Top 8 Tips and Tricks for a Safe and Relaxing Sauna Session
How can you be sure that you’re getting the most out of your sauna? We’re here to tell you. Here are the top eight tips and tricks to make your sauna sessions the best they can be:
- Stay hydrated.
- Use essential oils.
- Play relaxing music.
- Wear light, breathable fabrics.
- Rinse off after your session.
- Step out if you need to.
- Slowly ease back into your daily routine.
- Check with your doctor beforehand.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
How much sweat do you lose in a sauna? According to Harvard Medical School, the answer is about one pint per brief session. To compensate, be sure to drink water before, during and after spending time in the sauna, and stay away from alcohol. Don’t overdo it, just ensure that your body stays hydrated.
2. Use Essential Oils
Certain essential oils have been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, treat sinus conditions, relieve pain and more. If you have a steam sauna, simply mix a few drops of oil into the water. Or, if you have a dry sauna, try dabbing essential oil on your pulse points (just be sure to do a spot test first), or use an oil diffuser.
3. Play Some Music
Turn your at-home sauna session into a truly spa-like experience with the help of some music. Music has been proven to reduce stress, although some songs are more soothing than others: A study found that one song resulted in a 65 percent reduction in anxiety. Try listening to a playlist of relaxing music, or listen to a recording of sounds from nature. Just remember not to take any electronic devices such as your smartphone or regular MP3 player inside the sauna with you, as they can be damaged by the high temperatures. Instead, use a waterproof and heat-resistant Bluetooth speaker or MP3 player.
4. Wear Something Light
Although swimsuits may seem like a natural clothing choice for the sauna, their synthetic fabrics can be too insulating and can lead to uncomfortably hot temperatures. Instead, opt for a loose clothing made from ultra-breathable fabric, like cotton or linen: Both offer plenty of ventilation and water-wicking properties. Or, skip the layers altogether an go au naturel.
5. Remember to Rinse
Sweating in a sauna can benefit your skin in a number of ways. The heat that causes sweat improves circulation, leading to a naturally glowing look, and sweat itself also contains natural antibiotic and antimicrobial properties. However, sweat can irritate the skin if left on too long, so remember to rinse off in the shower after spending time in the sauna. Just don’t take a cool or cold shower until you’ve been out of the sauna for several minutes.
6. Listen to Your Body
If you’re a novice sauna user or are simply sensitive to heat, be sure to listen closely to what your body is telling you during a sauna session. If your start to feel dizzy, faint or nauseous, simply step out of the sauna and drink some water to cool down. Once you feel completely back to normal, you can enter the sauna again, or simply enjoy the relaxing effects of your first session. Just do what feels right to you.
7. Make a Gradual Transition
After a sauna session, you can prolong your feelings of relaxation by making a gradual transition back into your daily routine. In other words, you might not want to head straight to your desk or get back to running errands. Instead, take at least a few minutes to continue relaxing, cooling down and easing back into your day.
8. Check With Your Doctor
If you have a severe heart condition or are pregnant, be sure to check with your doctor before hopping in the sauna. Although saunas are perfectly safe for most people, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your sauna like a pro and make the most of each session for years to come.
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