If you’ve been feeling the chill like we have these past few weeks, a sauna session might be just what you need to warm up from the inside out. Here are our top 5 reasons to prove why incorporating a sauna into your routine is a fantastic idea, especially during the colder months.
1. Relax and Reduce Stress
Winter can be a stressful time, especially with shorter days and the kids bringing home every germ from school. The warmth of a sauna helps you relax and restore your energy. The high heat promotes the release of endorphins, your body’s natural mood boosters, helping to reduce stress and anxiety .
2. Relieve Muscle Tension and Soreness
Cold weather can make you hesitant to stick to your exercise routine. However, knowing you can warm up and relieve sore muscles in an infrared sauna can keep you motivated. The heat increases blood flow, reducing muscle stiffness and aiding in quicker recovery post-workout .
3. Stretch in Your Sauna
If working out in the cold makes you feel too stiff, try incorporating some light exercises and stretching in your sauna. The heat can make your muscles more pliable, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing flexibility. This can be particularly beneficial for those who find it difficult to exercise during the colder months .
4. Boost Your Immunity
Using a sauna can enhance your immune system. The increased circulation from the heat helps produce more white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections. This can be especially beneficial during the winter months when colds and flu are more prevalent .
5. Lift Your Mood
The warmth of a sauna can help combat the 'winter blues.' By raising your body temperature and dilating blood vessels, saunas promote the release of endorphins. This natural process can lift your mood and improve overall mental well-being, helping you stay positive during the darker, colder months .
In conclusion, using a sauna during the winter months can offer numerous physical and mental health benefits. From reducing stress and relieving muscle tension to boosting your immunity and lifting your mood, incorporating sauna sessions into your routine can help you stay warm and healthy all season long.
References:
1. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Sauna benefits: Heart health, pain relief, and more.
2. Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). The health benefits of saunas.
3. Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Sauna therapy for arthritis.
4. Healthline. (2020). The benefits of saunas for your health.
5. Journal of Affective Disorders. (2019). Sauna use and its impact on mental health.
Top 5 Reasons to Warm Up with a Sauna This Winter
Sauna usage releases endorphins which is perfect to fight off the ‘winter blues’.