10 Best Reasons to Use Sauna During Summer
Sweating it Out in the Summer Heat? Imagine the refreshing contrast of a sauna session on a sweltering day.
It’s not just about relaxation; using a sauna in the summer offers surprising health benefits.
From boosting your mood to enhancing detoxification, discover 10 compelling reasons why a sauna should be part of your summer routine.
Dive in and see why you’ll want to embrace the heat!
Is it safe to use a sauna during summer?
Yes, it’s generally safe to use a sauna during summer, but precautions are essential.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and after your session.
Limit your time inside, especially in extreme heat, and listen to your body to avoid overheating or dehydration.
10 Best Reasons to Use Sauna During Summer
Boost Your Body’s Detox with a Sauna
Using a sauna during summer can be a fantastic way to help your body detoxify.
When you sweat in a sauna, you’re not just cooling down; you’re also flushing out harmful toxins.
Studies have shown that heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium are removed more effectively through sweat than through urine or blood.
For example, a study found that some toxins can be up to 30 times more concentrated in sweat than in blood or urine.
Infrared saunas can be particularly effective because they penetrate deeper into your body, boosting sweat production.
Combining sauna sessions with other detox methods, such as drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet, can enhance the benefits even more.
It’s like giving your body a gentle, supportive nudge to rid itself of the things that don’t belong.
Boost Your Circulation
Blood circulation is essential for keeping our bodies healthy, as it helps deliver oxygen and nutrients where they’re needed.
Using a sauna is a great way to give your circulation a boost. When you relax in the warmth of a sauna, your heart rate goes up and your blood vessels expand, which can be quite similar to the effects of moderate exercise.
This can help with easing sore muscles and improving joint movement, which is a real bonus if you’re dealing with arthritis.
To get the most out of your sauna sessions, remember to stay hydrated and limit your time to about 20 minutes.
Combining sauna use with regular exercise and a balanced diet can further enhance your circulation.
Always listen to your body, start slowly, and enjoy the soothing benefits of a sauna safely.
Beat Stress with Sauna
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, a sauna could be your new best friend.
Many Americans are struggling with stress and poor sleep, especially women). Saunas offer a soothing escape, helping to melt away tension and lift your mood.
Studies have shown that spending time in a sauna boosts brain relaxation and improves overall well-being, creating a sense of bliss known as “totonou” in Japan.
This feeling of rejuvenation comes from alternating between the heat of the sauna and a cool dip, which refreshes both mind and body.
For even better results, consider combining your sauna sessions with other stress-relief practices like mindfulness or deep breathing. It’s a simple, effective way to find peace in your day.
Speed Up Muscle Recovery with Sauna
Using a sauna, especially an infrared one, is a fantastic way to speed up muscle recovery, and it’s even better during the summer.
According to research by Ahokas et al., athletes who spent time in an infrared sauna after exercising felt less muscle soreness and bounced back faster.
The heat works by boosting blood flow to your muscles, bringing in much-needed oxygen and nutrients, while flushing out waste products that build up after a workout.
Infrared saunas are particularly effective because they heat your body from the inside out, getting deep into your muscles.
If you’re looking to recover quickly, a simple routine could be a 15-20 minute session in an infrared sauna at around 43°C (109°F) after exercising.
Not only does it help ease soreness, but it can also leave you feeling more relaxed and improve your sleep, which is key to recovery.
It’s a great way to treat your body and get back in action faster!
Enhance Skin Health with Regular Sauna use
Regular sauna sessions can work wonders for your skin. When you sweat in the heat, it helps open up your pores and flush out impurities, leaving your skin looking clearer and more refreshed.
Sauna use also boosts blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to your skin, giving it a healthy glow.
According to research, saunas may even help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to healthier, more youthful skin.
Another study found that regular sauna use can improve skin moisture and elasticity, making your skin feel softer and more vibrant.
By adding sauna sessions to your routine, you’re not just relaxing – you’re giving your skin some extra care too.
Get Better Sleep with Sauna Use
Using a sauna can significantly enhance your sleep quality. A global study revealed that 83% of sauna users reported improved sleep after incorporating regular sessions into their routines.
The heat from the sauna helps lower body temperature, a crucial factor for falling asleep, by inducing a cooling effect after the session.
To optimize benefits, use the sauna 1-2 hours before bedtime. This timing allows your body temperature to drop sufficiently, aiding a smoother transition to sleep.
Boost Your Weight Loss with Sauna
With over 1 billion people struggling with obesity globally, finding effective weight loss solutions is crucial.
Saunas can play a helpful role in this journey. When you use a sauna, your metabolism gets a natural boost—up to 33%—which means you burn more calories even when you’re not working out.
Studies show that during a sauna session, you can lose about 1.4% to 1.8% of your body weight due to sweating, but this is mostly water weight and can be regained once you rehydrate.
For the best results, pair your sauna sessions with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and plenty of water.
This holistic approach can make the sauna a valuable tool in supporting your weight loss efforts while also reducing stress and boosting overall well-being.
Sauna Makes You Sweat and Thirsty So You Drink More water
Using a sauna in the summer is a fantastic way to boost your hydration levels.
When you sweat it out in the sauna, your body loses a lot of water, which naturally makes you feel thirstier.
This increased thirst encourages you to drink more water, which is essential for staying hydrated in the hot weather.
Just be sure not to overdo it with water, as too much can be just as problematic.
The key is to enjoy the sauna while keeping a mindful balance with your fluid intake to stay refreshed and healthy.
Enhance Your Breathing with Sauna Use
Sauna use can be a breath of fresh air for your lungs, especially in hot weather.
While extreme heat can worsen asthma and lung conditions by increasing ozone and pollen levels, regular sauna bathing may offer relief.
Research suggests that frequent sauna sessions are linked to a lower risk of respiratory diseases, including asthma and pneumonia.
By improving lung function and reducing inflammation, saunas might help you breathe easier and manage your symptoms better.
Bond with Others in the Sauna
A sauna can be a fantastic place to bond with others, whether it’s family or friends.
Imagine chatting with loved ones while enjoying the soothing heat—it’s a perfect chance for relaxed, heartfelt conversations away from everyday distractions.
This shared experience can deepen connections and strengthen relationships. For families, a sauna provides a cozy spot for togetherness and unwinding.
Friends can enjoy catching up or playing light games, making sauna sessions not just relaxing, but also a fun way to build lasting memories.
Conclusion
Saunas aren’t just for cozy winter days—they can be a game-changer in the summer too.
Imagine stepping into a sauna and feeling the stress of the day melt away, while you boost your mood, improve your skin, and get a better night’s sleep.
This article has walked you through 10 great reasons to make saunas part of your summer routine.
By embracing the heat, you can make your summer days more refreshing and uplifting, and enjoy a bit of extra relaxation and well-being.