What Is a Sauna?
A sauna is a small room or house designed as a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions. The heat relaxes muscles and opens the pores, allowing people to sweat. Saunas are usually made of wood, with heated rocks or steam providing the source of heat.
Many cultures have used saunas for centuries as a part of their health care routines. The Finnish, for example, have used saunas as a part of their daily lives for centuries.
Saunas and Mental Health
There are many mental health benefits associated with saunas. Saunas can help to:
1. Relieve Stress
One of the most common mental health benefits of saunas is stress relief. The sauna’s heat can help relax muscles and ease tension headaches. The relaxation provided by a sauna can also help to improve sleep quality.
Saunas can also provide a sense of social support. In Finland, for example, saunas are often shared with friends or family. This social interaction can help to reduce stress and improve mood.
2. Reduce Anxiety Levels
Saunas can also help to reduce anxiety levels. Sitting in a sauna increases your body temperature, which can help relax your muscles. The heat can also help improve blood circulation and increase endorphins, hormones that make you feel happy. If you suffer from anxiety, spending time in a sauna may help to reduce your symptoms.
3. Improve Moods
Another mental health benefit of a sauna is that it can improve your mood. When you use a sauna, your body temperature rises and this causes you to sweat. As your body temperature returns to normal, endorphins are released into your bloodstream, giving you a natural high and helps to improve your mood.
4. Increase Relaxation
Saunas have been used for centuries as a way to relax and de-stress. The sauna’s heat can help increase blood circulation and loosen muscles, which can lead to a feeling of relaxation. In one study, people who used a sauna regularly were found to have lower levels of stress hormones than those who didn’t use a sauna.
Therefore, if you are feeling both mentally and physically drained, a sauna could be just what you need to help increase relaxation and reduce stress.
5. Promote Better Sleep
Sauna use can also promote better sleep. This is because the heat exposure can help to regulate the body’s internal temperature. When you use a sauna, your body temperature rises and then drops when you exit the sauna. This drop in temperature can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. As a result, sauna use can help to improve the quality of your sleep.
These benefits are just a few of the mental health benefits associated with saunas. If you want to improve your mental health, consider adding a sauna to your routine.
Is Sauna Therapy Expensive?
Sauna therapy is an affordable way to improve your mental health. A sauna session costs about the same as a massage, and the benefits can last much longer. You can also use a home sauna, saving you even more money!
You can expect to pay around $30-60 for a professional sauna session. A home sauna will cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run. After all, you get to use it as often as you like!
If you are thinking of adding a sauna to your home, be prepared to spend around $2000 or more. However, this lifetime investment will provide you with endless mental health benefits!
How Often Should I Go to a Sauna?
Generally, it’s recommended that you go to a sauna once or twice a week. This way, you can reap the mental health benefits without overdoing it.
If you have a busy week, don’t sweat it (pun intended). Just make sure to get your sauna session in when you can. And if you miss a week, no problem. You can always pick up where you left off.
The important thing is to be consistent with your sauna sessions. This way, you can create a habit and get the most out of the experience.
Bottom Line
A sauna can have many benefits for your mental health. It can help you relax, reduce stress, and improve your mood. If you are feeling depressed or anxious, a sauna may also help. Talk to your doctor before using a sauna if you have any medical conditions. This way, you will know whether it is safe for you to use one.