7 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Sauna Experience

Saunas have become a popular relaxation technique for many. Because of our hectic and very demanding lifestyles, saunas are becoming a welcome relief from all the stresses of everyday life. For many, just a few minutes of sauna is enough to make us feel better and invigorated.

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What are some health benefits of saunas?

1. Saunas help relieve tension and pains in the muscles and joints.
2. Saunas are wonderful stress relievers.
3. Saunas help cleanse our skin and flush toxins.
4. Saunas help us sleep better.
5. Saunas aid in losing weight.
6. Saunas help fight illnesses.

The above are just some of the many wonderful benefits of saunas. However, saunas are not just as simple as entering a room. When being careless, we might not be able to make the most out of our sauna experience.

Now, what are ways to help maximize our trip to the sauna? We listed down some of them below!

Schedule your sauna visits

One of the main reasons why people go to saunas is to relax. Therefore, is it not counterintuitive when we rush our trips to the sauna? It is, then, necessary to plan your sauna sessions. However, there is good news, you can experience a sauna in the comfort of your home with the help of an infrared sauna blanket in the UK.

Schedule your saunas carefully, making sure to take into consideration not only the time you will spend inside the sauna room, but also the time needed to heat up the room and prepare the materials.

To maximize the time, while waiting for the sauna room to heat up (usually about 30-60 minutes), you can use this period to gather the things you will need later on, such as a change of clothes and a set of towels.

We also advise you to actually really set a time for your sauna sessions. Incorporate it into your weekly routine, such that every trip to the sauna does not feel rushed.

Skip the heavy meal before taking a sauna bath

Saunas help improve your blood circulation. However, when you enter the sauna room right after having a heavy meal, you might not be able to achieve this benefit. This is because your blood will then be used for your digestive process instead of freely circulating the body.

Wait for at least an hour after your heavy meal before getting inside the sauna room. If you cannot avoid eating right before the session, be sure to only have a light meal that is easy to digest.

Drink water and avoid alcohol

You will be sweating a lot inside the sauna room. Therefore, before you get inside the sauna, be sure that you are well hydrated. However, remember not to drink too much too; a glass of water before entering the sauna is enough.

If you intend to stay inside the sauna for a longer period of time, you may also drink water during the session to keep your body hydrated.

Of course, it goes without saying that drinking of alcoholic beverages before and during the sauna session should be avoided. This is because alcohol increases your risk for dehydration and it can also affect your judgment and balance while inside the sauna.

And besides, nobody wants to sit beside an intoxicated person inside a shared sauna room, right?

Lie down when possible

The distribution of heat throughout your body is affected by your position. That is why, if the shared sauna room is not too crowded or if you are alone or if you happen to have your own sauna at home, lie down on the bench to facilitate even distribution of heat.

Wear less clothing and remove jewelry

Having too much clothing on will decrease the effectiveness of the sauna. If you are alone, remove all your clothes. Or if stripping completely makes you feel uncomfortable, opt to wear light and loose clothes.

For safety, jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets and eyeglasses should be removed. When inside the sauna room, the metal in your accessories will get hot and can cause burns.

Invest in sauna materials

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Make the most out of your sauna experience by investing in the right materials. Other than the basic materials such as towels and an extra change of clothes, you may also want to install footrests, headrests, and backrests to improve comfort inside the sauna room.

Other great add-ons include sponges, brushes, and aromatherapy oils. You may also want to place appropriate lighting and relaxing background music.

One type of sauna is the infrared sauna, which has a lot of added benefits. Some experts even suggest that infrared sauna benefits cancer prevention. Invest in one and ask around for the best infrared sauna for home use.

Think positive thoughts

And finally, as mentioned, a sauna session is supposed to be a relaxing experience. Clear your mind with toxic, negative thoughts, and instead focus on positive emotions. Think of this as a healing experience.

Take a break. Visit a sauna. You deserve it!