Five Reasons You Should Sauna More Often

By Your Health Magazine

Saunas are a big part of many people’s lives around the world and have long been associated with relaxation and rejuvenation. Yet so many of us have a bit of hesitation about getting into one.

The heated rooms, which originate from Finland, are staples in wellness centres and spas globally, but they can also be integrated into our own spaces too, with many home sauna solutions now available.

Many see them more as a luxurious treat, but there’s far more to the sauna than that, with a wealth of health benefits. Not sold? Well, here are five reasons you should take a sauna more often…

Stress Reduction

Stress is a big part of most people’s lives. In fact, statistics show over 284 million people worldwide have some form of anxiety disorder. While taking a sauna won’t completely rid a person of stress, they are scientifically proven as an effective way to unwind and de-stress.

Saunas help alleviate tension in both the body and the mind, encouraging the body to release endorphins and boost mood.

Improved Circulation

The heat generated from saunas cause the blood vessels to dilate, which in turn promotes better blood circulation throughout the body. This improves the flow of oxygen and nutrients through the body, allowing our muscles, organs and tissues to recover, repair and rejuvenate at a much more efficient rate.

The improved circulation can also lead to healthier looking skin as the nutrients and oxygen reach the skin’s surface much more effectively.

Detoxification

Sweating is one of the body’s natural mechanisms for detoxification and the sauna certainly facilitates this. We all know that we sweat during saunas, but what this does is it flushes out toxins and impurities through your pores and cleanses your body.

Doing this regularly can help support the body’s detoxification pathways, leaving you feeling much more refreshed.

Immune System Support

Regularly having a sauna can also boost your immune system. The heat exposure induces a temporary increase in our body’s temperature in a similar way to when we have a fever. This stimulates the white blood cells and other components of the immune system and strengthens our body’s defences against various infections and illnesses. Alongside this, the increased circulation also improves our body’s ability to detect and combat breaches in our immune system.

Mental Clarity and Relaxation

Finally, saunas can provide you with the mental clarity and relaxation needed to combat the stresses of everyday life.

Stepping into a sauna offers that sense of escapism, where you can fully switch off and focus on you. It’s a meditative experience that can promote a real sense of calm as your mind clears and your focus improves. By taking regular breaks in the sauna or implementing sessions as part of your daily routine, you can help improve your overall mental health and bring a greater sense of balance and tranquility to your life.

Of course, there are many more reasons too, but if you’ve never sauna’d before but want to improve your health, why not give it a try?