Learn how to elevate your sauna experience to the next level

  • Because I was born and raised in Finland, going to a traditional sauna is as natural to me as breathing. A lot of people are concerned about "sauna rules," which may lead them to believe that they must use their sauna in a specific manner. This is not the case, and there is no need to be concerned. The most enjoyable aspect of having your own home sauna is that you have complete control over the rules.

     

    1. GET SOME SWEAT OUT BEFORE YOUR SAUNA SESSION FOR BETTER RESULTS.
    Combining saunas with exercise has been shown to significantly increase life expectancy while also improving overall health and well-being. To prepare for going to the sauna, I've made it a point to work up a good sweat first. Sauna use has become a regular part of my overall health and weight loss regimen, so I tend to visit it on a regular basis. You will feel incredibly refreshed and healthy after you have gone through two rounds of sweat.

    Make sure the exercise is appropriate for your fitness level and current situation. If you have a wood-burning heater, for example, chopping firewood can be a great way to get some physical activity. Running a marathon, or even just walking around in nature, are all options as well as jogging or running. Whatever is most convenient for you.

     

    2. BEFORE GOING TO THE SAUNA, COOL DOWN
    If you've done a lot of physical activity, give your body some time to cool down before going to the sauna. I like to give myself at least an hour to unwind before I start working. It is possible to use a "fitness hack" such as going to the sauna immediately after exercise, but this is a more advanced technique reserved for serious athletes. Simply engaging in physical activity and then cooling down in the sauna is more than most people do to maintain their health.
    Even if you did not exercise, try to unwind for a few minutes before entering the sauna. While a sauna can do wonders for your stress levels, it's a good idea to take it slow and enjoy the experience. While the sauna is heating up, you can do some meditation or simply sit and enjoy the peace and tranquility. Make every effort not to arrive at the sauna in a hurried state of mind if possible.

     

    3. Avoid Eating For At Least An Hour Before Going To The Sauna.
    Before going into the sauna, it's fine to have a light snack, but large meals are not recommended. Eat a lot of food and your body will focus its blood flow to your stomach, and be in a hot environment and your body will focus its blood flow to the outer layer of your skin. When it tries to do both at the same time, it may leave you feeling a little under the weather.
    If you've been exercising before going to the sauna, it's probably a good idea to drink a sports drink. You want your electrolytes to be high and your water levels to be high. This keeps you from getting dizzy while in the sauna. Another important home saunas tip is to ensure that there is always enough drinking water available.

     

    4. WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT THE SAUNA?
    Sauna can be enjoyed at any time of the year, any day of the week, or any hour of the day. It makes no difference whether you do it in the morning or at night; the important thing is to do it frequently because that is the only way the extreme health benefits have been demonstrated to occur.
    The optimal temperature for a sauna session is a matter of personal preference. Several people prefer to have their sauna completely preheated; after all, you do want your sauna to be hot.

     

    5. TAKE BREAKS ON A REGULAR BASIS.
    In accordance with a scientific study that followed the health of over 2000 Finnish men over a 20-year period, the best sauna health effects were obtained by taking a sauna 4-7 times per week, at a temperature of 79oC (174oF), and for a total of 20 minutes in the sauna session.

     

    6. CONSIDER ONE OR MORE TYPES OF COLD TREATMENTS.
    If you have the opportunity, try combining a sauna session with a cold treatment (if you have a cardiovascular condition, please talk with your doctor before doing this). Cold treatment, in addition to exercise and sauna, is the third method of boosting your health. In Finland, the traditional method of accomplishing this is to go swimming in a hole in the ice. If this sounds too extreme, taking a cool shower might be a more convenient alternative. You can adjust the temperature once you've gotten used to the concept.

     

    7. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE SAUNA
    The sauna session is over, whether with or without exercise and cold treatment - now what?! You're feeling very relaxed and rejuvenated at this point. It's a good time to eat something and allow your body to cool off a little. It is not recommended to go straight to sleep after a sauna session because you will still be feeling the residual heat from the sauna. Allow yourself to relax and enjoy the fact that you have just accomplished wonders for your mind and body!