How often do you find yourself seeking peace throughout your hectic week? You may deal with a crowded home, busy office, IN-season traffic and so much more added stress in your day-to-day routine. There may not be many places you know to find relaxation and become more present. That’s one of the many reasons I choose to sauna. It’s simply a very inviting place for me to be present, tune in and relax- not to mention the various health benefits of a regular sauna practice.
The warm air of the sauna feels like a heated blanket of comfort. My nostrils and pores open and I instantly feel relaxed. The second I walk in, I know my breath gets deeper and I become more aware.
The longer I breathe in the heat, the more challenging it becomes to stay relaxed. As my body temperature rises, I sometimes feel my receptors starting to give the signal that I am warm and I debate the urge to get out. This is when it becomes a meditation of slow deep breathing until my 20 minutes is up. How relaxed can I stay as I start to heat up? I feel value in giving myself intentional moments of stress to overcome. The more capable I am at conquering the intentional moments of stress, the better equipped I feel at dealing with the unexpected moments of stress that come in my day-to-day life.
Some days I walk into the sauna and it’s full of people with stimulating conversations, while other days it’s packed and everyone is silent and meditating. Occasionally, I get to be the only one in there which is the ultimate meditation with no distractions; just the heat and me. Somehow, the magic of being in the sauna is always the right dose of social engagement or silence I need.
There are many contradictions in the fitness industry but one thing all of us agree on is that sauna is beneficial.
Sauna increases blood flow and releases endorphins which in turn can help you relax. A more relaxed state can improve sleep and recovery.
By lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and increasing heart rate, a sauna may improve cardiovascular health.
The sauna reduces muscle soreness and promotes muscle recovery after exercise.
We all know sweating is one of the greatest ways to release toxins. Sweating in the sauna can certainly help eliminate toxins from the body.
Depending on your commitment to a personal sauna practice, studies suggest that regular sauna use may be associated to a 40% lower risk of all-cause mortality.
Saunas have been utilized for over thousands of years providing many health benefits throughout the generations. The option for hot/cold (contrast) therapy hosts a whole other list of possible benefits. The sauna is not going anywhere, the only question becomes when are you going to get on board?
At the KôR, we offer a 25+ person co-ed sauna, along with three cold plunge options…a perfect way to seek all of the health benefits of connecting to your calmer self. If you are curious how to best utilize sauna in your life or in concert with your exercise regiment, come stop by. We look forward to helping you on your sauna journey of health and recovery.
Janine, Joshua, and Kyle at the KôR.
