Collaborative Post¦ Modern life is stressful, so it’s no wonder the concept of self-care has really taken off over the last few years. A sauna is a wonderful way to de-stress, with many health benefits. While it’s less usual to have a home sauna in the UK, in many Nordic countries it’s the norm to have one and use it at least once every day! In my teens, I had a sleepover with a friend at her Dad’s house. They had a Home Sauna which I loved spending time in, relaxing and chatting with her. From that point onwards I’ve been convinced that every home should have one and would absolutely find it worth it! Here’s why…
Health Benefits
1. It will help you to reduce your stress levels
The heat and steam of a sauna have a calming effect on your body, helping to regulate the amount of cortisol in your blood. Cortisol is a hormone that our bodies release in response to stress. It has its purpose, but prolonged high levels of cortisol aren’t good for our health.
2. It could make your immune system stronger
Saunas are great for our immune system. Perfect for this time of year when colds and flu are rife! The heat of the sauna helps to boost the production of white blood cells, helping to protect your body against illness.
3. It could help you to sleep better
Just like with a hot bath, the increase in body temperature followed by your body cooling down and re-adjusting can help to aid sleep. Plus, the reduction in cortisol will help to gear your brain up for sleep too instead of running through everything you’re worried about at 1am.
4. It could help your skin
A steamy sauna helps to open up pores. It makes you sweat and helps your blood to circulate better, moving nutrients around your skin and getting rid of toxins.
5. It could help you to recover from exercise and injuries
The steam and heat of a sauna will make those aching muscles feel so much better and aid their recovery.
6. It could improve your cardiovascular health
Studies suggest that regular saunas could dramatically decrease your chances of having a heart attack or stroke! This is due to the effects of heating and cooling on your blood vessels, as well as the way it helps to reduce your stress.
7. It could help you to lose weight
The heat of the sauna causes you to sweat and burn calories, as happens when you get hot through exercising. Losing weight while simply relaxing doesn’t sound like a bad thing at all!
Social Benefits
8. It makes you have a screen detox
You can’t take laptops, tablets or phones into a sauna. Therefore, you’re forced to have a screen detox while you’re using it. As well as helping you to relax, it fosters the opportunity for you and your family and friends to chat without technological distractions.
9. It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family
As I found out as a teenager, it’s fun to spend time in a sauna with friends (and/or family!) It’s a good way to enjoy time together, relax and make memories.
Other Benefits
10. They’re convenient
Having a home sauna is really convenient. You have your own private place to relax and it’s right there in your home. Especially in the winter months, do you really have the motivation to pack a bag, go out and use a sauna at the gym every single day? They’re also surprisingly low-maintenance and low-cost to run!
11. It increases the value of your home
Whether you’re thinking about selling your home soon or not, doing things to add value to your home is worthwhile. A home sauna is definitely a great selling point!
Cover photo by Pavel Danilyuk