4 Benefits of Sauna Use on Mental Health

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 13 people globally suffer from either anxiety or depression. Unfortunately, mental health disorders are widespread, and many people suffer for years without being able to access treatment. It is important to note that if you are suffering from anxiety, depression, or any other mental illness, it is imperative that you reach out to a medical professional. In addition to medical intervention, there are many ways that you can care for your mental wellbeing in your everyday life. A variety of activities and lifestyle changes are shown to improve the symptoms of anxiety and depression and help reduce the daily stress. Some patients prefer to get out and experience nature through hiking, running, biking, bird watching or other outdoor activities. Other patients prefer to focus in on themselves, choosing to practice yoga or meditation to help find their inner balance. A less common but nonetheless effective option for managing stress and depression is regular sauna use! The warm environment of a sauna can help you to find peace and tranquility in the comfort of your own home. Sauna use is easy to incorporate into an existing fitness or wellness routine. In this article, we have outlined just a few of the many benefits sauna use can have on your health and wellbeing. 

Escape into Your Personal Oasis

One of the benefits of regular sauna use is the ability to escape into you own personal oasis. The calm, quiet interior of the sauna allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A sauna provides the perfect environment to leave the outside world and focus in on your own health and wellbeing. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to think, meditate, stretch, or relax, a sauna can easily provide the sanctuary you need. Many individuals suffering from anxiety or depression find that a predictable schedule helps them handle the uncertainty of life. By incorporating sauna use into your daily routine, you will have a space and time dedicated to relaxing and refocusing your mind. It is a great way to reduce stress and reconnect with yourself in a safe and healthy environment. The warm and comforting environment can also help relieve tension, further reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.

Increases Happiness

Unfortunately, anxiety and depression can be exacerbated by feelings of dissatisfaction or sadness. Therefore, it is important to partake in activities that bring you joy. For some people that might be going for a run, for others it might be spending time with loved ones or pets. Another great way to bring joy into your life is regular sauna sessions. The warm environment of a sauna releases certain hormones that can give the sauna user a feeling of euphoria. Many sauna owners find that regular sauna use is important for bringing them joy in their everyday lives. Whether it is a sauna session or another activity, a reliable source for daily happiness is an integral part of mental wellness.

Reduce Levels of Cortisol

Cortisol is an important hormone in our body that is normally produced as part of the “fight or flight” response. It is one of the most important stress hormones and is produced to help our bodies deal with a perceived threat. However, too much cortisol due to prolonged stress and anxiety can take a serious impact on our overall health and wellbeing. Elevated levels of cortisol affect the function of our immune system, our digestive system and the regulation of our mood and sleep cycles. The good news is that several studies have discovered reduced levels of cortisol in individuals who use a sauna regularly. Decreased cortisol is correlated with reduced levels of stress and an easing of anxiety symptoms. Many people also find that excessive sweating in a sauna helps to ease tension and encourage relaxation of the muscles and mind.

Relieve Pain with Endorphins

Our bodies are miraculously capable of handling stress and naturally overcoming pain. You may have heard of hormones in our body called endorphins. These hormones can help reduce our perception of pain and increase feelings of pleasure. In general, endorphins have an analgesic effect on the body and can help reduce stress and improve sleep. Our bodies naturally produce endorphins during exercise and during sauna use! With a daily visit to your sauna you can help get a natural boost from endorphin production.  

Regular sauna use can stimulate blood flow and encourage circulation, helping to ease muscle tension and pain. Many people find that when their body is relaxed, it is easier for their mind to relax. That is why so many people choose to meditate, stretch, and reconnect with themselves inside of a sauna. Regular sauna use in the morning can help you wake-up feeling relaxed and ready to tackle the day. Alternatively, regular sauna use in the evening can help you to unwind after a long day and quiet your mind, a great way to improve sleep. No matter how you choose to use your home sauna, you will be able to benefit from a reduction in stress and improved focus on your mental wellbeing. 

At SaunaFin, we sell a variety of Prefabricated Sauna Kits and Sauna Material Kits to suit any home, backyard, and budget. Our kits are specifically designed with homeowners in mind to make it easy and cost-effective to install a new sauna into your home or backyard. Saunas make a great addition to a home gym, master bathroom, or backyard oasis. An at-home sauna will make it easier than ever to integrate sauna therapy into your wellness routine. With your own sauna, you’ll be able to set the temperature and humidity to your own preferences. Daily sessions will help to lower stress, improve sleep, and reduce muscle aches and pain. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, SaunaFin’s showrooms are currently closed. However, we are still accepting orders online, over the phone and via e-mail. To order your new at-home sauna, contact us today at 905-738-4017.