gradually rose from about 65% when I started to peaking at 80% last month!

I feel great, I sleep great, I focus on me and my mental health, and I get bonus time with my wife and kids. This challenge has truly changed my life!

So there you have it folks! In the matter of 6 weeks, our friend Andy went from squeezing time in 1-2 times a week, to being an avid hot tubber who doesn’t like to go a day without it.

He chose late evening but pick what’s best for you! Start your day with a soak. You’ll be amazed by how much better you feel throughout the day. Just 30 minutes a day is all it takes to help clear your mind and get ready for a productive day.

We challenge YOU now! Are you up for a 6-week challenge? We want to hear from you. Email us throughout your journey and you might be featured in our next blog! Stay tuned fellow hot tubbers, your life will change for the better!

Don’t have a hot tub, but want in on our 6-Week Challenge? You can own a Fantasy Spa in no time. Fill out your information below to work with your local dealer.