We are firm believers here at Homecraft that using a sauna on a regular basis is a great way to invest in your health. For centuries, many different cultures and societies have appreciated the benefits of sauna use as part of a healthy lifestyle. Saunas are associated with unwinding and relaxing and that in itself is an important routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but research is increasingly showing that regular sauna use can majorly benefit your physical and mental health as well. We’ve listed 7 health benefits you can enjoy by having a sauna in your home and making it a part of your regular routine.
They help relieve stress:
Let’s start with the most obvious, saunas help you relax and relieve stress. They are known to be a place where you unwind, relax and refocus but there’s a reason why this happens. As the heat in a sauna improves your circulation, this automatically starts to promote relaxation which will regulate the level of cortisol (stress hormone) in your body. Most of us are aware that high levels of stress can wreak havoc on our bodies but don’t know to manage it. An intentional sauna routine in your life is a great way to take control of your health and manage your stress levels.
They can increase your metabolism:
Regular Sauna usage helps speed up metabolism in a way that has proven to be similar to exercise. When you’re exposed to the high heat a sauna provides, your heart rate can increase up to 30%. Some studies show that this can increase your metabolic rate up to 25-33%. The higher your metabolic rate, the more calories you burn. The benefits continue even after you have left the sauna room as the hot temperatures will keep your body burning calories for several hours after.
They can help with joint and/or arthritic pain:
Dry humid heat has proven to be a help for those who experience pain in their joints and muscles. When your blood vessels relax and dilate in the heat, blood flow is increased and this can help reduce tension in your joints. If you suffer from arthritis or joint pain, adding a regular sauna routine to your life can help you soothe aching joints naturally.
They relax tired muscles:
For a long time, athletes have used saunas to improve their range of motion and to help loosen tight muscles after a hard workout. Now that saunas are more and more accessible to the average person, they can be used to help promote your own fitness goals whether big or small. Relaxing in a sauna after a workout sounds great in and of itself, but knowing it will also maximize your efforts makes it a great addition to your exercise routine.
They improve your immune system:
Studies have shown that regular sauna use can reduce the frequency, duration and severity of the common cold and improve your immune system overall. We’ve already touched on how saunas help you reduce stress and lower cortisol in your body. This is important because when cortisol levels are balanced, your immune system is able to function at its best. One study showed that single sauna session can increase your white blood cell count. This means that making regular sauna use a part of your lifestyle can be an important way to support your immune system.
They improve your skin:
For many, sauna use is an integral part of their beauty regime. The heat in a sauna opens pores which allows toxins in your skin to be released. When your blood flow is also increased by the heat, this promotes cellular growth and development which brings important nutrients to the your skin and enhances your collagen production. This not only helps improve the overall look of your skin by improving your complexion, but it also helps fight against aging.
They help you detox:
There is no shortage of products out that promise to detox your body, but do they work? Saunas facilitate the most traditional and age old method to help release toxins: they make you sweat. When you perspire in the high heat a sauna provides, your pores will naturally expel the impurities and toxins found in your body making saunas an incredible way to detox.
Having access to your own personal sauna and making it a part of your lifestyle is a wonderful, natural way to take care of your physical and mental health. In a world where it is hard to escape from the demands, pressures and distractions around us, having a personal sauna can allow us to have a sanctuary within our own homes. With so many key health benefits like the one listed above, having a sauna is a one time investment that your body will thank you for for years to come. Please feel free to reach out to us if you want more information on how you can invest in a Sauna and we would be happy to walk you through the steps.