10 Best Things to Do in a Sauna!
Stretching in the Sauna
Stretching in the sauna offers numerous benefits for muscles and joints. The heat and humidity create an environment conducive to achieving deeper stretches, enhancing flexibility.
Combining sauna heat with stretching amplifies the advantages of both practices. Stretching promotes joint health, reduces stress, and lowers the risk of injury. Saunas, meanwhile, aid in detoxification, relaxation, and improved sleep.
Unlike other forms of exercise, stretching requires no equipment and can be done anywhere, including in a sauna. Popular sauna stretches include the Hamstring Sauna Stretch, Cat Pose, Arm Stretch, and Neck Rolls. However, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and avoid overstretching. If you feel uncomfortably hot, take breaks to cool down.
Enjoy Music
Researchers at Stanford University highlight music as a powerful stress reduction tool. When paired with sauna use, listening to music can further enhance relaxation and reduce stress levels. Scientific studies indicate that sauna sessions decrease cortisol levels—the body’s main stress hormone.
When selecting music for sauna sessions, prioritize soothing genres like nature sounds, meditation tracks, or classical music. Avoid aggressive or loud music, as it can disrupt the desired relaxation effect.
To enjoy music in the sauna, opt for sauna-proof headphones designed for extreme heat and humidity. Alternatively, choose a sauna equipped with built-in speakers for a seamless music experience.
Alternatively, position a portable speaker outside the sauna door or in a safe nearby location to enhance your sauna session with music.
Listen to a Podcast
In today’s busy lives, we struggle to find time for productive activities like listening to podcasts or audiobooks for personal growth. However, by incorporating them into our relaxation time, we can still learn something new.
Do Breathing exercises
Saunas can provide a tranquil environment for practicing breathing exercises, enhancing their benefits for both mind and body.
Box breathing, belly breathing, or even simple deep breathing can amplify relaxation and promote well-being when coupled with the sauna’s heat and steam. However, maintaining a balance is key—listen to your body’s signals and avoid overdoing it. The goal is to reap the rewards of relaxation and rejuvenation, not to strain yourself.
Do Meditation in a sauna
Meditation helps you achieve relaxation and a tranquil mind, aiding in stress management and overall well-being. Saunas also assist with stress reduction and relaxation.
When practicing meditation in a sauna, these benefits can be enhanced. It’s important to listen to your body; if you feel uncomfortable during meditation, take a break and allow your body to cool down before continuing.
Additionally, avoid staying in the sauna for too long, and remember to drink water to prevent dehydration.
Use Sauna Whisk
A sauna whisk, typically made of a bunch of twigs and leaves tied together, offers multiple benefits in the sauna. It promotes relaxation, improves blood circulation, and leaves your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
Before using the sauna whisk, it’s important to soak it for at least 35 minutes. This soaking softens the leaves, reducing the likelihood of breakage during use and preventing the whisk from drying out too quickly in the sauna’s heat.
Once the sauna whisk is prepared, gently tap or brush your skin with it to enjoy its benefits. The soft leaves provide a soothing sensation and help spread heat evenly across the body, enhancing the sauna experience.
Drink plenty of water
The heat in a sauna increases your body temperature, leading to sweating. This loss of fluid can cause dehydration. To prevent this, it’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after spending time in a sauna.
Saunas can also affect your body’s electrolyte balance. To restore these levels, it’s best to consume electrolyte drinks, coconut water, or juicy foods after your sauna session.
Use essential oil
Using essential oils in the sauna can enhance relaxation and improve the overall sauna experience by relieving muscle tension, stress, and uplifting mood. Essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Lavender, Cinnamon, Peppermint, or Pine can be used for this purpose.
Socialize with friends or family
Owning a sauna provides an opportunity to socialize with friends and family, strengthening bonds and creating enjoyable memories together. Visit our website, Heavenly Heat Saunas, to explore a variety of sizes suitable for different group sizes. Choose according to how many family members or friends you want to join you in the sauna experience.
Plan your next day
Sauna time can also be used to plan your next day. Nowadays, in our busy schedules, we often don’t find time for little things like creating a to-do list or planning our tasks for the next day. You can relax in the sauna and take advantage of this time to plan your schedule, deciding on tasks you want to accomplish the following day.
